Melissa Sterry is a pioneering design scientist, systems theorist, and biofuturist, known for her work at the intersection of science, technology, and design. As a speaker, she inspires audiences with her visionary approach to sustainability, biomimicry, and resilience. With a career spanning research, innovation, and consultancy, she challenges conventional thinking and encourages forward-looking solutions to global challenges. Through compelling storytelling and a deep understanding of future trends, she captivates diverse audiences, from industry leaders to aspiring change-makers, motivating them to adopt nature-inspired strategies in their fields.
Melissa’s journey began with a strong foundation in design, architecture, and systems thinking, leading her to explore how biological principles can shape the built environment. Her early career saw her working across various sectors, developing a multidisciplinary expertise that laid the groundwork for her later breakthroughs. In 2010, she founded Bionic City, an initiative investigating how cities could be designed to function like living ecosystems. Her passion for resilient urban design and future-proofed architecture led to the creation of Panarchic Codex in 2018, which focuses on wildfire-resistant building strategies, and Bioratorium in 2019, a consultancy and biodesign lab exploring cutting-edge bioinnovation. These ventures have positioned her as a thought leader in adaptive architecture and sustainable innovation.
Her recent achievements further cement her status as a trailblazer. She was named Woman Icon of the Year (2024) and previously recognised in the Libertine 100 (2015) and 40 Over 40 Women to Watch (2014) lists. Her research on Panarchistic Architecture, biocompostable fashion, and xerophytic urbanism has influenced multiple industries, and she continues to shape discourse through her extensive publications and media appearances, including presenting for BBC Radio 4’s Leonardo’s City. As a Chartered Scientist and Fellow of several prestigious institutions, her expertise is widely sought after by academic, corporate, and government bodies.
Melissa is hired as a speaker because she does more than educate – she empowers. With a dynamic stage presence and a profound ability to connect with audiences, she inspires people to embrace change, think differently, and innovate fearlessly. Whether speaking to scientists, designers, business leaders, or students, she brings a fresh perspective that challenges traditional mindsets and encourages a shift towards more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready solutions.
