Expert in Foresight, Futurism, and Strategic Innovation

A chartered scientist with a transdisciplinary PhD at the interface of Earth and human systems, Dr. Sterry has been at the forefront of futures research for more than two decades. Her expertise lies in identifying and analysing the catalysts of change — how, why, when, and where emerging trends disrupt industries and create new opportunities. She has played a pioneering role in yet-to-be-established fields, developing theoretical and practical solutions based on advances in STEM, design, and enterprise, while also anticipating numerous world-changing environmental, cultural, societal, and economic shifts and events, including risks - such as the uptick in extreme natural hazards including wildfires, the pandemic, resource instability, the rise in local and global conflicts, the major economic downturns, and opportuntities - such as the rise of social enterprise, sustainability, and biotechnologies, and remote and nomadic working, and other life-style innovations, including participatory media and other aspects of online culture.

Her work spans scenario planning, horizon scanning, speculative and design fictions, and the development of first-in-kind products, services, and business models. She curates and leads foresight-driven workshops, masterclasses, and executive roundtables, while also authoring influential reports, white papers, opinion pieces, and media content. Whether delivering keynote speeches at international conferences or advising media and entertainment creators on near and far-future narratives, Dr. Sterry’s thought leadership is widely sought after.

Board-Level Consultant and Strategic Advisor

Dr. Sterry has provided strategic foresight to leading organisations across continents, influencing industries such as architecture, urban planning, construction, manufacturing, transport, FMCG, utilities, and energy. Her high-profile clients have included Unilever, Toyota, Vodafone, SUEZ, easyJet, and the World Bank, alongside government agencies, research institutions, and pioneering startups.

Her expertise extends to evaluating cutting-edge innovations as a jury member and consultant across diverse fields, from biodesign and biomaterials to artificial intelligence and future cities. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Science and Technology and the Design Research Society, as well as a member of the Design Council’s expert network and the National Coalition of Independent Scholars in the United States, reflecting the transatlantic nature of her influence and recognition.

Sustainability, Resilience, and Regenerative Innovation

A lifelong advocate for environmental responsibility, Dr. Sterry embeds sustainability at the heart of her futures work, offering strategic insights that help organisations adapt to an increasingly complex and uncertain world. Her expertise spans climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, regenerative design, and circular economy principles, equipping businesses, governments, and research institutions with the knowledge to navigate the pressing environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.

Having studied climate change since her school years, Dr. Sterry has an unparalleled depth of understanding of its scientific, social, and economic dimensions. She has contributed to numerous high-profile projects addressing climate mitigation and adaptation, working alongside thought leaders in science, engineering, policy, and design to develop solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also create long-term value. Her work in this space is underpinned by a transdisciplinary approach, drawing from systems thinking, biomimicry, and emerging technologies to craft innovative strategies that enhance ecological and societal resilience.

In addition to her advisory work, Dr. Sterry is an active proponent of ecologically-led innovation — going beyond sustainability to create systems that actively restore and replenish natural and human environments. She has been at the forefront of initiatives exploring nature-based solutions, biofabrication, and adaptive urban systems, helping to shape the future of regenerative cities and industries. Through her consultancy, research, and public engagement, she empowers organisations to integrate future-fit, ecologically sound principles into their operations, ensuring they remain competitive, compliant, and prepared for evolving regulatory landscapes.

Nature-Inspired Design and Biofuturism

Dr. Sterry is one of the world’s foremost thought leaders in biofuturism — exploring how nature’s strategies can inform human innovation. Her pioneering projects include:

• Bionic City® (2010): Investigating how cities could be designed if inspired by nature’s systems, processes, and principles.

• Panarchic Codex® (2018): Researching wildfire resilience in architectural and urban design through biomimetic and bio-inspired approaches.

• Bioratorium® and Labioratorium® (2019): Exploring bio-informed technologies, materials, and systems for the future of science, design, and industry.

Her interest in nature-inspired innovation dates back to the 1990s when, as an undergraduate, she designed the first circular fashion collections — clothing that could biodegrade safely into the environment. Today, she continues to shape the discourse on biomimicry, synthetic biology, and bioengineering in urban and industrial contexts.

Science Fiction, Speculative Futures, and Creative Foresight

Beyond science and business, Dr. Sterry is an accomplished speculative fiction writer and creative futurist. Her climate and science fiction works have been recognised in the New Scientist / Sci-Fi London and Millennium Writing Awards, among others. She has co-founded projects such as Future in Flash™, which explores scientifically plausible climate fiction through mixed media and has also contributed to several science fiction, specultative futures and creative foresight projects across experimental and new media, as well as delivered commentaries on science fiction films and other futures-focused media for both independent and mainstream press.

Influential Speaker, Industry Leader, and Media Commentator

Dr. Sterry has delivered over 100 keynotes at major international conferences and events, addressing audiences in sectors ranging from urban planning and energy to biotechnology and creative industries. She has featured in over 450 publications worldwide, including national newspapers across the UK, Europe, the United States, Australia, and India. Her insights have been cited in works such as Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Startalk: Everything You Ever Need to Know About Space, Travel, Sci-Fi, the Human Race, the Universe, and Beyond.

Recognised among the Top 100 most influential futurists worldwide and ranked as a Top 30 female futurist, she was recently voted one of the Top 20 speakers shaping the future of sustainability at the executive-board level in a survey of 750 corporations.

Future-Focused Expertise and Specialisms

Dr. Sterry’s core expertise includes:

• Planetary and Biofutures – including biodesign, biomaterials, bioengineering, and biourbanism.

• Emerging Technologies & Systems – covering AI, smart materials, circular economy, and digital transformation.

• Resilience and Adaptation – focusing on climate hazards like wildfires, floods, and storms in urban environments.

• Speculative Design and Strategic Foresight – using design fictions and scenario-based planning to explore possible futures.

• Sustainable Innovation and ESG – advising businesses on long-term sustainability strategies and ethical best practices.

Future-Focused Leadership in a Challenging Economy

At a time when organisations are navigating economic uncertainty, market disruption, and increased competition, future-proofing has never been more critical. Many businesses face pressure to cut costs and prioritise short-term gains, yet those that invest in strategic foresight, sustainability, and resilience are the ones that will not only survive but thrive.

Dr. Melissa Sterry offers a rare combination of scientific depth, strategic insight, and creative vision that sets her apart from other futurists. Unlike generic trend analysts, she delivers highly tailored, research-driven strategies grounded in decades of hands-on experience across multiple industries. Whether advising multinational corporations, startups, or policymakers, she provides actionable foresight that translates into tangible opportunities, risk mitigation, and sustainable growth.

In a heavily saturated market, where buzzwords often overshadow real expertise, Dr. Sterry stands out as a thought leader with a proven track record of driving meaningful change. Organisations that work with her gain a competitive edge through cutting-edge innovation, ethical leadership, and the ability to anticipate and shape the future, rather than react to it. For those looking to build resilience, unlock new revenue streams, and position themselves as pioneers in their field, partnering with Dr. Sterry is a strategic investment in long-term success.

Shaping the Future, One Insight at a Time

With her unparalleled expertise in foresight, sustainability, and bio-inspired innovation, Dr. Melissa Sterry is a driving force in shaping the future of industries, cities, and societies worldwide. Whether advising global organisations, designing speculative futures, or delivering inspiring keynotes, she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible — illuminating pathways towards a more resilient, sustainable, and regenerative world.

Future-proof your organisation with world-class foresight and innovation.

Get in touch to discover how Dr. Melissa Sterry’s expertise can help you to navigate emerging challenges, seize new opportunities, and lead in a rapidly changing world.