ABOUT

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Sustainability issues are driving a revolution in design centred on an understanding of environmental limits and a need for greater efficiency. The principles of 20th Century design have been thrown out as a whole new set of rules are being shaped to solve modern challenges.

The beginning of the 21st Century is the most exciting period in the history of human innovation and invention, as we explore our new frontiers – those surrounding our communities and economies – and work towards collective, rather than individual goals.

HOW WE WORK

NEW FRONTIERS is working with partner organisations, including leading universities, professional bodies, NGOs, government agencies and pioneering global brands to help evolve and embed a strong understanding of sustainability issues; form new collaborations and networks; and promote the best ideas and innovations. Through these new partnerships, NEW FRONTIERS will provide the highest quality seminars, academic programmes, networks, information and resources.

Melissa Sterry
BA (Hons), PGCert, MCIPR, MCIM, FRSA

Futurologist, sustainable innovation strategist and design scientist Melissa founded Societás in 2004, as a platform to launch groundbreaking new initiatives in design, media and the visual arts. She is co-founder and director of annual international visual arts awards the Creative Graduate Prize, launched in 2005 and the Iconique Societás Awards launched in 2007. Visiting Fellow at the School of Art & Design at University of Salford and a member of the university’s Assembly, she is embarking on a PhD researching the potential of biomimicry in the built environment. Industry awards include two special recognition awards from the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (2009), an Enterprising Business Award (2009) and being listed in the Future 100 (2008).

Matt Prescott
BSc (Hons) MRes FRGS

Matt trained as a geographer then environmental scientist at UCL before later managing a number of public sector sustainable construction projects, including national firsts in solar photovoltaics, green roofs and sustainable timber. He became founding director of CarbonLimited at the Royal Society of Arts, where he developed innovative methods in citizen participation in climate change and new carbon reduction policy, reaching to the very centre of government. He has authored a number of international journal and broadsheet articles and made live television and radio appearances talking about climate change. Matt advises businesses and academic organisations on environmental issues and is a founding member of The Robertsbridge Group.