Crucible:The Nova Institute
Founded by Dr. Nathaniel Nova , the Nova Institute, based in Denver, Colorado, is one of the largest private research institutions in the world. Cutting-edge research is done in biosciences, social sciences, and the latest fields of technology. The Nova Institute has also been associated for a long time with superpowered individuals, and leads research into the sources and methods behind superhuman powers. Over the years, research and operations staff at the Institute have included Duncan Black, Patrick Black, Michael Sargon, Lawrence Sternhagen, and Justin Blaylock.
The Institute makes yearly awards of the prestigious Nova Prizes for Scientific Achievement. Past winners include Dr. Charles Dayton , for his work on computational techtronics.
Recently, the Institute has received bad press for its controversial program to enhance animal intelligence. Monk McGurk, Zydeco Jones, and Mr. Whiskers were all subjects of this program, but are now free and independent of the Institute.