Lecturer Indrė Mikuckė’s biomaterials research presented at the international platform “MaterialDistrict Utrecht 2026”

Indrė Mikuckė, lecturer of the Fashion Design study programme at the Academy of Arts of the Faculty of Arts and Education at Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution, was awarded a grant from the ‘MaterialDistrict Innovation Fund’, which enabled her to participate in one of Europe’s most significant events dedicated to innovative materials – ‘MaterialDistrict Utrecht 2026‘, held in March 2026.

During the event, the lecturer presented her biomaterials design experiments and developed objects in an individual exhibition stand. ‘MaterialDistrict’ is an internationally recognised platform that brings together creators of innovative materials, researchers, and design professionals. Its primary focus is the material itself – its properties, origin, and potential applications – with particular emphasis placed on sustainable, bio-based, and recycled solutions.

Part of the event was the ‘Sample Exhibition’, where the results of I. Mikuckė’s ongoing research project ‘Leather from the Sea’ were presented. The project explores biomaterials created from natural ingredients, algae biomass, and binders derived from it. Through experimentation with mixing, casting, and controlled drying processes, flexible surfaces are developed that feature textures, colour variations, and organic irregularities characteristic of natural leather. The research aims to offer more sustainable alternatives to conventional leather production, reducing environmental impact while expanding opportunities for creative solutions.

The lecturer was also invited to join the event’s speakers’ programme, where she delivered the lecture ‘New Materiality: Interweaving Creative Experimentation and Dialogue with Nature’. In her presentation, she introduced her creative and research practice, which combines design, an experimental approach to material studies, and ecological awareness.

I. Mikuckė is a fashion and accessories designer as well as a lecturer at the Academy of Arts of the Faculty of Arts and Education at Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution. Through her work, she seeks to transform environmentally harmful processes into more sustainable alternatives by employing creative experimentation and fostering a dialogue with nature.