Led by a researcher and artist, participants in this workshop create and observe artificial cells, and then take part in a discussion.
A workshop envisaging life by making and observing artificial cells
In this workshop, participants artificially create and observe synthetic cells using DIY bio, a citizen science approach that employs familiar tools and places to conduct experiments and observations. In addition, a lecture by an instructor teaches participants about the development of cancer cells, which are the result of gene mutations. The workshop ends with a discussion in which participants discover new perspectives and enhance their understanding of the cells in our bodies through life science and art.
By making and observing artificial cells in ways that even beginners can do easily, the workshop considers a range of questions—Do the cells seem lifelike? How are they different from your own cells? What does it even mean to be alive?—and gets closer to the essence of life.
Let’s think about our cells and life together with scientists and artists!


Event outline
Date: February 15 (Sat), 16 (Sun), 2025
Time: 13:00-16:00
Venue: Civic Creative Base Tokyo [CCBT]
Lecturers: Kuruma Yutetsu (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology senior researcher), Fukuhara Shiho (artist, researcher)
Facilitator: Kobayashi Reina (CCBT)
Target: Ages 13-18
Capacity: 6 per workshop
Admission free