Research and Exploration

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Research and Exploration operates and administers Star Fleet's scientific mission of exploration, research, and charting by supporting scientific investigations at ground sites and starships, at key facilities spread throughout the Federation and clandestinely (such as under Prime Directive conditions). While the component does not operate any facilities or starships, it does provide the expertise to make use of those assets, leveraging the tremendous scientific capacity of Star Fleet's corps of officers, as well as civilian experts from both within and without the Federation.

The Chief of Research and Exploration is an Admiral, while the Deputy Chief of Research and Exploration is a Vice Admiral.

Chief of Research and Exploration (Echelon II)

Deputy Chief of Research and Exploration

Office of Research (Echelon III)

Office of Exploration (Echelon III)

Office of Cartography (Echelon III)

Division of Physical Sciences

Division of Astronomical Exploration

Division of Cosmological Cartography

Division of Life Sciences

Division of Planetary Exploration

Division of Astronomical Cartography

Division of Social Sciences

Division of Planetary Cartography

Division of Applied Sciences

• Office of Research: The OoR is focused on expanding Star Fleet and the Federation's base of knowledge through the various branches of science, using both pure and applied methodologies. The office is divided into four divisions, which then oversee multiple branches that focus on a particular and specific area of research. The commanding officer of the office is a Vice Admiral, while those of the four divisions are Rear Admirals. The heads of the branches are led by senior Star Fleet officers or highly-reputable civilians, either holding relevant degrees within the area of attention. (For a more complete listing of branches of sciences, see Sciences.)
  • Division of Physical Sciences: Physical science is an aspect of natural science that studies non-living systems, such as a chemistry, physics, planetary and space sciences.
  • Division of Life Sciences: The life sciences comprise the branches of science that involve the scientific study of organisms – such as microorganisms, plants, and animals including human beings – as well as related considerations like bioethics.
  • Division of Social Sciences: Social sciences are concerned with societies and the relationships among individuals within a society, with branches that cover anthropology, archaeology, demography, economics, history, human geography, jurisprudence, linguistics, management, political science, culture, psychology, and sociology.
  • Division of Applied Sciences: Applied science is a discipline of science that applies existing scientific knowledge to develop more practical applications, like technology or inventions, with the intent to achieve a particular practical or useful result.
• Office of Exploration: The OoE handles the prioritization of Star Fleet's assets on the subject of exploring the sectors both in and out if the Federation's borders. It is comprised of two divisions, each commanded by a Rear Admiral. The commanding officer of the office is a Vice Admiral.
  • Division of Astronomical Exploration: This division focuses on getting Star Fleet to visit and study the various astronomical features of the galaxy, such as nebulas, black holes, plasma fields, and other assorted physical features, both natural and otherwise.
  • Division of Planetary Exploration: The DPE handles the later-stage sciences of sector surveys - the study of the planetary bodies orbiting (and sometimes free of) the stars. Orbital scans and assigned surveys by landing parties are within the purview of this division.
• Office of Cartography: The Office of Cartography prioritizes Star Fleet's missions of charting and compiles the data into useful databases and products for use by the fleet, the Federation, and any other interested parties. The commanding officer of the office is a Vice Admiral, while each of the three divisions are commanded by Rear Admirals.
  • Division of Cosmological Cartography: This division uses any dedicated assets, and any other source obtained, to better understand the universe outside the galaxy.
  • Division of Astronomical Cartography: Astro-Cartography focuses on establishing knowledge of and charting safe navigation passages around the various features of the galaxy.
  • Division of Planetary Cartography: This division is focused on charting planetary bodies via in-depth surveys of every such object typically found orbiting the galaxy's stars.

The Chief of Research and Exploration is a PC and handles the budget decisions for his component. He also handles the responsibilities of the three offices: Research, Exploration and Cartography.
The Deputy Chief of Support Operations, as well as the commanding officers of the offices and divisions, is a named NPC.