Through three complementary presentations and interactive elements, participants will gain insights into the interdisciplinary world of biodesign and its potential to transform how we think about sustainability, innovation, and our relationship with living systems. The webinar will begin with an introductory presentation by the Engage4BIO team, providing an overview of the project itself and highlighting the relevance of art in the field of bioeconomy. Edit Blaumann will provide an introduction to the field of biodesign, showcasing how designers increasingly collaborate with living systems to respond to contemporary challenges. Through inspiring examples, she will illustrate how biology and design merge to offer sustainable, innovative solutions. 

Malu Lücking’s presentation explores the potential of algae as a key player in future food systems. Drawing from her work at Mujo and the Landless Food project, she will highlight algae’s versatility—from nutrition and flavor enhancement to sustainable packaging—and reflect on how it can reshape our relationship with food and land use. 

The Engage4BIO project, launched in October 2022 with the support of the Horizon Europe programme. The project aims to strengthen the bio-based economy and foster sustainable regional development by promoting regional bioeconomy strategies through cross-sectoral dialogue and creative collaboration. Led by the Zentrum für Soziale Innovation (Austria), the consortium highlights the power of art and design to raise awareness, spark imagination, and drive change toward a more circular and sustainable future. In Hungary, the regional bioeconomy platform—focused on the agri-food sector—is coordinated by the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) and Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. A key objective of Engage4BIO is to engage the public through design thinking and design-based methodologies that support the sustainable transformation of value chains.