Biomimicry
Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does nature because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.
– Leonardo da Vinci
Nature is often a source of inspiration for solutions to problems. Can the aerodynamic profile of a bird be applied to the design of aircraft to make them fly faster or burn less fuel? Could the structure of amoured plates on an armadillo be replicated to provide flexible body armour for soldiers? Scientists, Mathemeticians and Engineers have looked to nature to find solutions to problems, then created structures, materials and systems that mimic them. This is biomimicry.
For a number of years GTAC has run a biomimicry blog competition, inviting students of Victoria to submit a blog discussing their favourite example of biomimicry. The competition has closed for 2020. Click here for competition terms and conditions. Below are some examples of winning entries from students in previous years.
2020 winners
Slug-inspired hydrogel adhesive - Sahana R, Nossal High School
Biomimicry of butterfly wings applied to solar panels - Mengtian Z, Mentone Girls' Grammar School
Winners from previous years
Micorneedles inspired by mosquitos - Sophie H, East Loddon P-12 College
The dew bank bottle and namib beetle - Zoe L, Mentone Girls' Grammar School
Sharkskin inspired surfaces -Britney P, Presbyterian Ladies' College
Gecko-foot-inspired adhesive - Stephanie M from Casterton Secondary College
How the kingfisher shaped the design of the bullet train - Zoe E from Elwood Secondary College
Spiderweb inspired bird-safe glass - Madison H from Mount St. Joseph Girls' College