Arnhem, Netherlands – On March 10, 2026, the Wessel Knoops Society will host a lecture exploring the potential of biomimicry – innovation inspired by nature – with a presentation titled “Lessons from Nature: Innovations through Biomimicry.” The event, featuring Professor Marleen Kamperman of the University of Groningen (RUG), will take place at Arnhems Buiten in Arnhem.
Biomimicry is gaining traction as a powerful approach to solving complex engineering and design challenges, offering sustainable and efficient solutions modeled after biological systems. Professor Kamperman’s lecture will delve into specific examples of how natural processes are being applied to create recent technologies.
The Wessel Knoops Society, a Dutch association with approximately 170 members, organizes eight lectures annually covering a wide range of scientific and technological topics. The organization frequently invites prominent speakers from Dutch universities and research institutions.
Doors for the March 10th event will open at 7:15 PM, with the lecture scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM and conclude by 10:00 PM. The lecture will be held in building B30 at Arnhems Buiten, located at Utrechtseweg 310, 6812 AR Arnhem. More information about the event and the Wessel Knoops Society can be found on their website.
A separate event, also hosted by the Wessel Knoops Society, took place on January 13, 2026, focusing on epigenetic editing and the potential to “train genes.” Professor Marianne Rots of the University of Groningen presented on the topic. Earlier in the lecture series, on November 11, 2025, Dr. Gerard Jagers op Akkerhuis (WUR) delivered a lecture titled “Can you predict evolution? And is AI the next step?” The lecture explored the intersection of evolutionary biology and artificial intelligence, examining whether patterns in evolution can be predicted and how this relates to the development of AI. According to reports, the first few visits to a Wessel Knoops lecture are free, after which attendees are expected to develop into members for an annual fee of 30 euros.
Other upcoming lectures in the 2025-2026 season include a presentation on September 9, 2025, on physics research at HFML-FELIX by Professor Uli Zeitler (RU / Felix Lab), and a lecture on October 14, 2025, by Professor Vincent Icke (U Leiden) titled “Science, truth and art: an Escher triangle.” A full overview of past lectures, dating back to September 2000, is available on the Wessel Knoops Society’s website.
an event listing on Eventbrite confirms the March 25, 2026 lecture by Professor Kamperman.
