Research and Exploration

• Back to Star Fleet Organization

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 generally unnamed, but may be 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 Research (Vice Admiral, NPC)
  • Office of Exploration (Vice Admiral, NPC)
    • Division of Astronomical Science (Rear Admiral, NPC)
    • Division of Planetary Science (Rear Admiral, NPC)
    • Division of Research Science (Rear Admiral, NPC)
  • Office of Cartography (Vice Admiral, NPC)

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.