Living Materials Laboratory:
About us
At the Living Materials Laboratory, we believe we have a choice.
Instead of burning limestone to make cement and mining ore to make steel…
…we can choose to work with nature to grow the materials we need for a sustainable world
Instead of despairing about the inevitability of climate change…
…we can choose to innovate and discover how to transform materials and buildings into carbon sinks
Instead of drawing boundaries between the built environment and the natural world…
…we can choose to be bold and blur the boundaries between the living and non-living
Instead of continuing to follow well-worn paths of traditional materials science…
…we can choose to foster a highly multidisciplinary, diverse research environment
Our vision
Our laboratory is dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions at the intersection of biology, materials science, and sustainability that blur the boundaries between the living and non-living. We lead groundbreaking sustainable materials research that will transform the built environment on Earth and beyond.
Our mission
Our mission is to advance the science and application of engineered living materials, earth materials, and biocements through interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and innovation. We are committed to fostering a collaborative research environment that integrates biological systems with material science to develop sustainable and resilient solutions for the built environment.
A unique place of learning, discovery, and innovation
Transformative biological building materials
The Living Materials Laboratory is a University of Colorado Boulder research group led by Professor Wil Srubar.
We focus our experimental efforts on elucidating fundamental process-structure-property relationships of the new biological building materials that we create. We also conduct computational studies on embodied carbon and carbon storage using product- and whole-building life cycle assessments.
The Living Materials Laboratory and our collaborators have received a total of $27.7 million in sponsored research funding to date.
Strength through diversity
Most research organizations focus on either inorganic materials or organic materials. We change that “or” to “and”, actively integrating disciplines as diverse as civil, environmental, architectural, chemical, process, and materials engineering, bioengineering, biology, chemistry, and physics.
Why do we choose this interdisciplinary collaborative approach? To realize our vision: the blurring of boundaries between the natural world and the built environment, paving the way toward a regenerative, more vibrant, and healthier environment for everyone.
A collaborative research hub
Just as a kaleidoscope presents an ever-changing array of colors and shapes, the Living Materials Laboratory changes and evolves as each team member brings their unique perspective to our shared work.
We believe our multidisciplinary approach fosters innovation, grit, and resilience — necessary ingredients to realize our vision as we pursue the most high-risk, high-reward research ideas.
Expand research capabilities
- Develop and optimize bioengineered materials that integrate living organisms for self-repairing, adaptive, and environmentally responsive applications.
- Explore and innovate in the use of natural and locally sourced materials for sustainable construction, focusing on durability, performance, and ecological impact.
- Investigate and develop bio-based cement alternatives that reduce carbon footprints, enhance material properties, and promote sustainable building practices.
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration
- Promote synergy between biologists, materials scientists, engineers, and environmental scientists to drive innovation and address complex research challenges.
- Establish partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and governmental organizations to leverage expertise, resources, and funding opportunities.
Innovate and disseminate knowledge
- Conduct cutting-edge research and publish findings in high-impact scientific journals.
Present research at national and international conferences to share insights and influence the broader scientific community. - Develop educational and outreach programs to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Expand research capabilities
- Develop and optimize bioengineered materials that integrate living organisms for self-repairing, adaptive, and environmentally responsive applications.
- Explore and innovate in the use of natural and locally sourced materials for sustainable construction, focusing on durability, performance, and ecological impact.
- Investigate and develop bio-based cement alternatives that reduce carbon footprints, enhance material properties, and promote sustainable building practices.
Our core values
Innovation
Pursue groundbreaking research and novel biological approaches to advance the field of construction materials science.
Collaboration
Foster a cooperative and inclusive research environment that values diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Sustainability
Commit to developing eco-friendly solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Excellence
Strive for the highest standards of quality and rigor in research, publication, and dissemination.
Impact
Focus on research that addresses pressing global challenges and has the potential to make a significant positive impact on society and the environment.
Thank you to our sponsors
Everyone at the Living Materials Laboratory is grateful to our sponsors for their support of our work—and for their choice to believe in us and in our big, audacious goal: healing the planet by fundamentally transforming the materials in our built environment.
