May 5-8, 2025
San Jose McEnery Convention Center

Speakers

Martyn Dade-Robertson

Professor of Emerging Technology
Northumbria University

Martyn Dade-Robertson is a Professor of Emerging Technology at Northumbria University and a leading interdisciplinary researcher whose work bridges architecture, computing, and synthetic biology. Martyn's research centres on the fusion of biological systems with design and engineering to reimagine the possibilities of construction and material development, positioning him as a pioneer in the field of living architecture.Martyn is the founder of the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE), a multidisciplinary research centre that investigates how living systems can shape sustainable, adaptive, and resilient construction practices. As co-leader of the Living Construction Group, he develops groundbreaking technologies such as Engineered Living Fabricators (ELF)—devices that enable the fabrication of biological materials for construction using principles of 3D printing and synthetic biology. His expertise extends to microbial and mycelium-based materials, bio-cementation techniques, and innovative biodesign methodologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering a circular economy in construction.Martyn wrote the Routledge book Living Construction and serves as the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Cambridge University Press journal Biotechnology Design. He also edits the Routledge book series on Bio Design, which is a key platform for disseminating ideas at the intersection of design, biology, and technology. His contributions reflect his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary knowledge and engaging with complex questions about how biological processes can be integrated into human design.