Professor Becky Earley to deliver lecture on circular and regenerative design at Arts University Plymouth

<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.beckyearley.com/">Professor Becky Earley</a>, <strong>Chair of Circular Design Futures</strong> at <a href="https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/camberwell-college-of-arts">UAL</a>, is an internationally recognised leader in <strong>circular textiles, biomaterials, and sustainable design</strong>. With over 30 years of research experience, she has led major projects such as <a href="https://herewear.eu/project">Herewear</a>, a European-funded initiative focused on <strong>local, circular, and bio-based textiles</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">In this lecture, Professor Earley will reflect on key moments from her career and discuss how <strong>making, materials, and meaningful change align to create real impact</strong>. She will explore <strong>low-impact textile design, bio-based materials, and the role of fashion in the circular economy</strong>, sharing insights from her <strong>collaborative research and industry partnerships</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Professor Earley's lecture will explore how designers and researchers can navigate the challenges of the climate crisis by rethinking <strong>materials, making, and systems</strong>. Drawing from her extensive research, she will highlight how <strong>circular and regenerative approaches in fashion and textiles</strong> can create meaningful, sustainable change.</p> <p dir="ltr">This event is <strong>open to Arts University Plymouth staff, students, and members of the public</strong>, offering <strong>an unmissable opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in sustainable fashion</strong>.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Professor Earley’s lecture builds on her previous involvement in <a href="https://makingfutures.org.uk/"><strong>Making Futures</strong></a>, Arts University Plymouth’s international research platform exploring <strong>sustainability in craft, textiles, and digital fabrication</strong>. At <strong>Making Futures 2024</strong>, Professor Earley presented her work on <strong>Herewear</strong>, addressing the <strong>urgent need for sustainable, circular, and bio-based textile solutions</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth’s commitment to <strong>sustainable making</strong> can be seen in <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-unveils-fab-lab-south-west-at-big-creative-uk-summit"><strong>Fab Lab South West</strong></a>, which provides <strong>cutting-edge digital prototyping facilities</strong>. This enables students and researchers to explore the <strong>intersection of traditional craft and modern technology</strong>, driving <strong>innovation in sustainable design practices</strong>. Recent projects include <strong>3D scanning for heritage preservation, bio-fabrication research, and circular product design</strong>, positioning Arts University Plymouth as a leader in <strong>future-focused making</strong>.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">This lecture has been organised by <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/stephanie-owens">Associate Professor Stephanie Owens</a>, <strong>Dean of Arts, Design and Media at Arts University Plymouth</strong> and <strong>Convener of the Making Futures Research Group</strong>. A <strong>curator, interdisciplinary artist, and creative researcher</strong>, Stephanie is internationally recognised for her work on <strong>digital networks, material innovation, and cultural representation</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie’s leadership in <strong>Making Futures</strong> has brought together a diverse coalition of <strong>educators, artists, designers, scientists, and social entrepreneurs</strong>, all exploring the <strong>future of making through emerging practices and technologies</strong>. Her past work includes curating the <strong><a href="https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2014/09/art-and-nanotech-converge-campus-biennial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CCA Art Biennial</a> at Cornell University (US)</strong> and collaborating with nanoscientists on <strong>innovative material applications in art and design</strong>.<br /></p>