Dr. Melissa Sikosana

• Developed strategies to connect innovator networks on sustainability and governance • Co-designed workshops for 60 system’s-change actors, fostering shared learning

• Co-developed a 6-month practitioner certification program for professionals globally. • Mentored more than 120 professionals in biomimicry methodology (nature-based design), supporting career transitions, start-ups, and educational program launches (30%) • Integrated feedback to reduce churn ~50%, boosting enrolment by 25% in 2025.

• Proposed and established Sustainability Research Coordinator role and Sustainable Polymers Group, streamlining sustainability efforts of about 500 employees. • Fundraised for LCA training, ‘Green’ lab upgrades, and a postdoctoral position • Initiated research collaborations through conceptualising project possibilities • Developing sustainability frameworks balancing environmental impact with strict regulations in natural-scientific research.

• Facilitated biomimicry/design workshops for >250 participants, e.g., GIZ, BMBF • Co-developed urban planning toolkit with nature-based strategies, influencing policy • Managed a 100 000 € budget for a global design challenge, overseeing program design, event planning and ensuring quality assurance of deliverables

• Identifying problem areas for climate-tech startups to mitigate >10 MtCO2/year • Screening opportunities for market viability and time-to-market alignment • Venture Catalyst, building transdisciplinary teams for high-impact innovation

• Managed client-consultant engagement and project quality assurance of deliverables • Applied design thinking to develop management strategies for 3 NGOs, worldwide • Awarded ‘Project of the Year’ for improving Kiron’s study hubs for refugees, Berlin

• Lectured modified chemical engineering courses to non-engineers (90% pass rate) • Adapted content for industry and sustainability trends (Green Talents Award 2014).