Elvin Karana

Elvin Karana is a Professor of Materials Innovation and Design at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), specializing in interdisciplinary collaboration between design, biotechnology, and materials science. She is dedicated to the development of innovative biomaterials aligned with ecological cycles and their integration into daily life. In 2019, she established the Material Incubator Lab in Den Bosch, followed by the Delft-Biodesign Lab at TU Delft in 2022. These labs focus on the role of microorganisms in bio-design and promote principles of regenerative design. Additionally, since 2015, she has co-directed the Materials Experience Lab, delving into the relationship between humans and materials. Her research is widely published in international journals and conferences, covering topics such as materials experience, design education, and sustainable design.

• 2022–Present·TU Delft·Founder, Delft-Biodesign Lab
  • Explores the application of microorganisms in biodesign and advances methodologies for regenerative design practices.
• 2019–2022·Material Incubator Lab·Founder
  • Focused on developing and researching innovative biomaterials and investigating their applications in design.
• 2015–Present·Materials Experience Lab·Co-Director
  • Studies human-material relationships, providing new tools for understanding materials experience.

• 2010·Middle East Technical University·PhD
  • Research focus: How materials acquire meaning and their applications in design.