B2 Institute

The B2 Institute conducts interdisciplinary programs to tackle scientific Grand Challenges

B2 Institute is addressing scientific Grand Challenges whose solutions require the combined expertise of a broad range of scientific fields and diverse interdisciplinary talents. The Institute is providing a non-traditional structure that facilitates interaction. As part of its mission, the B2 Institute is helping the state of Arizona address its emerging challenges of extreme growth and fragile environment. The B2 Institute is building upon The University of Arizona's reputation as a trailblazer in interdisciplinary research. The goal is to create both extended programs and shorter, broadly attended conferences. Plans are underway to create a summer or winter school aimed primarily at graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

B2 Institute Mission

To serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe.

Catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and understandng about the earth and its future;
Be an adaptive tool for Earth education and outreach to industry, government, and the public;
Distill issues related to Earth systems planning and management for use by policymakers, students and the public.

B2 Institute also carries out significant outreach activities, including public lectures and teacher education days, and builds bridges via artist- and journalist-in-residence programs, art exhibits, and performing arts events.

About B2 Institute

B2 Institute is utilizing Biosphere 2's 34.5-acre property located in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, north of Tucson, Arizona. Managed by The University of Arizona, the B2 Institute offers 6 conference rooms that can seat from 30 to 180 participants, a suite of 25 dual-occupancy offices, and modern housing facilities in a "village" of 28 furnished three- to five-bedroom casitas with fully equipped kitchens. Biosphere 2's facilities are fully networked.

Call for Program Proposals

Input from the international scientific community is being solicited to develop the programmatic thrust of the new B2 Institute.

Click here to submit a proposal