Data & Analytics
Building systems for insightful data analysis to drive evidence-based decisions across disciplines.
Discover more
Bringing science and innovation together since 2008
The power of discovery in community.
The Obsidian Research Group unites researchers, students, and partners to fuel breakthroughs and drive positive change.
240+ members
collaborating each year
1,850 projects supported
92%report stronger collaboration
18partner institutions
34Kresearch hours shared
6 daysa week of collaboration
How we work
Innovative research for real-world impact.
Our projects combine rigorous science, collaborative development, and community engagement to address complex challenges.
Education & Training
Supporting learners and professionals through mentoring, workshops, and curriculum development.
Discover more
Community Engagement
Fostering connections among researchers, stakeholders, and the communities impacted by our work.
Discover more
“Collaboration fuels innovation.”
Our philosophy
Scientific discovery through community partnership.
We foster environments where multidisciplinary teams can innovate responsibly with input from the communities their research touches.
- ✓Inclusive, cross-sector collaboration
- ✓Transparency and ethical practice
- ✓Community voices at the center
Connect
View all opportunities →
Upcoming events
Oct12
Annual Research Symposium
Saturday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM · Main Campus Auditorium
Oct26
Lab Volunteer Day
Saturday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM · Research Center
Your support accelerates discovery.
Join us in our mission to create knowledge that transforms lives and communities.
Support our mission
Our work
Research powering innovation and progress.
The Obsidian Research Group drives breakthrough projects through collaboration across scientific disciplines and with community stakeholders.
Innovative ideas. Collaborative spirit.
Programs
Fostering research excellence and education.
Data Science
Analytics & Insight
Harnessing data to address complex challenges and guide strategic decisions.
- ✓ Big data modeling
- ✓ Visualization tools
- ✓ Predictive analytics
- ✓ Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Access: Members and partners only; requests accepted annually.
Education
Training & Mentorship
Supporting the next generation of scientists through workshops, mentoring, and career development.
- ✓ Workshops
- ✓ Mentorship programs
- ✓ Online courses
- ✓ Internship support
Participants: Students and early career researchers.
Community
Engagement & Outreach
Bringing research to the public through events, collaborations, and accessible resources.
- ✓ Public lectures
- ✓ Science fairs
- ✓ Partnership building
- ✓ Educational materials
Open to all: Accessibility support available.
Our process
Collaborative and inclusive research pathways.
A straightforward approach enables our members to engage with projects beneficial to their goals and communities.
01
Connect
Reach out or get introduced to collaborate with our network of researchers and partners.
02
Engage
Share your research goals and explore ways to work together on shared challenges.
03
Advance
Co-create solutions, publish findings, and strengthen community impact.
Our Impact
Stories of Meaningful Change.
Explore the real-world impact of our collaborative research through videos, case studies, and testimonials from our community.
0
projects completed
Across all working groups
0
research hours contributed
Collaborative across disciplines
0
active members
Guiding informed decisions
0
member satisfaction
Based on regular surveys
Videos of Impact
See Our Work in Action
Case Studies
In-Depth Impact Stories
Discover how our collaborative model turns research into real-world solutions.
Urban Ecology
Greening the City: A Data-Driven Approach
Learn how our network connected ecologists with city planners to develop a new green space initiative, increasing biodiversity and community well-being.
Read the full story →
Public Health
Mapping Health Disparities
A partnership between data scientists and local health workers uncovered critical service gaps, leading to the deployment of two mobile health clinics.
Read the full story →From Our Community
Hear directly from the researchers, partners, and students who make our work possible.
“The Obsidian Group provided the collaborative framework we needed to scale our research. What started as a local project now has national implications.”
Dr. Ananya Sharma
Postdoctoral Fellow, Environmental Science
“As a student, the mentorship program was invaluable. I gained practical skills and a network of professionals who genuinely want to see me succeed.”
Ben Carter
Graduate Student & Mentee
Accountability
Our Commitment to Transparency.
We openly share our finances, goals, and policies to demonstrate our commitment to ethical research and community trust.
Financial overview
Use of funds from the last fiscal year.
Research & programs78%
Community engagement12%
Administration10%
Reports & policies
Stories of Impact
Collaboration in Action.
Read first-hand accounts of how our members leverage The Obsidian Research Group to fuel discovery and create lasting change.
Member story
From Isolation to Impactful Connections.
“Joining the Obsidian Research Group expanded my network and provided the resources needed to push my project forward. I now collaborate with experts across multiple fields and communities.”
Working on urban ecology research, Alex Morgan struggled to access municipal data and connect with city planners. Through our network, Alex partnered with data scientists and local government, leading to an evidence-based green space initiative that is now a model for other cities.
Alex Morgan, Lead Researcher
Name changed for privacy.
Member story
Bridging the Gap Between Lab and Classroom.
“The mentorship program gave me the confidence and tools to translate my complex research into an engaging curriculum for high school students.”
As a postdoctoral fellow in bioinformatics, Dr. Jian Li wanted to make science more accessible. Our Education & Training program paired her with an experienced curriculum developer. Together, they designed a hands-on workshop that has since been adopted by three local high schools, inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Dr. Jian Li, Bioinformatics Fellow
Team story
Data-Driven Solutions for Community Health.
“By combining our datasets and expertise, we identified key factors in public health access that were previously invisible. This is what community-partnered research looks like.”
A team of sociologists, data scientists, and public health workers used our collaborative platform to merge disparate datasets on local health outcomes. Their analysis revealed critical gaps in service. The group helped them present these findings to policymakers, resulting in funding for two new mobile health clinics.
The Civic Data Team
Have a story to share?
Our community's work is our proudest accomplishment. If you've collaborated with us, we'd love to hear about your experience.
Get in Touch
Get involved
Join our community of researchers and supporters.
We welcome volunteers, collaborators, and partners committed to advancing knowledge and societal benefit.
Ways to contribute
♥
Partner & sponsor
Support our mission through funding, partnership, or in-kind contributions.
Get in touch →
Events
Upcoming gatherings
October 12 · 11 AM
Annual Research Symposium
Discussions, poster sessions, and keynote speakers at Main Campus.
Main Campus Auditorium
October 26 · 9 AM
Lab Volunteer Day
Hands-on experience supporting ongoing projects.
Research Center
November 14 · 6 PM
Community Science Night
Public talks and interactive exhibitions.
Science Museum
Volunteer
Join us in accelerating discovery.
Fill out this form to express your interest. Our volunteer coordinator will respond within three business days.
Quick facts
- • Opportunities for ages 16+
- • Hands-on workshops monthly
- • Training and support provided
Give
Power scientific discovery.
Your gift enables groundbreaking research and educational programs that make a difference.
Select gift amount
Choose a preset amount or enter your own gift.