The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 Partners Program
Partner With Biosphere 2
This program offers unique opportunities for collaboration between the University of Arizona and its partners. It provides a platform to develop and test new technologies and prototypes in real-world research environments.
As a partner, you will gain access to:
- University of Arizona and Biosphere 2 researchers, faculty, and technical staff
- Annual partners meeting hosted by Joaquin Ruiz at Biosphere 2
- Expanded engagement opportunities across the University of Arizona
- Workshops, guest presentations, and discussions with UA leadership
- Use of Biosphere 2 for multi-day conferences, meetings, and tours
- Recognition in the Founders Naming Circle
We invite you to join the University of Arizona Biosphere 2 Partners Program and contribute to a one-of-a-kind environment for shared innovation and discovery.
The Future of Food
The University of Arizona and Biosphere 2 are advancing food security through integrated agricultural systems that improve yields, reduce water use, and generate renewable energy. These efforts combine traditional methods with emerging technologies to build more sustainable and resilient food systems.
Our approach supports circular economies by embedding new facilities within existing programs to enhance student and community engagement, curriculum development, and applied research. Biosphere 2’s unique mesoscale infrastructure enables experimentation not possible in traditional laboratories.
Quality of Life on Earth and Beyond
Biosphere 2 supports sustainability research for both Earth and future space missions. Building on decades of closed-system experiments, current studies explore:
- The balance between mechanical and bioregenerative life-support systems
- Transformation of crushed basalt (regolith) into fertile soil
- Microbial evolution in hermetically sealed, human-occupied environments
This research informs strategies for long-term human exploration beyond Earth while improving quality of life here at home.
Ecosystem Services and Global Change
Biosphere 2 provides an unparalleled platform to address complex environmental challenges. Current research at the University of Arizona Biosphere 2 bridges lab and field, integrating disciplines such as hydrology, ecology, geology, chemistry, and atmospheric science.
Our work focuses on:
- Understanding Earth systems across space and time
- Instrumental calibration and modeling of mesoscale systems
- Exploring feedbacks between the atmosphere and the geo-biosphere
This multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.