Researchers And Creators
10k Science gives scientists and educators a way to communicate real research through immersive 3D experiences for web and VR. Dynamoid works with researchers, learning designers, and educators to turn scientific data, models, mechanisms, and field observations into visual experiences that learners can explore.
The goal is access and amplification: researchers bring scientific expertise and data, while Dynamoid provides tools, design support, and production workflows that can help translate complex research into spatial, memorable learning experiences.
Creator History
Dynamoid’s creator work grew out of a long-running interest in helping people move through science at different scales. The earlier Powers of Minus Ten app introduced learners to scientifically accurate 3D worlds at microscopic and human scales. That work led Dynamoid toward automated ways of importing and visualizing scientific datasets, which became the foundation for 10k Science.
In 2019, Dynamoid partnered with the Innovative Genomics Institute and the Lawrence Hall of Science to create a VR and planetarium experience about CRISPR and sickle cell disease. The public CRISPR-VR project page describes the experience as an immersive simulation informed by real data, structures, and scientific evidence.
That CRISPR work helped establish the model behind 10k Science: start from real science, build an immersive visualization, then adapt it for learning with educators and curriculum specialists.
Researcher Bootcamps
Dynamoid uses researcher bootcamps as a structured way to help scientists turn their own data into immersive 3D visualizations. The bootcamps are professional development experiences for researchers who want to communicate complex scientific data through VR and interactive 3D.
In June and July 2022, Dynamoid ran two two-week bootcamps for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Participants worked with 10k Creator workflows, science communication guidance, and expert feedback to explore how their research could become a visual experience.
The bootcamp program has continued beyond those first sessions. 10k Science materials describe later VR Science Communication Bootcamps, including a February 2025 bootcamp where four scientists used the 10k Science Creator Platform to build immersive experiences from their datasets. The current VR Science Communication Bootcamp page invites scientists and researchers with complex datasets to apply for upcoming bootcamp sessions.
The bootcamp process included:
- Identifying research data, structures, images, or models that could benefit from spatial visualization
- Importing scientific datasets into 10k Creator workflows
- Building explorable environments around the data
- Shaping the visualization around a clear science communication goal
- Receiving feedback from scientists, educators, designers, and communication experts
- Selecting strong visualizations for further development into educational 10k Science experiences
This process is collaborative. Researchers contribute domain knowledge and scientific context; Dynamoid contributes visualization tools, production support, interaction design, and adaptation for web and VR. When a visualization is adapted for classroom use, learning designers and educators help shape the storyline, learning goals, student prompts, and standards alignment.
Types Of Science Visualized
Bootcamp participants and collaborators have explored a wide range of science areas, including:
- CRISPR, genome editing, and sickle cell disease
- Neurotoxin-based approaches to non-opioid pain relief
- Virus-induced inflammation
- Insect micro-anatomy and plant pathogens
- Lung cancer genomics
- Neural imaging of mice
- Geological research using volume data
- Wildfire smoke, PM2.5 exposure, and air quality
- Air pollution sources and environmental health
- Dam failure modeling and geotechnical engineering
- Structural biology, ribosomes, and engineered polymers
- Molecular structures, cells, tissues, organisms, and environmental systems
These examples show the range of scientific content that can become immersive: molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, biomedical research, environmental biology, air quality, public health, structural biology, imaging, geology, geotechnical engineering, and applied science.
From Research Visualization To Learning Experience
A researcher-created visualization can become the starting point for a full 10k Science experience. Dynamoid and its collaborators adapt selected visualizations by adding context, story structure, navigation, prompts, supporting media, and classroom-facing learning design.
Examples include:
- CRISPR & Sickle Cell: learners explore sickle cell disease and a potential CRISPR-based treatment by moving between the human body, blood cells, stem cells, the nucleus, and molecular structures.
- Trouble in Sunshine Creek: learners investigate a vineyard affected by invasive glassy-winged sharpshooters, the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, and the spread of disease through grapevines.
- Pain & Painkillers: learners explore pain signaling and non-opioid pain relief research connected to modified neurotoxins from tarantulas.
In this model, the scientific visualization is not treated as a standalone demo. It becomes part of a learning experience that can support inquiry, systems thinking, and connections across scales.
Applications For Researchers
Researchers can use 10k Science-style experiences to:
- Communicate complex scientific systems to broader audiences
- Share data and discoveries in more spatial, memorable ways
- Support public engagement, teaching, and professional communication
- Create educational materials around their research area
- Collaborate with educators and learning designers
- Help students understand how scientific data connects to real research questions
Current creator opportunities, collaboration models, and product access may change over time. Researchers and educators interested in collaboration can contact Dynamoid through the 10k Science website.