The biomaterial age: from sustainable packaging to Mars colonization and everything in between

A dramatic transformation is necessary to reach a sustainable society revolving around the control and use of biological materials and designs. This biomaterial age ushers a completely new technological paradigm favoring the development of circular economic models and sustainable societies, and it will be key to some of the greatest achievements of humanity in the next century.
Bio: Javier G. Fernandez is Assistant Professor and Founder Academic Member of the Singapore University of Technology and Design, and head of Bioinspired and Integrative Science Lab (A.K.A. The Fermart Lab). His research focuses on the broad study, advancement, and application of biological materials in Development Science and Technology, with an emphasis on sustainability. His work has been described as “the materials that will change the future of manufacturing” (Scientific American), “the materials that could change the word” (The Guardian), or “The missing piece of circular economy” (Engineering.com). Among other recognitions, he has been awarded the world’s most promising young researcher in materials science by the Bayer Foundation, one of the ten Asia Innovators Under 35 by M.I.T., and one of the top innovators in sustainability by the Launch Organization.