London's Central Saint Martins (CSM) college has announced a new masters degree in Biodesign to promote sustainable innovation, which is set to start in September 2019.
The new two-year masters program has been billed as the first of its kind, and will explore bio-informed design strategies in a bid to encourage more eco-friendly focused innovation.
The main aim of the course is to rethink the approach to design and manufacturing by engaging with biological systems in architecture, product design, jewellery, fashion or textiles.
CSM is first to launch MA in Biodesign
Students undertaking the masters program will learn about biomimicry principles, synthetic biology protocols, biocomputation and biofabrication methods.
It is hoped this will allow students to develop new design propositions that can "redefine energy, water, air, waste and materials and how we design and make in the future". "We believe that in order to tackle contemporary environmental and societal challenges, there is an increased need for hybrid models of education between design and science," course leader Nancy Diniz told Dezeen.
"We are already witnessing an energetic movement of start-ups and young entrepreneurs focusing on developing products and services on circular design, zero waste, sustainable materials and low-energy manufacturing, for example," she added.

According to Diniz, the decision to launch the MA in Biodesign is the result of a decade of pioneering education...