Rewriting the Rules of Research.

Welcome to OpenLab, a multidisciplinary research initiative housed at Stanford University.

About

Intro

At OpenLab, we push the boundaries of academic inquiry by embracing unconventional thinking. Our work explores the edges of technology, freedom, art, and society, guided by the belief that science and innovation should empower individuals—not just serve institutions or profit motives. Yet beneath this rule-breaking mindset lies a foundation of deep academic rigor. As part of Stanford University, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of scholarship, ensuring that our disruptive ideas have real impact and lasting value.

Mission

Fundamentally, OpenLab is an experiment: an academic effort designed to defy academic norms; a cultural workshop with countercultural leanings; a moonshot factory for unorthodox ideas. Our mission is to catalyze groundbreaking innovations by uniting radically diverse disciplines, fostering creative risk-taking, and building technologies that challenge injustice—all while upholding a commitment to thoughtful, high-quality research.

Get Involved

  • We host weekly research meetings that cover a wide variety of topics. We frequently invite external speakers to share their work or other niche passions—imagine something in the vein of academic TED talks

  • OpenLab routinely collaborates with industry, academia, governments, nonprofits, and individual stakeholders. If you're interested in working with us, please feel free to reach out to Reuben: ryoungbl@stanford.edu

  • OpenLab hosts three annual events: an interdisciplinary summit in the fall, a digital governance conference in the winter, and a research showcase in the spring. Please join our mailing list to stay up to date on news and upcoming events.

  • Interested in supporting our work? Individuals can make donations directly to OpenLab; larger entities can visit stanfordopenlab.org/members or contact Reuben at: ryoungbl@stanford.edu