PhD, PGCert, BA (Hons), CSci, FIScT, FDRS, FRSA
“We highly recommend Melissa as an advisory board member. We’ve found her to be consistently insightful, considerate and competent, especially with the tricky issues of complexity. For the more than a decade that we’ve known Melissa, her grasp of forecasting the implications of potential actions have been accurate and far sighted. Our project and our lives are improved by her presence.” — Gavin and Alice Munro, Founders of Full Grown, UK
“We highly recommend Melissa as an advisory board member. We’ve found her to be consistently insightful, considerate and competent, especially with the tricky issues of complexity. For the more than a decade that we’ve known Melissa, her grasp of forecasting the implications of potential actions have been accurate and far sighted. Our project and our lives are improved by her presence.” — Gavin and Alice Munro, Founders of Full Grown, UK
Taking you to futures possible
“full of innovative thoughts with a sharp vision for a sustainable future.”
— Olivier de Matos, General Secretary, ECETOC
Scientist
Biofuturist
Founder
Designer
Speaker
Writer
Scientist Biofuturist Founder Designer Speaker Writer
Transdisciplinary
researcher & practitioner
Melissa Sterry, PhD, is a globally recognised scientist, futurist, and strategic advisor specialising in sustainable innovation, biodesign, and resilience. Founder of several internationally acclaimed first-to-market start-ups and creative initiatives, including Bioratorium®, Panarchic Codex®, and Bionic City®, she pioneers nature-inspired solutions to highly complex environmental challenges. With 25+ years’ board-level experience, Melissa advises corporate, government, and non-government organisations on cutting-edge sustainability and innovation strategies. Her expertise in biomimetics, wildfire resilience, and ecological systems thinking positions her as a leader in future cities, climate adaptation, and regenerative design. Seasoned in several inter-related fields, and with copious credentials, including prestigious awards and honours, in tandem with a network of some of the most influential innovators shaping science, technology, and design today, she works to a global client base comprised many world-leading organisations. Discover transformative innovation with Melissa Sterry.
Systems Thinking and Complex Problem Solving
Melissa uses systems theory to analyse interconnected challenges and design holistic, adaptive solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses, cities, and communities.
Sustainability and Resilience Innovation
Melissa designs pioneering nature-inspired, science-informed solutions that support sustainable development and enhance ecological, social, and economic resilience.
Transdisciplinary Research and Development
Drawing on expertise across design, science, technology, and enterprise, Melissa leads and advises on complex R&D projects that require cross-sector insight and innovative problem-solving.
Futures and Foresight Strategy
She helps organisations anticipate and adapt to emerging trends, risks, and opportunities by developing robust, future-focused strategies grounded in systems thinking.
Keynote Speaking and Thought Leadership
As an engaging speaker and communicator, she delivers compelling talks, workshops, and content that inspire transformative thinking and spark creative innovation.
Expertise & Credentials
Expertise & Credentials
Ranked a Top 100 most influential futurist worldwide.
Voted one of the Top 20 speakers shaping the future of sustainability at executive-board level globally.
Woman Icon of the Year Award (overseas) winner, International Inspirational Women Awards 2024
as seen in…
“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, London
“She has talked at 5x15 before, and was absolutely wonderful” — Rosie Boycott, Baroness Boycott
“She has talked at 5x15 before, and was absolutely wonderful” — Rosie Boycott, Baroness Boycott
“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!” — Events Manager, Akin Gump LLP
“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!” — Events Manager, Akin Gump LLP
Images: Melissa Sterry delivering a keynote at the Future of Architecture and Building Conclave in Mumbai in March 2024 (Header); Featured in Interface’s ‘Beautiful Thinking’ campaign (Middle); BIObark™ concept sketch from Dr. Sterry’s Pyrophytic Architecture™ design folio (Panel); Featured in ‘The Future Designed Around You’ sponsored by Volvo cover, The Guardian’ (Right)
Contact
Contact
Interested in working together? Drop us a line with a few details and we’ll be in touch soon!
