NUK Sustainability Report

2026-07-04

Professor Yi-Chang Chung, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering and Director of the Biomimetics Research Center at the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK), was recently invited once again to the National Education Radio Kaohsiung Station program Lian Yan Ka. Interviewed by host Tung Li (Dong Niang), Professor Chung continued his previous discussions on biomimicry concepts, technology commercialization, and industrial applications. This latest interview focused on innovation in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring how observing nature can inspire education, creativity, and the future development of AI.

Although biomimetics has long been recognized as an important field within materials science and engineering, Chung emphasized that its value extends far beyond simply imitating biological structures. Rather, biomimetics is about learning how nature responds to environmental challenges.

He explained that many human innovations are not created from nothing but instead emerge through careful observation and understanding of the natural world. From insects and birds to marine organisms, nature has accumulated an immense "database" through billions of years of evolution. Biomimicry seeks inspiration from this vast repository to develop new technologies and innovative solutions.

Professor Chung noted that many people regard innovation as creating something entirely new, whereas the true challenge is breaking free from existing ways of thinking. When people rely too heavily on familiar patterns of thought, they often overlook the solutions already present in their surroundings. One of biomimetics' greatest values, he said, is encouraging people to return to nature, observe how living organisms adapt and solve problems, and then translate those biological strategies into technologies that benefit society.

Discussing natural abilities that humans have yet to fully replicate, Chung cited the remarkable regenerative capabilities of organisms such as earthworms, geckos, and certain marine species, all of which can restore damaged tissues or body parts. Although stem cell research and regenerative medicine have advanced rapidly in recent years, many of nature's self-repair mechanisms remain only partially understood. He believes these biological phenomena will continue to inspire future biomimetic research.

Reflecting on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, Chung acknowledged that AI greatly improves efficiency by processing information, analyzing data, and generating recommendations. However, he cautioned that excessive dependence on AI may gradually weaken people's capacity for independent thinking and judgment.

He described AI as, in some respects, "outsourcing part of the human brain." While it can assist with numerous tasks, it cannot replace humanity's unique ability to observe, think critically, and create.

According to Chung, understanding how problems arise is ultimately more valuable than simply obtaining answers. Evolution in nature has never been an instant process; instead, it has developed through continuous experimentation, adaptation, and refinement. This evolutionary process closely mirrors the fundamental nature of learning and innovation.

Using education as an example, Chung observed that children are naturally curious, yet modern urban lifestyles provide fewer opportunities to engage directly with nature. Without firsthand experiences of observing the real environment, children's creativity and exploratory abilities may become constrained. He therefore encouraged parents and educators to provide more opportunities for children to interact with nature, cultivating independent learning through observation, questioning, and discovery.

During the interview, Chung also emphasized the importance of embracing failure. Whether in scientific research, technological development, or personal growth, setbacks and revisions are inevitable. Many groundbreaking innovations are not achieved on the first attempt but emerge through repeated experimentation and continuous improvement.

From the perspective of biomimetics, he noted, evolution itself is a process of ongoing adaptation and refinement. Likewise, people should approach mistakes and challenges with openness, viewing them as essential components of learning and innovation.

Looking ahead, Chung believes that as technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, humanity must deepen its understanding of the wisdom embedded in nature. For him, biomimetics is not merely a research methodology—it is a way of thinking. When people set aside preconceived assumptions and observe the world with fresh eyes, they may discover that many of tomorrow's innovations have already existed in nature all along.

The full interview is available on the National Education Radio website and will remain accessible for 60 days after publication.

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