Azka Perwaiz (Campus Representative)
UditVani, Jamshedpur : The science students of Std IX–XII gathered in the School Hall of J.H. Tarapore School, joined by students from Tarapore Agrico, for an engaging session in collaboration with Nirmal Kumar, a researcher who began his scientific studies in Northeast India, earned a PhD in the UK, and gained work experience in Edinburgh and the Northern Isles.
The session facilitator introduced the students to the emerging field of nature-inspired engineering, presenting his ongoing research on laser manufacturing supported by the British Council and LSBU.
Using vivid examples such as the Lotus Temple inspired by the lotus flower, London’s Gherkin Tower inspired by the sea cucumber, and the bullet train nose modeled after the kingfisher, he demonstrated how modern design borrows from natural forms.
A key highlight was his explanation of lotus-leaf-inspired omniphobic surfaces, where manipulating surface tension and surface energy can change a material’s interaction with water and oil.
He further explained the role of bactericidal surfaces in healthcare, drawing inspiration from cicada and dragonfly wings, which naturally repel bacteria and could improve the safety of implants and surgical tools.
Throughout the session, he emphasized the importance of surface engineering, noting, “Bulk materials were created by God, and the surfaces were created by the devil.”
He concluded the session with insights into laser-based nanostructuring: a fast, precise technology already used in welding and eye surgery, and how his team studies bacterial behaviour on M1, M2, and M3 surface designs inspired by nature.
The session reminded everyone that the most advanced technologies often begin with nature’s oldest ideas.
