Learn more about what, why and how we do, what we do.
Bio-Futures for Transplanetary Habitats is a research group and was founded in 2021 by Anne-Sofie Belling, Monika Brandić Lipińska, Paula Nerlich and Layla van Ellen while all PhD researchers at the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, a collaborative research group between Newcastle University and Northumbria University, UK, that is funded by Research England's Expanding Excellence England (E3) funding stream. The four decided to form the group to bridge themes and disciplines and facilitate future research and collaborations on the topics of space architecture, biological (inter)relations and systems, and future speculative transplanetary scenarios. After inviting to a networking symposium in April 2022, our network expanded and we welcomed new enthusiastic members to our group who, together, will help create bio-futures for transplanetary habitats.
By embracing our core values, we strive to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary research on transplanetary habitats and habitats within extreme environments through an emphasis on biotechnological and bio-social relations, making a meaningful and lasting impact on the future of space exploration and habitation while upholding the principles that define us as a research group
Our mission is to create a platform that brings together researchers and practitioners from diverse fields, such as design, biotechnology, material sciences, systems and environmental engineering, art, and architecture. Our mission objectives are:
Enabling interdisciplinary research through pilot projects: Initiating projects within our group as well as collaborating with other research groups and stakeholders.
Organise networking and disseminating event(s) to drive forward research and applications together with a global community.
Establish a diverse network of researchers, encouraging a move towards transdisciplinary research.
Host and disseminate state-of-the-art research and resources on the topic through our website.
We are driven by a shared vision that extends beyond the boundaries of our planet, aiming to explore and enable the establishment of transplanetary habitats and habitats within extreme environments.
In a rapidly evolving world, we recognize the pressing need to expand our horizons. By venturing into unexplored spaces, we aspire to unlock the potential of bio-social and biotechnological relations, forging a harmonious symbiosis between our species and the environments we inhabit.
Our vision encompasses the establishment of transplanetary habitats, where humans can thrive beyond the confines of Earth. We envision these habitats as living ecosystems, dynamically interacting with their inhabitants and the surrounding environments. Through advancements in biotechnology, we aim to create sustainable and self-sufficient habitats that adapt to the unique challenges of different celestial bodies, from the deserts and oceans of Earth, to craters of the Moon and to desolate landscapes of Mars.
We strive to foster a global community of visionaries, creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. By engaging with governments, organisations, and individuals who share our passion, we aim to inspire a collective effort towards building a sustainable future that transcends planetary boundaries.
Learn more about what, why and how we do, what we do and apply to become a member.