The Centre for Lifelong Learning of the Cyprus University of Technology, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, is organizing a continuing professional education program titled:
''Bio-inspired innovation and design for sustainable engineering solutions''
Program Overview
How can nature inspire construction to achieve sustainable engineering solutions? This course aims to introduce the participants to bio-inspired engineering & design, focusing on sustainable, innovative designs that are inspired by nature’s mechanisms and mimic the strategies used by living organisms. It further aims to provide knowledge of the principles of bio-inspired innovation and design and support learners in developing skills to design resilient and adaptive living spaces, with a focus on cooling strategies among other sustainable solutions, inspired by nature. Throughout its evolutionary history, nature tends to create optimal solutions that combine functions, require minimal resources and maximize utility. During this course, learners will develop skills to understand and analyse grand challenges, identify problems and design biologically inspired sustainable solutions. The course will further equip them with the methodology to apply biological principles to real-world engineering problems, creating functional and environmentally friendly solutions. It will encourage critical thinking and creativity to address global engineering challenges through nature-inspired models and strategies.
Emphasis will placed on practical applications in challenges pertinent to the built environment, relevant to the participants' interest to support their self-development. During the meeting sessions, the learners will be introduced to particular challenges and tools and work individually or collaboratively on related challenges. The sessions will conclude with reflection and debriefing. The learners will be assessed through a group project presentation and a written exam.
Target Audience
Course participants should:
- Hold a Bachelor (1st cycle) or Master or Diploma (2nd cycle) in civil engineering, architecture, architectural engineering, construction engineering, building services engineering.
- Familiarity with 2D&3D software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, and SketchUp to develop and present digital designs of bio-inspired solutions.
Course Modules
Day 1: Introduction (5 hours)
Session 1: Environmental Crisis & Demand for Sustainable Solutions (1 hours)
Session 2: Nature & Construction: A Historical Overview (2 hours)
Session 3: Terms, Definitions, and Bio-Inspired Methodologies (2 hours)
Day 2: Biomimicry Methodology and Case studies (total duration: 5 hours)
Session 4: Nature’s Design Principles & Biomimicry Methodology (2 hours)
Session 5: Case Studies: Biomimicry Thinking-Design Framework (3 hours)
Day 3: LCA as a metric of sustainability in Biomimetics (total duration: 5 hours)
Session 6: Sustainability through Nature-Inspired Structural Solutions (2 hours)
Session 7: LCA & its Role in Sustainability & Design Criteria (1 hour)
Session 8: LCA Study Analysis on Bio-Inspired Innovation (2 hours)
Day 4: Presentation day (total duration: 3 hours)
Session 9: Exam (1 hour) & Group Project-Presentation (2 hours)
Upon completing the course, participants are required to pass an exam consisting of three components: a design exercise with 20 multiple-choice questions, a group presentation on bio-inspired innovations in structural design, and a two-page personal learning summary. The assessment of the group project and presentation includes a 10-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute discussion and feedback on the written report. The learning summary showcases experience using the skills and further professional development, followed by a discussion session.
Learning Outcomes – Competencies Acquired Upon Completion
Knowledge-Based Outcomes
Having completed the course, trainees will be able to:
- Define and explain core concepts and terminology related to systems innovation, biomimetics, and bio-inspired design.
- Apply common methods, tools and techniques of systems innovation and bio-inspired design.
- Analyze how nature’s systems can inform and improve design and construction practices.
- Examine the sustainability and effectiveness of bio-inspired solutions.
Skills-Based Outcomes
Having completed the course, trainees will be able to:
- Interpret and analyze Copernicus Climate Atlas data to identify trends and needs driving the demand for sustainable design solutions.
- Apply biomimicry thinking to develop and prototype design concepts addressing real-world engineering challenges for the built environment.
- Perform rudimentary environmental impact assessments using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, employing Microsoft Excel for novice participants and Open LCA for advanced participants.
- Engage in Challenge-based learning to collaboratively define, investigate and resolve sustainability-driven engineering problems
- Use Systems thinking frameworks (e.g. pentagonal problem) to structure and solve complex engineering problems and generate bio-inspired engineering design strategies.
- Integrate creative design and critical evaluation skills to formulate and assess sustainable engineering practices.
Competency-Based Outcomes
Having completed the course, trainees will be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in integrating systems innovation and sustainable design principles to develop engineering solutions that enhance environmental resilience, resource efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
- Exhibit the ability to apply the biomimicry methodology to design and implement bio-inspired engineering projects that effectively address complex real-world sustainability challenges
- Demonstrate proficiency in evaluating the environmental, social, and economic performance of bio-inspired systems by applying Principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainability metrics to inform evidence-based decision-making.
- Develop, communicate, and justify a practical bio-inspired design proposal using industry-relevant digital tools and professional presentation standards, reflecting both technical rigor and creative innovation.
Program Staff
Scientific Director/ Instructor: Dr. Stelios Yiatros
Dr Stelios Yiatros is an Associate Professor in Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics at the Cyprus University of Technology. Between 2015-2017 Stelios was a Marie Curie Intra European Fellow at Cranfield University (UK). Stelios was in the core team to lead the successful entry of the Cyprus University of Technology in the EIT Climate Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) and became the Education Lead for the local EIT Climate-KIC Hub, while being also one of the co-founders of Chrysalis LEAP, the first cleantech business idea accelerator in Cyprus.
More information here
Dates & Participation
- Period: Spring 2026
- Duration: 20 hours
- Mode: The class will be held in person.
- Certificate: Certificate of Attendance
- Cost: Free
Expression of Interest:
Please express your interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/2wH5mzvPmA
Contact Information
lifelong.learning@cut.ac.cy
+357 25002945
Bio-inspired innovation and design for sustainable engineering solutions
The Centre for Lifelong Learning of the Cyprus University of Technology, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, is organizing a continuing professional education program titled:
''Bio-inspired innovation and design for sustainable engineering solutions''
Program Overview
How can nature inspire construction to achieve sustainable engineering solutions? This course aims to introduce the participants to bio-inspired engineering & design, focusing on sustainable, innovative designs that are inspired by nature’s mechanisms and mimic the strategies used by living organisms. It further aims to provide knowledge of the principles of bio-inspired innovation and design and support learners in developing skills to design resilient and adaptive living spaces, with a focus on cooling strategies among other sustainable solutions, inspired by nature. Throughout its evolutionary history, nature tends to create optimal solutions that combine functions, require minimal resources and maximize utility. During this course, learners will develop skills to understand and analyse grand challenges, identify problems and design biologically inspired sustainable solutions. The course will further equip them with the methodology to apply biological principles to real-world engineering problems, creating functional and environmentally friendly solutions. It will encourage critical thinking and creativity to address global engineering challenges through nature-inspired models and strategies.
Emphasis will placed on practical applications in challenges pertinent to the built environment, relevant to the participants' interest to support their self-development. During the meeting sessions, the learners will be introduced to particular challenges and tools and work individually or collaboratively on related challenges. The sessions will conclude with reflection and debriefing. The learners will be assessed through a group project presentation and a written exam.
Target Audience
Course participants should:
- Hold a Bachelor (1st cycle) or Master or Diploma (2nd cycle) in civil engineering, architecture, architectural engineering, construction engineering, building services engineering.
- Familiarity with 2D&3D software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, and SketchUp to develop and present digital designs of bio-inspired solutions.
Course Modules
Day 1: Introduction (5 hours)
Session 1: Environmental Crisis & Demand for Sustainable Solutions (1 hours)
Session 2: Nature & Construction: A Historical Overview (2 hours)
Session 3: Terms, Definitions, and Bio-Inspired Methodologies (2 hours)
Day 2: Biomimicry Methodology and Case studies (total duration: 5 hours)
Session 4: Nature’s Design Principles & Biomimicry Methodology (2 hours)
Session 5: Case Studies: Biomimicry Thinking-Design Framework (3 hours)
Day 3: LCA as a metric of sustainability in Biomimetics (total duration: 5 hours)
Session 6: Sustainability through Nature-Inspired Structural Solutions (2 hours)
Session 7: LCA & its Role in Sustainability & Design Criteria (1 hour)
Session 8: LCA Study Analysis on Bio-Inspired Innovation (2 hours)
Day 4: Presentation day (total duration: 3 hours)
Session 9: Exam (1 hour) & Group Project-Presentation (2 hours)
Upon completing the course, participants are required to pass an exam consisting of three components: a design exercise with 20 multiple-choice questions, a group presentation on bio-inspired innovations in structural design, and a two-page personal learning summary. The assessment of the group project and presentation includes a 10-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute discussion and feedback on the written report. The learning summary showcases experience using the skills and further professional development, followed by a discussion session.
Learning Outcomes – Competencies Acquired Upon Completion
Knowledge-Based Outcomes
Having completed the course, trainees will be able to:
- Define and explain core concepts and terminology related to systems innovation, biomimetics, and bio-inspired design.
- Apply common methods, tools and techniques of systems innovation and bio-inspired design.
- Analyze how nature’s systems can inform and improve design and construction practices.
- Examine the sustainability and effectiveness of bio-inspired solutions.
Skills-Based Outcomes
Having completed the course, trainees will be able to:
- Interpret and analyze Copernicus Climate Atlas data to identify trends and needs driving the demand for sustainable design solutions.
- Apply biomimicry thinking to develop and prototype design concepts addressing real-world engineering challenges for the built environment.
- Perform rudimentary environmental impact assessments using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, employing Microsoft Excel for novice participants and Open LCA for advanced participants.
- Engage in Challenge-based learning to collaboratively define, investigate and resolve sustainability-driven engineering problems
- Use Systems thinking frameworks (e.g. pentagonal problem) to structure and solve complex engineering problems and generate bio-inspired engineering design strategies.
- Integrate creative design and critical evaluation skills to formulate and assess sustainable engineering practices.
Competency-Based Outcomes
Having completed the course, trainees will be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in integrating systems innovation and sustainable design principles to develop engineering solutions that enhance environmental resilience, resource efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
- Exhibit the ability to apply the biomimicry methodology to design and implement bio-inspired engineering projects that effectively address complex real-world sustainability challenges
- Demonstrate proficiency in evaluating the environmental, social, and economic performance of bio-inspired systems by applying Principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainability metrics to inform evidence-based decision-making.
- Develop, communicate, and justify a practical bio-inspired design proposal using industry-relevant digital tools and professional presentation standards, reflecting both technical rigor and creative innovation.
Program Staff
Scientific Director/ Instructor: Dr. Stelios Yiatros
Dr Stelios Yiatros is an Associate Professor in Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics at the Cyprus University of Technology. Between 2015-2017 Stelios was a Marie Curie Intra European Fellow at Cranfield University (UK). Stelios was in the core team to lead the successful entry of the Cyprus University of Technology in the EIT Climate Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) and became the Education Lead for the local EIT Climate-KIC Hub, while being also one of the co-founders of Chrysalis LEAP, the first cleantech business idea accelerator in Cyprus.
More information here
Dates & Participation
- Period: Spring 2026
- Duration: 20 hours
- Mode: The class will be held in person.
- Certificate: Certificate of Attendance
- Cost: Free
Expression of Interest:
Please express your interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/2wH5mzvPmA
Contact Information
lifelong.learning@cut.ac.cy
+357 25002945
