Mit der neuen Dauerausstellung „Form und Funktion – Vorbild Natur“ stellt das Naturkundemuseum Karlsruhe seit Juni 2016 auf rund 800 m² Ausstellungsfläche Anpassungen von  Tieren, Pflanzen und Pilzen an die vielfältigen Herausforderungen vor, die sie im Laufe ihrer Evolution entwickelt haben. >> mehr

A PhD-position (biology) in the framework of a Marie-Curie-Project is available at the University of Freibrg (Germany). >> more information

Spiegel.TV präsentiert ein TV-Porträt über Leonardo da Vinci „Vom Versager zum Universalgenie“ >> ansehen (ca. 50 min)

A collection of papers published in Bioinspiration & Biomimetics 2015 are free to read until 31 December 2016 >> more

Bionik: Pflanzen als Vorbilder für selbstreparierende Materialien

Welch verlockende Idee: Alltagsprodukte, die sich selbst reparieren. Noch ist das zwar Zukunftsmusik … >>weiterlesen auf BIOPRO BW

W. Barthlott, M. Mail and C. Neinhuis published a review about „Superhydrophobic hierarchically structured surfaces in biology: evolution, structural principles and biomimetic applications“ in Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 2016 374 20160191; DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2016.0191. Published 27 June 2016

Innovative Training Network “PlaMatSu” (722842 — PlaMatSu — H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016/H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016) for Plant-inspired materials and surfaces

PhD Student (Biology) [Job-ID: PlaMatSu-Freiburg-2]
The project at the Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg (University of Freiburg) will involve the characterization of the robustness of cuticle surface properties against changes in geometrical configurations, as well as the analysis of the dependency of cuticle functionalities on variations of the internal pressure of epidermal cells. The position and project are part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network »Plant-inspired Materials and Surfaces« – PlaMatSu (www.plamatsu.eu).

Description
The Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg (Prof. Speck) invites applications for the position of a PhD student (m/f, Early Stage Researcher) for the project Design Spaces of Wrinkled Cuticle
Surfaces in the domains of biological and bioinspired functional surfaces. The study will involve the characterization of the robustness of cuticle surface properties against changes in geometrical configurations (e.g. by measuring walking-friction forces of insects on plant leaves), as well as the analysis of the dependency of cuticle functionalities on variations of the internal pressure of epidermal cells. PlaMatSu brings together plant biologists, polymer scientists and soft matter physicists to explore the cuticle of plant petals and plant leaves and to develop novel bio-inspired materials and surfaces. Applicants must have a MSc or equal degree in Biology, Biomimetics or a related field. Excellent skills in plant biology and a solid basic knowledge of mathematics and physics are expected. Knowledge and experience in microscopic methods and mechanical testing, as well as good knowledge about plant diversity, and experience in the field of functional morphology are an advantage. Enthusiasm for top-quality research as well as good oral and written English communication skills are a must. Proficiency in German is an asset. Only candidates who meet the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules can be considered. In the Plant Biomechanics Group situated at the University of Freiburg and member of the Competence Network Biomimetics the main focus of the research is the quantitative analysis of the relationship of form, structure and function in plants and plant organs, and the transfer of principles into innovative bio-inspired technical products. With their competences the scientists of the group cover the whole value chain from basic biological research to the development of biomimetic products on a lab-bench scale. We offer a uniquely stimulating interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of biology, materials science and polymer chemistry, state-of-the-art laboratories, excellent working conditions, a competitive salary, and outstanding career prospects. As a member of PlaMatSu, the successful candidate will also benefit from a multitude of training opportunities in an international setting, including secondments at leading academic and/or industrial partners.

Contact

Please send your complete documentation (reference PlaMatSu-Freiburg-2; including letter of motivation, CV, copies of pertinent certificates, and contact details of two references) until 15.12.2016 to: plamatsu@unifr.ch, stating the job-ID in the subject line. The successful candidate is expected to start as early as possible. For additional information about the position, please contact Prof. Thomas Speck (thomas.speck@biologie.uni-freiburg.de), Dr. Marc Thielen (marc.thielen@biologie.uni-freiburg.de) or the PlaMatSu project manager Dr. Barbara Fraygola (barbara.fraygola@unifr.ch).

Alexander Peer wurde am 10.11.2016 mit dem rennomierten
ÖZV-Journalistenpreis 2016 in der Kategorie „Wissenschaft,
Technik und Forschung“ ausgezeichnet. >> mehr

Er erhielt diese Auszeichnung des Österreichischen
Zeitschriften- und Fachmedienverbandes für seinen in der
österreichischen Architekturzeitschrift „a3 Das Baumagazin“
im Jahre 2015 erschienenen Artikel „Die Natur als
Architekt“. In diesem Artikel wird auch die bionische
Fassadenverschattung Flectofin vorstellt, die in
Zusammenarbeit der Plant Biomechanics Group/Botanischer
Garten Garten (Univ. Freiburg), des Instituts für
Tragkonstruktionen und Konstruktives Entwerdens (Univ.
Stuttgart) und des ITV Denkendorf entwickelt wurde. >> mehr

Die Universität Freiburg sucht
eine/n Koordinator/in für die Erstellung einer Antragsskizze und zur Vorbereitung eines Clusterantrags
Vollzeitstelle
Die Vergütung erfolgt nach TV-L E13.
Eintrittstermin: 01.12.2016
Befristet bis: 30.09.2017

>> mehr Informationen

Die Farbe der blauen Vogelspinne ist keine Pigmentfarbe, sondern entsteht durch Nanostrukturen. Diese Farben inspirierten Wissenschaftler unter Beteiligung des KIT zur Entwicklung von blickwinkelunabhängigen, effektvollen Farben für die Textil-, Verpackungs- und Kosmetikindustrie. >> mehr