Photo : CNRS
Living as a Model - A CNRS Exhibition
Evolution is the ultimate engineer and this exhibit pulls back the curtain on how biological structures are reshaping the cutting edge of science. From complex robotics to sustainable chemistry, witness how we are finally catching up to nature's most brilliant designs. A must-see for anyone captivated by the intersection of innovation and the natural world.
Médiathèque Hélène Berr (Paris 12th)
About
From September 23 to October 17, 2026, the Hélène Berr media library hosts the CNRS exhibition Le vivant comme modèle. This event explores bio-inspiration, a field where scientific innovation is driven by observing and replicating nature's solutions. Visitors will discover how biological principles are integrated into modern sectors including robotics, healthcare, chemistry, and ecology. The exhibition is free for everyone and has been specifically designed to be accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, as well as those with cognitive disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for all who wish to explore these scientific advancements in the heart of Paris.
Observing and better understanding nature to replicate its genius… While the idea is not new, the concept of bio-inspiration appears more than ever as a major trend for innovation.
Health, robotics, ecology, chemistry, engineering sciences… Welcome to the bio-inspired world!
Graphic design and production: Sarah Landel
Editorial committee: Jonathan Rangapanaiken, Emilie Smondack, Marie Mabrouk, Adèle Vanot, Laure Cailloce, Matthieu Ravaud
Communication officers from all CNRS Institutes
Production year: 2017
Our take on this event
Located in the 12th arrondissement, the Hélène Berr media library presents the CNRS exhibition Le vivant comme modèle from September 23 to October 17, 2026. This exhibition focuses on bio-inspiration, showcasing how engineers and scientists derive innovative ideas from nature's own blueprints to solve modern challenges in robotics, medicine, and environmental science.
Throughout the exhibition, you will explore how biological mechanisms provide a template for technological progress. The content is curated by an expert editorial committee from the CNRS, with graphic design by Sarah Landel. It offers a unique look at how the principles of nature are shaping the future of engineering, healthcare, and chemistry.
The event is entirely free and open to the general public. Great care has been taken to ensure accessibility; the venue is fully equipped for wheelchair users and is also adapted to support individuals with cognitive disabilities, making it a welcoming space for every visitor interested in the intersection of nature and technology.
