Biography
Melissa Sterry, PhD, PGCert, BA (Hons), CSci, FIScT, FDRS, FRSA
Recognised globally for her cutting-edge work at the intersection of science, technology, and design, Melissa Sterry is a pioneering leader in sustainable innovation research, development, and strategy. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in creating sustainable and resilient futures.
Dr. Sterry’s primary expertise lies in harnessing nature’s strategies to address complex environmental challenges, a field where she is considered a trailblazer. Her research into biomimetics and ecological systems thinking has led to the development of groundbreaking concepts like Panarchistic, Pyrophytic and Xerophytic architecture, which reimagine how we build in fire-prone and arid environments by mimicking the traits of natural ecosystems and the species that populate them.
As the founding director of boutique biofuturism and bioinnovation consultancy Bioratorium® [Est. 2019], and Bionic City® [Est. 2010], the seminal exploration of how nature would design a city with resilience to natural hazards, Melissa has been at the forefront of integrating biodesign and its sister disciplines into mainstream design, architecture, construction, and urban planning. Her work has inspired a global community of innovators and has been instrumental in shaping the future of sustainable design.
Her influence extending beyond research and development, she is a trusted board-level advisor to both private and public sector leaders worldwide, helping them to navigate the complexities of sustainable innovation. Her strategic insights have been sought after by major corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and leading academic institutions, where she has informed forward-thinking programmes, policies and practices.
A chartered scientist with a PhD in design for building resilience to wildfires, and a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, fellowships, and other honours, Melissa is also a celebrated speaker and thought leader. She is published in over 60 international consumer, trade, and academic titles, has been featured in over 450 more, has appeared in numerous media productions, and frequently delivers keynote addresses at global conferences.
Melissa’s work is not only visionary but also deliverable, making her a central figure in the movement toward a more sustainable and resilient world. Her ability to translate complex scientific ideas into practical, scalable solutions has cemented her reputation as a leader in sustainable innovation strategy and leadership. Her depth of technical knowledge and wide-ranging hands-on executive experience make her one of the few contemporary futurists able to walk her sustainability and futures talk.
Achievements & Honors
Recipient of a dozen national and international innovation, creativity, and enterprise awards, including among others:
Woman Icon of the Year Award (overseas), International Inspirational Women Awards (2024)
Listed in the Libertine 100 (one hundred women with world-changing ideas) (2015)
Honouree of 40 over 40 ‘Women to Watch’ (2014)
Mensa Education and Research Foundation International Award for enhancing intelligence that benefits society (2010)
Inductee of the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network ‘Hall of Fame’ (2009)
Special Recognition Award for Exceptional Creativity, British Female Inventors & Innovators Network (2009)
Special Recognition Award for Capacity Building in the Innovation Sector, British Female Inventors & Innovators (2009)
Listed in Future 100: Top 100 Next Generation Entrepreneurs, Global Entrepreneurship Week (2008)
Foresight and Futures recognition:
Ranked in the Top 20 global futurists by Springwise (2022)
Listed in the Top 30 women futurists in the independent Futurist Rankings list.
Listed in the Top 100 most influential futurists worldwide in the independent Futurist Rankings list.
Select Academic Credentials
Chartered Scientist, Science Council, UK (2021 onwards)
PhD in designing wildland urban interface resilience to major wildfires, University of Greenwich, London (2018)
Other Qualifications include:
Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation and Enterprise with Commendation, Kingston University London (2009)
BA Honours with Commendation in Design Practice, University of Salford, Greater Manchester (1996)
Fellowships
Fellow of the Institute of Science and Technology, the Design Research Society, and the Royal Society of Arts.
Visiting Fellow University of Salford (2009 – 2011), and Fellow of British Council’s Unbox Labs (2014)
Visiting lecturer, critic, external examiner, thesis supervisor, peer-review, and assembly member at several leading universities.
Member of the Design Council expert network and the National Coalition of Independent Scholars, US (2024 onwards)
Scientific committees (select)
Bio-calibrated symposium, London (2023)
International Bioengineering congress, Izmir (2015)
International Bionic Engineering conference, Boston (2011)
Major Research Contributions
· Extensive transdisciplinary research into building resilience to major meteorological geological, and ecological disruptions.
· Led multiple enquiries into the potential of nature-informed, inspired, and enabled design, production, and innovation.
Seminal concepts authored:
· Panarchistic Architecture: the formative research enquiry in designing resilience to wildfire through mimicry of pyrophytes*.
· Pyrophytic Architecture: nature-inspired architectural and urban design for living with wildfire and related hazards.
· Xerophytic Architecture: biomimetic architectural and urban design solutions for living with aridity and heat.
· Bionic City: the formative enquiry into how ‘nature would design a city’ with resilience to natural hazards.
· biocompostable fashion: the seminal concept in apparel for safe decomposition into the environment.
· Published in titles including the Routledge Companion to Smart Design Thinking, the Routledge Companion to Ecological Design Thinking, among others.
· *Plants that evolved to live with wildfire.
Enterprise
· Melissa is the founding director of several sustainability initiatives, including:
· Biotique® (Est. 2022): A sustainable luxury brand creating made-on-demand homewares, apparel, and accessories featuring her surface designs.
· Bioratorium® (Est. 2019): biofuturism and bioinnovation consultancy and its integrated biodesign lab, Labioratorium®.
· Panarchic Codex® (Est. 2018): digital open-access platform hosting her post-PhD research and publishing on building resilience to wildfire.
· Bionic City® (Est. 2010): award-winning exploration of biodesign, biomimetics, and biotechnology for urban environments.
· New Frontiers (2008–2010): award-winning interdisciplinary collaborative innovation programme that provided opportunities and stimulus for new sustainable design.
· Societás (2004–2010): multi award-winning sustainability innovation think tank, collaborative laboratory and strategic consultancy.
· Further executive board roles:
· Melissa has board-level experience across multiple business functions, including:
· Executive Advisory Board with the world’s first company to grow furniture in an orchard (2022 onwards)
· Executive Advisory Board with the world’s first philanthropic travel booking platform (2015 onwards)
· Director of Technology with a sustainability-focused media production company (2011-2013)
· Marketing and Media Director with the world’s first online private members club (2003-2004)
· Clients Relations Director with the world’s first online event network (2001-2003)
· Head of Business Development with a full-service design group (2001)
· Founded first design business on graduation from Bachelors degree (1996)
Press Coverage & Media Appearances
Published in over 60 consumer, trade, and academic publications, inc. books by Routledge, McGraw-Hill, Hachette, and more.
Coverage and citations in 450+ titles worldwide inc. Forbes, Financial Times, The Times, Business Insider, The Australian, Dazed, among others.
Media highlights include presenting Leonardo's City for the BBC Radio 4 series ‘The Five Faces of Leonardo’.
Media figurehead for campaigns with clients inc. Interface, CW Jobs, The Guardian/Volvo, among others.
Interviewed by Neil deGrasse Tyson for StarTalk radio and cited in ‘StarTalk: Everything You Ever Need to Know… etc.’
Commentary for BBC, Sky, CBC, talkRADIO and more.
Speaking Engagements
Voted one of the Top 20 speakers shaping the future on sustainability at the board level globally (2024)
Over 100 invited keynotes at conferences, festivals, and ceremonies worldwide (2008 -2024)
Keynotes delivered for clients in nations inc. UK, United States, Canada, Australia, India, and Russia.
Awards Juries
· Cofounder of the world’s first online digital creative arts awards and the world’s first online fashion arts awards.
o Creative Graduate Prize (2004 – 2010), launching talent in the fine, installation, and photographic arts.
o Iconique Societás Awards (2007 – 2010), launching talent in fashion illustration, photography, styling, and art direction.
· Served on more than a dozen awards juries, including among others:
Evaluator, Fire Grand Challenge (2024); Finalists Juror, Silbersalz Science & Media Awards (2024); Finalists Juror, The Rookies Awards (2016-2024)
Juror, International Design Awards (2008-2020); Juror, Imagine London as a National Park City (2017); Juror, Architecture Conference & Expo Awards (2016)
Juror, Sustain Magazine Awards (2012-2013); International Green Awards (2010-2011); Sustained Awards (2009-2010)
Select fiction writing honours
Honourable Mention, 47th Millennium Writing Awards (2019)
Finalist, New Scientist / Sci-Fi London Film Concept Competition (2016)
Finalist, New Scientist / Arc Sci-Fi Film Science Competition (2014)
Select editorial experience
Contributing Travel, Arts, and Culture Editor, Unity magazine (2015 onwards)
Editorial Board, City City magazine (2012 - 2013); and Sustain magazine (2011 - 2013)
Contributing Sustainabiliy and Futures Editor, Sustained magazine (2008 - 2009)
Guest Fashion Editor, Hot luxury living magazine (2005)
Co-Editor, R Magazine, luxury lifestyle magazine (2003 - 2004)
Editor-in-Chief, London Launch events industry magazine (2003)
Editor, The Definitive Event Guide (2003)
Select voluntary roles:
· Committee Member of the Take Heart India annual fundraising ball held at The Roof Gardens, London (2005-2012)
· Board advisor to the world's largest-ever private fundraising party, The Global Party, launched at the Natural History Museum, London (2011)
· Non-Executive Director at sustainable fashion organisation Anti Apathy, London (2009-2010)
· Steering Group Member of WWF's 'Awakenings' climate change communications think tank, London (2007 -2009)
· Head of PR, Sponsorship, Brand Affiliations ICAP/Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Annual Fundraising Dinner, Puck Building, New York (2007)
· Head of Fashion Show Production for the ICAP/Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Temperley London show, Puck Building, New York (2007)
· Head of Sponsorship, PR & Artist Liaison for The Big Issue’s 15th Anniversary Concert held at the Shepherd's Bush Pavilion, London (2006)
· Head of Sponsorship for Zandra Rhodes' My Favourite Dress Ball fundraiser in aid of the Fashion & Textile Museum, Hurlingham Club, London (2005)
· Event Director for the world’s longest ever philanthropic fundraising party, lasting 29-days and held by The Renaissance Club, UK/Europe (2004)
· Event director to millinery couturier Louis Mariette's fundraising show in aid of Elton John's Aids Foundation held at The Roof Gardens, London (2003)
· Head of Sponsorship & After Show Party Production for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Rock Concert, Royal Opera House, London (2002)
