Inspiration from nature is one of the key elements of modern materials science, spanning from non-living bioinspired materials to the bipolarization of materials science. The main aim is to establish an international and interdisciplinary forum for scientists from a variety of fields including biology, chemistry, materials science and engineering, physics, and medicine to discuss current cutting-edge research and to identify future research directions in the field of bioinspired materials. In focus are synthetic materials whose structure/property- and/or structure/function-relationships have been transferred from those of natural materials or living organisms. Thus, main topics include the formation and implementation of hierarchical structures and the properties of such complex-shaped biological materials. Specifically, we wish to address the impact on sustainability by exploiting such novel materials. A further main area is the transfer of biological principles onto adaptive and autonomous functional materials and systems made of organic and/or inorganic components. Beside synthesis and formation, the conference topics also include research on the structural and functional materials properties, the interaction of bioinspired materials with living environments, e.g. tissues and organs, and applications related to medical aspects. Contributions from bioinspired actuation, artificial intelligence, biohybrid systems and aspects of sustainability are particularly welcome.

Topics

The conference explores the full spectrum of bioinspiration in materials science – from mimicking biological forms and functions to integrating living systems into engineered materials. Core topics include hierarchical and complex-shaped structures, biomineralisation-inspired systems, and autonomous functional materials. Special attention is given to the interaction of synthetic materials with living environments, the role of artificial intelligence in bioinspired design, and sustainable synthesis strategies. BioINSP 2026 invites contributions that bridge disciplines and push the boundaries of what materials can do when nature serves as a blueprint.

A: Bioinspired/biomimetic materials (inanimate/animate)
Materials designed by mimicking biological structures and processes, ranging from inert systems to dynamic, life-like constructs.

B: Hierarchical materials and structures (inorganic/organic)
Multi-scale architectures inspired by nature’s structural complexity, combining organic and inorganic components.

C: Complex-shaped biological materials
Studies of natural materials with intricate geometries to inspire novel design and manufacturing strategies.

D: Biomineralisation-inspired materials and systems
Synthetic systems emulating natural mineral formation processes for advanced material functionalities.

E: Autonomous functional materials and systems
Self-regulating materials inspired by biological autonomy and adaptive behavior.

F: Interaction of bioinspired synthetic materials with living environments
Investigating how biomimetic materials interface with biological systems and ecosystems.

G: Artificial intelligence and bioinspired materials
Exploring the interplay between AI-driven design and nature-inspired material innovation.

H: Life-inspired systems
Concepts and technologies derived from the principles of living systems, targeting efficiency and adaptability.

I: Engineered biohybrid living materials
Hybrid systems that integrate living components into engineered material frameworks.

J: Sustainability through bioinspiration – synthesis and properties
Leveraging biological principles to create sustainable materials with environmentally friendly properties and processes.