Network -Wide Training Events

Introductory Training Module 1
Biodiversifying bioinspiration: assessing biodiversity for bioinspired design
The “Bioinspire-Muséum” of beneficiary MNHN will organise an initial two-week ITM that provides an engaging introductory training on the (untapped) potential of biodiversity for bioinspiration. ITM1 includes a diversity of courses and practical sessions that focus on (1) the current tools used to find biological solutions and their limitations, (2) comparing methods to derive morphological information from biological systems (e.g., 3D digitization including micro-computed tomography) and the role that natural history museums play in obtaining and dissemination this information and (3) the fundamental aspects of evolutionary biology including the promises and constraints of the process of natural selection, and how these affect current bioinspired thinking. ITM1 will equip DCs, regardless of scientific background, with the necessary biological and evolutionary tools that will assist them in facilitating the formulation of technological solutions based on functional relationships in nature. Courses and practical sessions will be provided by beneficiaries MNHN, UAntwerpen-FM, SU, THD and associated partner BiomimicryNL.

Introductory Training Module 2
Numerical modelling and experimental validation of filtration processes
The “Biomimetics - Energy and Sustainability Research Institute” of beneficiary RUG will offer a two-week ITM which includes a range of workshops and courses on numerical modelling and experimental validation, both in general and applied to biological and engineered filtering system, in specific. ITM2 provides the essential introductory training for all DCs to CFD modelling, fluid-structure interaction modelling, modelling of fluid-particle interaction, scaling of physical models as well as to the experimental validation of such model output by means of visualisation and quantification techniques (PIV, 3D²YMOX). In week 2, practical workshops on CFD and PIV will be offered to DCs with different backgrounds and will allows them to interact and communicate across discipline-boundaries. For this purpose, DCs will be given the opportunity to work on an entirely different (and novel) biological filtration system, i.e., feeding currents in copepods. Courses and workshops will be provided by beneficiaries RUG, UAntwerpen-FM, HSB and associated partner Mpacts.