Pilar Bolumburu is a materials designer and researcher specialising in bio-based materials and fabrication technologies, with a strong focus on sustainability and education. At Materiom, she leads community-driven projects and collaborates with local partners to advance research and support bio-based and regenerative material developments. Her work spans diverse regions, having contributed to initiatives across Europe, the USA, and Latin America. Currently, she is involved in international projects Pacific Plastics: Science to Solutions (UK-Latin America), the CiD Innovation Alliance (EU), and the ATRIUM Project (EU). In addition to her professional work, she is pursuing a PhD in Design at Loughborough University. Her doctoral research focuses on identifying and fostering the professional competencies needed by design practitioners to develop environmentally sustainable bio-based innovations. Previously, she directed the Technological Learning area at Fab Lab Santiago in Chile, where she contributed to advancing project-based learning methodologies with digital fabrication technologies. She holds a Master’s in Education and Technology from University College London, a design degree from Universidad Católica de Chile, and is an alumna of the Fab Academy program within the global Fab Lab Network.
