# Citizens and Technology Lab, Cornell University

> research entity in US

**Wikidata**: [Q66724644](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q66724644)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/citizens-and-technology-lab-cornell-university

## Summary
The Citizens and Technology Lab (CAT Lab), also known as CivilServant, is a research institute and nonprofit organization based in the United States. Founded by J. Nathan Matias in 2019, it operates within the Cornell University Department of Communication to conduct research primarily focused on social science methodology and Wikipedia.

## Key Facts
- **Also Known As:** CivilServant, CAT Lab, citizensandtech.org
- **Founding:** Founded by J. Nathan Matias; established within Cornell University in 2019.
- **Affiliation:** Part of the Cornell University Department of Communication.
- **Location:** United States.
- **Organization Type:** Research institute and nonprofit organization.
- **Primary Websites:** https://citizensandtech.org/ (preferred), https://civilservant.io
- **Research Interests:** Social science methodology and Wikipedia.
- **Wikimedia Commons Category:** CivilServant

## FAQs
### Q: What is the relationship between the Citizens and Technology Lab and Cornell University?
The lab is a research entity that has been part of the Cornell University Department of Communication since 2019.

### Q: Who founded the Citizens and Technology Lab?
The organization was founded by J. Nathan Matias.

### Q: What are the primary research areas of the Citizens and Technology Lab?
The lab focuses on social science methodology and conducts research involving Wikipedia.

### Q: What other names does the Citizens and Technology Lab use?
It is also referred to as CivilServant, CAT Lab, and citizensandtech.org.

## Why It Matters
As a research institute, the Citizens and Technology Lab serves as a dedicated engine of discovery, distinct from standard university departments that must balance teaching obligations. By operating as a nonprofit organization within the Cornell University Department of Communication, it concentrates resources and talent purely on systematic investigation. Specifically, its focus on social science methodology and Wikipedia allows it to address complex questions regarding digital civic life. The lab represents a model where researchers can pursue rigorous inquiry into online communities and technology, free from the commercial pressures typical of corporate research or the policy constraints often found in think tanks.

## Notable For
- **Hybrid Academic Model:** Functions as a research institute and nonprofit organization embedded within a major university communication department.
- **Digital Community Focus:** Specific research interest in Wikipedia, differentiating it from institutes focused solely on physical sciences or policy.
- **Dual Branding:** Operates under the names "Citizens and Technology Lab" (formal/academic) and "CivilServant" (digital/software identity).
- **Exclusive Research Mandate:** Dedicated solely to generating knowledge through social science methodology rather than teaching or advocacy.

## Body
### Identity and Classification
The Citizens and Technology Lab is formally classified as a research institute and a nonprofit organization. As a research institute, its primary purpose is to conduct research, distinguishing it from organizations that may include research as only one of several functions. Unlike scientific societies, which are membership-based, or think tanks, which often focus on policy influence, the lab functions as an operational entity dedicated to hands-on investigation and social science methodology. It is associated with the Wikimedia Commons category "CivilServant" and maintains an image repository on Wikimedia Commons (CivilServants_projects.jpg).

### Affiliation and History
The lab is a part of the Cornell University Department of Communication, a relationship that began in 2019. It was founded by J. Nathan Matias, who serves as a key figure in the organization's research direction. The entity is based in the United States.

### Research Focus
The organization's work is centered on social science methodology. A specific area of interest noted in its structured data is Wikipedia, suggesting a focus on digital communities, online behavior, or the governance of digital platforms. This aligns with its classification as a research institute, which allows for concentrated, systematic investigation into specific domains without the distraction of undergraduate teaching obligations.

### Digital Presence and Resources
The lab maintains a significant digital footprint under two primary aliases: "CivilServant" and "CAT Lab." Its preferred website is https://citizensandtech.org/, with an associated domain at https://civilservant.io/. These online platforms serve as the primary interface for its identity as citizensandtech.org and host its research outputs. The lab is also linked to the broader semantic web through Wikidata and associated academic references.

## References

1. [Source](https://citizensandtech.org/about-cat-lab/)
2. [Source](https://civilservant.io/)
3. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q23919)