Filters in Biology and Biomimetics (FiBB 2023)

Biological filters, which separate particles from fluids, are hugely important to animal and ocean health, involved in capturing food for myriad species, filtering sediment and cleaning water, and even concentrating microplastics. Filter architectures, by definition, must interact with and exert control over their physical environment: filters can be as simple as sieves or have complex designs; be made of soft cartilage or stiff keratin materials; can filter particles either actively or passively; and are present in organisms at a wide range of scales —from millimeter-sized plankton to enormous basking sharks. The Filters in Biology and Biomimetics (FiBB 2023) conference, on May 15th and 16th, aims to synthesize different aspects of biological filtration, look for unifying themes across the Tree of Life, and integrate disparate research groups pushing this research forward.

The meeting will unite diverse early-career and experienced researchers working on fundamental aspects of particle filtration in manifold natural systems, as well as designers, engineers and industrial specialists experienced in particle filters and biomimetic applications. By bringing together multidisciplinary experts, we will build new connections, benefitting biologists interested in structure-function and ecology, and experimental and industrial experts interested in the design and scaling of bioinspired and/or industrial filters.

The conference talks will be in English. There is no registration fee to participate, but we ask all accepted attendees to present at the conference — this can be preliminary data or even just a plan for work on filters, but sharing ideas is key to the mission of this event and will help build an inclusive community around filter research. Please submit your abstracts here.

The meeting is organized by
Dr. Venkata A Surapaneni - City University of Hong Kong
Prof. Mason Dean - City University of Hong Kong and
Prof. John Nyakatura, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin