Emma van der Leest

Subject of presentation

Emma van der Leest is an experienced biodesigner, working in the field for several years. In this presentation she explains her path from a design student to a creative centipede in the world of bio-design and how you can get started from your own kitchen.

Emma has collaborated with various (inter)national scientific institutes and universities exploring and cross over the field of design, research and science. Currently she is working as co-curator for the Dutch Innovation Pavilion for the Floriade. Together with curator and writer of the books Biodesign and Bioart William Myers and Next Nature Network they are bringing the best biodesign practices together. She is also teaching the Growing Cultures module at the Avans Master Institute of Visual Cultures (MIVC) and holds a research position in New Making Practices at the Willem de Kooning academy in Rotterdam.

Concise resume

As a bio-designer, Emma collaborates with different disciplines, including scientists, physicists, artists and designers. Emma completed her undergraduate degree in Product Design at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam in 2015. She creates crossovers with craft, scientific research and new production techniques. Emma is trying to create an environment where boundaries dissolve, where different disciplines can benefit and learn from others.