Join Rakiura: a technical community working on real astrophysics research alongside real scientists.

What is a community research project? A community research project is a real, open strand of a lab's research — the kind of problem that would otherwise sit on a scientist or postdoc's desk alone. You join the Rakiura community and work alongside the lab on live questions, mentored by the researchers who own the work.

How it works Entry is by conversation, not a form — every candidate talks with the lab before joining. No academic affiliation or formal position is required; what matters is that you can do the work. Browse the projects below and use the Join button to tell the lab about your background and what draws you to the project.

What to expect The community research program is a paid membership — $1,000/year — priced to sustain real mentorship time on both sides. Partner-lab students get access at no cost. Projects are collaborative and self-directed: the lab points you at tools, data, and people, and you bring the steady time and rigor the work needs.