The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DECE) of the University of Thessaly, and specifically the Creative Technologies Learning Lab (CTLL), organised an educational activity focused on biomimicry and sustainability-oriented innovation for lower secondary school students.
The activity took place on 27 January 2026 at the DECE computer laboratory and involved 30 students from the 3rd Gymnasium of Nea Ionia (Volos), accompanied by their teacher, Ms Eleni Anagnostopoulou.
During the workshop, students were introduced to biomimicry, an innovative design methodology that draws inspiration from natural patterns, mechanisms, and processes. Working collaboratively, they explored how nature can serve as a source of ideas for addressing contemporary sustainability challenges, such as air pollution, climate change impacts, the creation of green urban environments, and environmental degradation.
Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, students approached nature not as a resource to be exploited, but as an ally in problem-solving, fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and environmentally responsible innovation skills.
The educational activity was implemented within the framework of the Let’s MIMIC research project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme (Greek National Agency – IKY). The project runs from 2023 to 2026, is coordinated by the University of Thessaly, and involves educational organisations from Romania, France, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey.
The scientific coordinators of the project are Ms Charikleia Tsalapata, Laboratory Teaching Staff member at DECE, and Emeritus Professor Elias Houstis of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
