Community researchers
DIY biologists, biohackers, Counter Culture Labs members, and independent plant scientists.
Participate
Join the living laboratory.
Carbocene’s Oakland greenhouse and garden are working research, propagation, and teaching environments. Public gatherings bring together plant biotechnology, biochar, ecological growing systems, material experimentation, and practical stewardship. No laboratory or gardening background is required.
Biopunk Greenhouse
Trees, Biochar, and Open Plant Biotechnology
Spend an afternoon inside Carbocene’s working Oakland greenhouse and garden. We will propagate plants, make biochar, care for a living research collection, and explore how plant biotechnology can be practiced outside the usual boundaries of companies and universities.
Each gathering combines teaching, discussion, and practical work based on what the plants and projects need that week.
Learn About the GreenhouseCommunity biology
Technically serious work can benefit from participation beyond companies and universities.
Living material, intellectual property, biosafety, documentation, and institutional responsibilities still need to be handled carefully.
Growers and makers
Gardeners, restoration practitioners, artists, and builders working with bamboo, wood, fibers, pigments, or biomaterials.
Emerging contributors
Students and early-career researchers looking for practical experience with living systems.
Stewardship placements
Separate from charitable giving.
A limited number of plants may be available for separately arranged nonprofit research, education, conservation, or stewardship placements.
Availability depends on the plant line, intended use, receiving person or institution, and any applicable contractual, regulatory, or biosafety requirements.
Placement note: Plant placement is not included with event registration and is not conditioned on making a donation. Contact Carbocene to discuss an appropriate relationship.
Scientific collaboration
Build the terms before calling it a partnership.
Carbocene is interested in plant transformation, tissue culture and regeneration, plant physiology, greenhouse and field evaluation, forestry and restoration, bamboo biology, material testing, pigments and polymers, carbon mineralization, biochar, coppice systems, and ecological monitoring.
Proposed collaborations should clearly define material custody, intellectual property, publication, funding, responsibilities, and long-term stewardship.