The design of multifunctional surfaces based on biomimetic structures has gained the interest of the scientific community. Such biomimetic structures can be achieved either by using suitable coatings onto appropriately micro/nano-structured substrates or by using nanostructured hybrid coatings onto surfaces. Hierarchically roughened surfaces can be prepared by irradiating a metallic or semiconductor surface using ultrafast laser or by utilizing polymer nanocomposite coatings when a soft substrate is to be modified; suitable chemistry of the coatings provides the desired functionality.  Different cases of preparing superhydrophobic surfaces will be demonstrated. When a metallic surface is irradiated by femtosecond laser pulses, a hierarchical surface of high energy is produced.  When such surfaces remain under low temperature heating or under moderate vacuum, superhydrophobic metallic surfaces can be developed; the ones that remained under vacuum are superhydrophobic with very low water adhesion, whereas the ones that underwent thermal processing exhibit superhydrophobicity with high water adhesion. When a polymeric film needs to be modified, polymer nanocomposite coatings can be utilized onto the soft substrate; the polymer matrix of the coating provides the proper functionality whereas the inorganic (nano)particulate additives create the appropriate roughness. This results in superhydrophobic and water-repellent surfaces with self-cleaning ability and, at the same time, (super)oleophobic ones. Acknowledgements: This research has been partially financed by the EU Horizon Europe Programme (project STOP, Grant Agreement 101057961).

# In collaboration with F. Krasanakis, K. Chrissopoulou, M. Stylianakis, Th.-M. Chatzaki, F. Gojda, L. Papoutsakis, M. Loulakis, S. Tzortzakis