Genspace is the world’s first community biology lab — a place where people of all backgrounds and identities can learn, create, and grow with the life sciences.
Since 2009, we have served the greater New York area by providing hands-on STEAM education programs for youth and adults, cultural and outreach events for the public, and a membership program to support New York’s community of creatives, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Our programs demystify scientific processes, provide a platform for innovation, and cultivate the next generation of life sciences leaders in emerging global technologies, such as biotechnology, neuroscience, epidemiology, genomics, and many more.
An Open Access Lab for Everyone
Our Vision
Everyone is empowered to use the life sciences to explore questions and develop applications that are connected to their lives and rooted in their communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster a safe and inclusive community where all people – including those from non-traditional and underrepresented backgrounds – can experientially learn, boldly create, and meaningfully grow with the life sciences.
Core Values
Who we are:
Diversity and Inclusivity - Each person’s unique identity and life experiences enrich the Genspace community. We work to break down barriers, build access, and listen to and learn from each other in order to exchange ideas and create a space that welcomes everyone.
Transparency - We are open and honest. We communicate our goals, activities, and projects. We are accountable to each other. We strive to create systems that make information accessible to each other on staff, within the Genspace community, and with the general public.
Ethics - We strive to be responsible stewards of technology by considering the implications of our work and the impact that we will have on others and our environment. We evaluate who carries the risks and who benefits from our work. We practice integrity and work towards a more just society.
What we cultivate:
Curiosity - We believe that learning is a lifelong process. We are eager to ask questions, to wonder at the world around us, and to follow our interests. We build pathways to spark inquiry and engagement.
Experimentation - We try new things and embrace unexpected outcomes. We think outside the box and make connections between traditionally siloed disciplines. We explore new concepts, iterate on our processes, and are resilient and brave.
Collaboration - We believe that the best ideas are sparked by many minds coming together. We work to build a community of support and exchange. We acknowledge each other’s contributions, respect each other’s expertise, ask for help when we need it, and offer our time and skills when we can.
Code of Conduct
Statement of Purpose: This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for everyone who participates in our community, and creates a shared understanding of unacceptable behavior and its consequences. This Code is also intended to cover the behavior of Genspace community members engaging in digital communications, with external partners, visitors to outreach events, and other activities outside of Genspace in which community members, volunteers, and staff represent Genspace. These rules are intended to support our mission, vision, and core values, and to empower us to engage with each other in a way that builds trust and supports our collective learning and creativity.
Our Story
In 2009, a group of hobbyists, entrepreneurs, artists and scientists met in a living room to explore their interest in biotechnology. Within a year, co-founders Nurit Bar-Shai, Ellen Jorgensen, Daniel Grushkin, Russell Durrett, and Oliver Medvedik opened Genspace, the first-ever community biotechnology laboratory in downtown Brooklyn, New York. Our purpose was to allow the general public to pursue individual and group projects.
Since then our community has expanded. In 2017, Genspace moved to our new home in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Genspace continues to be a platform for curious people to follow their imaginations—individual member projects have grown into million dollar companies and revolutionary art pieces.