WCKD, short for World Catastrophe Killzone Department, is a fictional organization in the Maze Runner series created by author James Dashner. It is portrayed as a scientific group that conducts experiments on young people to find a cure for a deadly virus known as the Flare. WCKD believes that extreme conditions can lead to breakthroughs in finding a solution. The organization is often depicted as morally ambiguous, as its methods involve significant ethical dilemmas. WCKD's actions lead to conflict with the main characters, including Thomas and his friends, who struggle against the organization's control and seek to uncover the truth behind its experiments.