Daystrom Institute

The Daystrom Institute was founded in the 23rd century and named by Dr. Richard Daystrom, the inventor of the duotronic computer who later performed research in artificial sentience, which led him to create the failed multitronic computer. It remains both one of the premier scientific organizations in the Federation, and is also an organization that is loosely connected to Starfleet, and particularly to Starfleet’s sciences division. It is in the unusual position of being both a department of Starfleet that Starfleet personnel can transfer to and from, and a partially independent organization that also employs civilian scientists and researchers who have no connection to Starfleet. As a result, it is one of the few organizations where Starfleet and civilian personnel regularly work side by side as colleagues. In this organization, Starfleet personnel remain bound by Starfleet rules and regulations, while civilians are governed by Federation law and the rules governing the Daystrom Institute as a whole.

In addition to sponsoring a multitude of science outposts, the Daystrom Institute administers several universities, including the well-regarded Daystrom Institute of Technology. It also regularly sends both civilian and Starfleet members to investigate unusual scientific phenomena all across explored space. One of the unusual features of the Daystrom Institute is the breadth of its expertise. While it is most famous for its work with cybernetics and artificial intelligence, it also employs researchers with specialties ranging from theoretical physics to archaeology. A separate division oversees each field of study, with most divisions being governed by a separate council, like the Daystrom Institute Archaeological Council. These councils draft and enforce rules for institute members pursuing a field of study, and often serve as the primary means of oversight and review for members of the Daystrom Institute who are not Starfleet personnel. Some Starfleet personnel who are members have spent most of their service either working as academics at a large research facility or stationed at remote and isolated research bases. These individuals may have considerable difficulty adjusting to life as a crew member living and working in the carefully regulated environment of a Starfleet starship or starbase.

Disclaimer Notice

• Daystrom institute Logo used with permission of Gazomg Art - granted Nov 24, 2016
• Information Source: Star Trek: Adventures, Science Division Rulebook