World-Renowned Design Scientist & Resilience Innovation Strategist, Founder of Bio-Innovation Consultancies & Platforms Bioratorium, Bionic City & Panarchic Codex
Melissa Sterry’s Biography:
Melissa Sterry is a biofuturist, design scientist, strategist and sustainability expert whose work explores how nature-inspired innovation can transform cities, infrastructure and organisations. Known as the founder of Bionic City, the consultancy she established to answer the question of how nature would design a city, Melissa translates biomimicry, bioengineering and biotechnology into practical strategies for the built environment. Her expertise bridges architecture, materials, urban planning and corporate strategy while maintaining scientific rigour, enabling her to engage everyone from engineers and planners to board directors and business leaders. Combining visionary thinking with practical application, Melissa is hired as a keynote speaker to help organisations understand the future of sustainable design, climate resilience and innovation.
Melissa completed her doctorate with the AVATAR research group at the University of Greenwich, where she developed Panarchistic Architecture, an original framework for designing resilience to wildfires in the wildland urban interface. Building on this research, she founded Bionic City in 2010, applying nature-inspired principles to buildings, infrastructure and utilities, before launching Bioratorium as a specialist biofuturism and biodesign consultancy. Throughout her career, Melissa has advised and presented to senior audiences at organisations including the World Bank, Unilever, Toyota, Schneider Electric, Balfour Beatty, McKinsey and the UK Ministry of Defence. She has also spoken at leading academic institutions including the University of Oxford Climate Forum and the University of Cambridge Festival of Ideas, where she has shared her expertise on sustainability, innovation and strategic foresight.
Melissa’s pioneering work has earned widespread recognition across science, design and innovation. She is a Chartered Scientist with the UK Science Council, a Fellow of the Design Research Society and a Fellow of the Institute of Science and Technology. Her achievements have also been recognised with the Mensa Education and Research Foundation International Award. Beyond her research, Melissa has become a respected science communicator, presenting ‘Leonardo’s City’ for BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Five Faces of Leonardo’ and appearing as a guest on Neil deGrasse Tyson’s ‘StarTalk’, bringing complex ideas to wider audiences with clarity and enthusiasm.
Why Hire Melissa Sterry?
Alongside her consultancy work, Melissa has contributed chapters to ‘The Routledge Companion to Ecological Design Thinking’ and ‘The Routledge Companion to Smart Design Thinking‘, further establishing her authority on sustainability and innovation. She also serves on the Design Council Expert Network, helping shape conversations around the future of design and the built environment. Speaking on topics including climate action, ESG strategy, innovation, future technology, risk management and strategic foresight, Melissa combines academic excellence with real-world experience. Her ability to translate emerging science into practical business insights makes her an outstanding keynote speaker for organisations seeking fresh thinking on resilience, sustainability and the future of our cities and industries.
Melissa Sterry’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Melissa Sterry’s remarkable career:
- 2024 – Awarded the Woman Icon of the Year award in recognition of her visionary contributions to bio-futurism and systems innovation.
- 2019 – Founded Bioratorium, an initiative dedicated to pioneering sustainable and regenerative design science concepts.
- 2018 – Launched Panarchic Codex, focusing on architectural and ecological resilience strategies for wildfire-prone environments.
- 2014 – Named one of the 40 Over 40 Women to Watch for her impact on innovation, sustainability and future-thinking.
- 2010 – Founded Bionic City, exploring how urban systems can mimic the resilience and efficiencies of natural ecosystems.
- 2010 – Began extensive transdisciplinary research into urban resilience against ecological, meteorological and geographical disruption.
- 2004 – Founded Societas, supporting collaborative approaches to innovation, design and systems thinking.
- 2003 – Began working as a visiting lecturer, visiting fellow and workshop host for several leading UK universities and institutions.
Videos
Melissa Sterry’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Once again, thank you a lot for your fantastic speech! Lots of positive feedback from our clients… the best speech of the evening, fascinating, perfectly presented – how do you manage to create this positive atmosphere around, it’s just wonderful.” – Aegis Media Russia
“Reputation, professionalism and experience are just three factors to consider when selecting speakers for events and Melissa excels in all three. She is inspiring and thought-provoking, and I would highly recommend trying to get her on your agenda.” – Head of Conferences, The Drum
“Inspired, challenged and entertained.” – Lux Magazine
“Melissa’s ambitious projects aim to create the kinds of change that could plausibly help us out of some of the most serious environmental challenges we face as a society. A rare combination of a visionary perspective with excellent organisational and networking skills. I think we can count ourselves lucky to have her helping us design and build a sustainable future.” – Director, EcoLabs, London
“Nothing but good things to say! Melissa arrived promptly, delivered a great talk, stuck around after and mingled with the clients and was generally a lovely person! Thank you very much for everything and hope to work with you again in the future!” – Antigone, Events Manager, Akin Gump LLP
Speaking Topics
Melissa Sterry’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Biofuturism and biodesign
- Climate and wildfire resilience in the built environment
- Bioinspired innovation in materials and manufacturing
- Future of cities and urban systems
- Sustainability strategy beyond disclosure
- Design science and complex systems thinking
How Much Does Melissa Sterry Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Melissa Sterry?
Melissa Sterry’s speaking fees typically reflect her exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.
