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 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.