From Mica
The Meta Institute for Computational Astrophysics (MICA) is a professional scientific and educational, non-profit organization based in virtual worlds [VWs] (currently in Second Life [SL], but with an intent to expand its presence in other venues as the VWs evolve). The goals of MICA include:
(1) Exploration, development and promotion of VWs and virtual reality [VR] technologies for professional research in astronomy and related fields.
(2) Providing and developing novel social networking venues and mechanisms for scientific collaboration and communications, including professional meetings, effective telepresence, etc.
(3) Use of VWs and VR technologies for education and public outreach.
(4) Exchange of ideas and joint efforts with other scientific disciplines in promoting these goals for science and scholarship in general.