PhD, PGCert, BA (Hons), CSci, FIScT, FDRS

“We highly recommend Melissa as an advisory board member. We’ve found her to be consistently insightful, considerate and competent, especially with the tricky issues of complexity. For the more than a decade that we’ve known Melissa, her grasp of forecasting the implications of potential actions have been accurate and far sighted. Our project and our lives are improved by her presence.” — Gavin and Alice Munro, Founders of Full Grown, UK

“We highly recommend Melissa as an advisory board member. We’ve found her to be consistently insightful, considerate and competent, especially with the tricky issues of complexity. For the more than a decade that we’ve known Melissa, her grasp of forecasting the implications of potential actions have been accurate and far sighted. Our project and our lives are improved by her presence.” — Gavin and Alice Munro, Founders of Full Grown, UK

Taking you to futures possible

“full of innovative thoughts with a sharp vision for a sustainable future.”

— Olivier de Matos, General Secretary, ECETOC

chartered independent scientist

chartered independent scientist

contemporary natural philosopher

contemporary natural philosopher

Transdisciplinary

researcher & practitioner

Melissa Sterry, PhD, is a globally recognised scientist, futurist, designer, and strategic advisor specialising in sustainable innovation, biodesign, and resilience. Founder of several internationally acclaimed first-to-market start-ups and creative initiatives, including most recently Bioratorium®, Panarchic Codex®, and Bionic City®, she pioneers nature-inspired solutions to highly complex environmental challenges. With 25+ years’ board-level experience, Melissa advises corporations, government agencies, and NGOs on cutting-edge sustainability and innovation strategies. Her expertise in biomimetics, wildfire resilience, and ecological systems thinking positions her as a thought leader in future cities, climate adaptation, and regenerative design. Seasoned in several inter-related fields, with copious creative and technical credentials, including prestigious awards, fellowships, and other honours, in tandem with a network of some of the most influential innovators shaping science, technology, and design today, she works to a global clientele comprised many leading organisations.

Systems Thinking and Complex Problem Solving
Melissa uses systems theory to analyse interconnected challenges and design holistic, adaptive solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses, cities, and communities.

Sustainability and Resilience Innovation
She designs pioneering nature-inspired, science-informed solutions that support sustainable development and enhance ecological, social, and economic resilience.

Transdisciplinary Research and Development
Drawing on expertise across design, science, technology, and enterprise, Melissa leads and advises on complex R&D projects that require cross-sector insight and innovative problem-solving.

Futures and Foresight Strategy
Melissa helps organisations anticipate and adapt to emerging trends, risks, and opportunities by developing robust, future-focused strategies grounded in systems thinking.

Keynote Speaking and Thought Leadership
As an engaging speaker and communicator, she delivers compelling talks, workshops, and content that inspire transformative thinking and spark creative innovation.

Expertise & Credentials

Expertise & Credentials

Scientist

Scientist
Biofuturist

Biofuturist
Designer

Designer
Founder

Founder
Speaker

Speaker
Writer

Writer

Ranked a Top 100 most influential futurist worldwide.

Voted one of the Top 20 speakers shaping the future of sustainability at executive-board level globally.

Woman Icon of the Year Award (overseas) winner, International Inspirational Women Awards 2024

as seen in…

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"The Guardian" logo in black text on a white background.
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Época Negócios logo with globe, tagline 'Inspiração para inovar'
Business Insider logo in black text on a white background.

“Reputation, professionalism and experience are just three factors to consider when selecting speakers for events and Melissa excels in all three. She is inspiring and thought provoking and I would highly recommend trying to get her on your agenda.”

— Head of Conferences, The Drum, London

“She has talked at 5x15 before, and was absolutely wonderful” — Rosie Boycott, Baroness Boycott

“She has talked at 5x15 before, and was absolutely wonderful” — Rosie Boycott, Baroness Boycott

“Nothing but good things to say! Melissa arrived promptly, delivered a great talk, stuck around after and mingled with the clients and was generally a lovely person!” — Events Manager, Akin Gump LLP

“Nothing but good things to say! Melissa arrived promptly, delivered a great talk, stuck around after and mingled with the clients and was generally a lovely person!” — Events Manager, Akin Gump LLP

select clients…

latest

latest

news

news

Featured
Skills for Planet Blueprint
Skills for Planet Blueprint

Announcing the Design Council’s Skills for Planet Blueprint – a landmark publication that defines critical green skills that designers need to meet the challenges of our age.

Case Study Series
Case Study Series

Original Minds, Rightful Credit campaign launches its case study series, sharing insights on the impacts of IP theft, research plagiarism, and misattribution.

Design for Wildfire school
Design for Wildfire school

A new hybrid virtual meets pop-up school of nature-inspired design thought launching later this year.

Images: Melissa Sterry delivering a keynote at the Future of Architecture and Building Conclave in Mumbai in March 2024 (Header); Featured in ‘The Future Designed Around You’, sponsored by Volvo cover, The Guardian’ (Right).

A magazine cover featuring three people against a wooden wall with the text "The Future: Designed Around You." Topics include technology, design, and sport, with references to the Bionic Plan, Fresh Eyes, and the Born Identity. The Guardian logo and Volvo are mentioned at the bottom.

founder…

select earlier projects

select earlier projects

“Melissa has been a beacon for me in the past few years. She is one person who puts her money where her mouth is which is refreshing, invigorating, and all too rare. She is a one-woman fountain of knowledge; Well-researched, superbly distilled information is literally a constant - and she gives generously of herself to others with her copious wisdom and clear, informed, and astute vision of the future. More words and phrases that come to mind - smart, incisive, clear-headed and representative of best practices in approaching global business, design, innovation, sustainability, and social policy. Most of all, she's One to Watch and should be on everybody's go-to list.” Co-Founder Show Love LLC, New York

“Melissa has been a beacon for me in the past few years. She is one person who puts her money where her mouth is which is refreshing, invigorating, and all too rare. She is a one-woman fountain of knowledge; Well-researched, superbly distilled information is literally a constant - and she gives generously of herself to others with her copious wisdom and clear, informed, and astute vision of the future. More words and phrases that come to mind - smart, incisive, clear-headed and representative of best practices in approaching global business, design, innovation, sustainability, and social policy. Most of all, she's One to Watch and should be on everybody's go-to list.” Co-Founder Show Love LLC, New York

A person in a semi-transparent artistic overlay of blue and violet hues with abstract textures in the background.

“Melissa was very knowledgeable and the architects and designers present thought it [her keynote] was very insightful.” Managing Director, Methven

“Melissa was very knowledgeable and the architects and designers present thought it [her keynote] was very insightful.” Managing Director, Methven

“We also heard insights into the most innovative science taking place right now, thanks to systems theorist Melissa Sterry. Among other mind-blowing sustainable ideas, she highlighted a pioneering project growing organic pieces of furniture...” CEO, Bathroom Manufacturers Association

“We also heard insights into the most innovative science taking place right now, thanks to systems theorist Melissa Sterry. Among other mind-blowing sustainable ideas, she highlighted a pioneering project growing organic pieces of furniture...” CEO, Bathroom Manufacturers Association

“Melissa is a smart, thorough and devoted scholar and professional with a great work ethic and enthusiastic, proactive spirit. She is a conceptual thinker to be admired for her approach and creativity.” Editorial Director, New York

“Melissa is a smart, thorough and devoted scholar and professional with a great work ethic and enthusiastic, proactive spirit. She is a conceptual thinker to be admired for her approach and creativity.” Editorial Director, New York

“Nothing but good things to say! Melissa arrived promptly, delivered a great talk, stuck around after and mingled with the clients and was generally a lovely person!” Events Manager, Akin Gump LLP

“Nothing but good things to say! Melissa arrived promptly, delivered a great talk, stuck around after and mingled with the clients and was generally a lovely person!” Events Manager, Akin Gump LLP

“…the conference kicked off with renowned keynote speaker Melissa Sterry, who opened the proceedings with an inspirational talk on bio-futurism, the connection and reconnection of nature in the design of everyday human life. From growing furniture to bioluminescent chandeliers to reducing waste through compostable clothing Melissa captured the audience’s imagination and opened their eyes and minds to futures possible both in Cornwall and beyond.” Acceleration Through Innovation [ATI], University of Plymouth

“…the conference kicked off with renowned keynote speaker Melissa Sterry, who opened the proceedings with an inspirational talk on bio-futurism, the connection and reconnection of nature in the design of everyday human life. From growing furniture to bioluminescent chandeliers to reducing waste through compostable clothing Melissa captured the audience’s imagination and opened their eyes and minds to futures possible both in Cornwall and beyond.” Acceleration Through Innovation [ATI], University of Plymouth

“Once again thank you a lot for your fantastic speech! Lots of positive feedback from our clients... the best speech of the evening, fascinating, perfectly presented - how do you manage to creative this positive atmosphere around you, it's just wonderful.” Executive, Aegis Media

“Once again thank you a lot for your fantastic speech! Lots of positive feedback from our clients... the best speech of the evening, fascinating, perfectly presented - how do you manage to creative this positive atmosphere around you, it's just wonderful.” Executive, Aegis Media