Science Guidelines

Table of Contents

Section I > Introduction

The Scientific Department is the cornerstone of the Foundation and holds the responsibility of studying and classifying all anomalous entities contained within the Paragon Research Institute. Moreover, the research executed by the department is implemented to establish containment protocols for these anomalies. Comprising of the finest researchers from all over the globe, the Scientific Department is a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Section II > Chain of Command

Central Command

Research Director > Security Clearance 4 | Limit 1

The Research Director is responsible for all Scientific Department operations and is the executive lead of all administrative functions. They are also the primary representative liaison to Senior Foundation Command.

Deputy Research Director > Security Clearance 4 | Limit 1

The Deputy Research Director's role is to support and work with the Research Director to ensure effective oversight and leadership of the department. They assist in creating the department's large-scale plans, manage its functions, and step in for the Research Director when needed. Furthermore, the Deputy Research Director serves as an additional liaison to Senior Foundation Command. 

High Command

Research Manager > Security Clearance 3 | Limit 4 

Research Managers have several responsibilities such as maintaining and expanding the department, suggesting significant legislative changes, and executing those changes. Their primary role is to supervise the rest of the administration and guarantee that the department's daily operations run smoothly. Moreover, they act as representatives to Foundation Command. 

Medium Command

Research Supervisor > Security Clearance 2 | Limit 8 

Research Supervisors are members of the Scientific Department Command. They have demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication to the department and have achieved success in their previous positions. As part of their role, they are also considered the primary administrative board of the department. They have the authority to vote and propose legislation and are responsible for delegating tasks assigned by their superiors.

Junior Command

Lead Researcher > Security Clearance 2 | Limit 20

Lead Researchers are the most prominent members of the Scientific Department Command. They are considered role models for other department members. At this stage of their career, their responsibilities shift from conducting experiments to leading projects, organizing departmental events, and more.

Research Staff

Senior Researcher > Security Clearance 1

Senior Researchers are highly experienced members of the Scientific Department. Due to their extensive knowledge and their valuable contribution to the department, they are authorized to perform testing and cross-testing on any SCPs that are publicly accessible and are responsible for Initial testing. They are also allowed to conduct mass tests on all SCPs. (Must be requested in #special-test-request)

To progress to the next rank, Senior Researchers will need to: 

• Co-host 3 Student Seminars

• Lead 2 Research assignments or Research Projects

• Be a member of the department for 4 weeks

• Have no moderate or severe infractions on record

• Complete the Scientific Command Academy

• Purchased: "Lead Researcher" (140 Research Points)

Researcher > Security Clearance 1 

Researchers are personnel who have a moderate amount of experience in the Scientific Department and are responsible for learning about the Anomalies held on-site. As a result, they can test on: all non-esoteric SCPs and SCP-343. Which means that Researchers may also be able to conduct tests in the HCZ. Due to their level of expertise, they can request ethical waivers for CR and MCZ SCPs and conduct mass tests on Safe SCPs. (Must be requested in #special-test-request)

To progress to the next rank, Researchers will need to: 

• Co-host a Student Seminar

• Co-host a Group or Mock Test

• Been in the department for 14 days

• Been in the Researcher position for 5 days

• Purchased: "Senior Researcher" (100 Research Points)

• Pass the Senior Researcher Exam (80%)

Junior Researcher > Security Clearance 1 

Junior Researchers are personnel who have gained experience in the Scientific Department and are now ready to conduct testing on moderate-risk SCPs with fewer restrictions. Said SCPs are all Safe SCPs, some Euclid SCPs, and SCP-343.

To progress to the next rank, Junior Researchers will need to: 

• Attended 2 lectures

• Attended 3 Mock/Group tests

• Been in the department for at least 7 days

• Purchased: "Researcher" (70 Research Points)

Research Intern > Security Clearance 1  

Research Interns are personnel who recently graduated from the academic program. As part of their position, they are allowed to conduct basic tests on Safe SCPs within the Clean Rooms. Additionally, they are permitted to spectate tests that are carried out in the Medium Containment Zone.

To progress to the next rank, Research Interns will need to: 

• • Attend 2 Lectures

  • Attend 2 Mock or Group tests

  • Purchased: "Junior Researcher" (50 Research Points)

Research Student > Security Clearance 0 

This position is an entry-level position that personnel must go through an academic program. During this program, participants will attend various events and must pass a final exam to complete the program.

To progress to the next rank, Research Students will need to: 

• • Attend a Student Seminar

  • Attend a Group Test

  • Pass the Final Exam (70%)

Section III > Resignation Act

If you resign or are removed from the department, your past actions will not be considered for future promotional requirements or any other systems that rely on personal accomplishments in case you decide to return to the department. Additionally, if your name is mentioned on the Science Hub, either on a specific SCP page or on the Notable Discoveries page, your name will not be removed from the Science Hub, unless you are burn noticed or you specifically request us to do so.

Section IV > Testing Regulations

When testing at Paragon Research Institute, you must follow the regulations listed in this section. This section will also cover all basic information about testing, for a detailed explanation on how to test head to Conducting an Experiment

• You may only test on a maximum of 3 SCPs at a time

• All tests must have a combative escort

• You can only host tests that involve Class-D personnel when the site is stable

• When the site is unstable, you may on host tests that do not involve Class-Ds

  • • You may only conduct tests on SL-4 when the site is unstable

    • You may only conduct low risk tests when the site is unstable

    • Your test may only require a maximum of 2 combatives when the site is unstable

• You may test during a Rise but the following regulations must be followed while testing during a Rise

  • • There may only be 1 test at a time during a Rise

    • Tests during a Rise may only have a maximum of 3 Class-Ds

• You are not required to submit a test log when you complete a test, but no rewards will be given for the test if it is not logged

• You are permitted to repeat previous test questions, you are not required to create a unique test question for every test

Section 4.1 > Specialist Testing

Team Tests

A team test is any test that has more than one test host. Team Testing is similar to a standard test, the only difference is that you work together with a group of up to 4 people to complete the test. 

• Team tests may only have up to 4 test hosts

• Team tests will use the highest ranking Researcher's testing clearance

• Team tests must be ethical unless an ethics waiver is in place

• All members of the team test must contribute to the test report

• All members of the team test will be rewarded point for the report

Mass Tests

A mass test is a test that requires significantly more CDs than the limit allows. Mass tests must be approved in #special-test-requests and the following regulations must be followed at all times:

• Only Senior Researcher+ may conduct mass tests.

• All mass tests must be approved by a Research Manager+

• Mass tests must be ethical unless an ethics waiver is in place

• Research Managers+ do not require approval for mass tests

Initial Testing

Initial testing is the period of time when an anomaly is first delivered to the site. During this period, the Scientific Department is responsible for finding out all basic information about the anomaly and deciding the anomalies containment, risk and disruption classes. All regulations associated with initial testing for base-ScD can be found below:

• An assignment for initial testing will be posted in the ScD server by ScD High Command within 24 hours of the SCP's release.

• For the first 3-4 days the SCP will be restricted to Senior Researcher+ and SRT Personnel, the SCP will be opened to additional personnel after this period has ended. 

  • • The rank that can test on the SCP after this period has ended will be based on the information gathered by the Senior Researchers and SRT.

• Initial testing should not last longer than 1 week, if the initial testing period lasts for longer than this the SCP will be Classified as Euclid and opened to all Researcher+

• SRT Command may host Group Tests to allow lower ranking ScD personnel to participate in initial testing.

• All Group Tests hosted by SRT Command should be logged in #event-logs in the ScD server and the SRT logging channels.

• Additional regulations regarding initial testing can be found in the SRT Guidelines 

Termination Attempts

Termination attempts are any test that may result in the termination of an SCP. Termination attempts may only be conducted if the following requirements are met:

• Termination attempts must have approval from the Research Director/Overseer and Actor Director

• Only Senior Researchers+ may conduct termination attempts

• Termination attempts must be requested in #special-test-requests

• Termination attempt do not require EC approval

Ethical Waivers

If you want to conduct an unethical test, you can do so by going to #special-test-requests and requesting an testing waiver or a misc waiver, you are required to follow all guidelines listed on the channel when requesting a waiver and conducting a test.

• Research Students and Interns may not request for Testing or Misc waivers

• JR+ may request for waivers involving Safe SCPs and Misc Waivers

• Researchers+ may request for waivers involving Euclid SCPs

• Senior Researchers+ may request for waivers involving Keter and Esoteric SCPs

Section 4.2 > Additional Research Methods

Research Projects 

Projects are to be conducted through a series of team tests. Projects are a long-term test or a research topic that would require multiple tests to complete, the project thread should be used to share information to other project personnel and to discuss test results. Overall, the main point of the project is to discover something. Contrary to the usual ScD testing, the final product of project testing is the most important part of it. 

• Anyone holding the Research Intern or above may start a Research Project

• Research Projects will use the project lead's testing clearance

  • If you are testing on an SCP that is above your clearance as part of a project, you must have someone with the correct clearance present at the test, this is to avoid confusion for combatives/escorts.

• You may choose between a private or public project. In private projects only people you invite may take part, but in a public project anyone may join.

• Projects must be ethical unless an ethics waiver is in place.

• If a project is left inactive for more than 1 week it will be removed. (Projects may be put on-hold if the situation requires it)  

Section V > Interview Regulations

Interviews are another form of experiment conduct by the Scientific Department. Interviews are intended to gather information on an anomaly or Lore Character's past or current thoughts about the Foundation, or any other useful topics. The following regulations must be followed at all times when conducting an interview

• Interviews within an SCP's containment chamber require the combative unit responsible for the SCP to be present during the interview

• Interviews with a free-roaming SCP (any SCP you find wandering the site) do not require a combative escort

• When interview a free-roaming SCP, try to move to a quieter location on-site, such as Westwood, ScD Meeting room, SL-4 Cafeteria, or any other low-traffic area

• Interviews require you to have the testing clearance for the SCP you are interviewing

• Any Research Intern or above may interview Lore Characters

Section VI > Discoveries

If you feel that you have discovered something for the first time you can submit it in ⁠discovery-submission. Any rank can submit a submission as long as they feel as if it was a first time discovery. There are two types of discoveries. 

• SCP Discoveries: These are discoveries made from SCPs. All ScD can make a SCP discovery. If you make a discovery about an SCP it will be put on there file on the ScD Website. If a discovery is very noteworthy it can be added to the ScD Notable Discoveries page. 

• Chemical Discoveries: If you have made a new type of chemical using the ScD lab. Depending on the amount steps it took you to get to the chemical you will be given a larger reward. Please refer to the chemical page on the ScD website for more info about Chemical Discoveries.

• Lore Discoveries: Discoveries from learning something new about a Lore Character or about an Interest Group. These can also be about an anomaly.

The discovery programme aims to incentivise more creative and interesting tests, researchers can earn extra points from making discoveries during their tests. The amount of points can vary per the importance of the discovery, for example finding the origin of a SCP would be deemed more important than finding how fast 173 can move.

• When you submit a discovery a Lead Researcher+ will review your submission and determine if it has been found already, a bug, or just not a discovery in general. 

• After your submission has been reviewed by command, it will be moved to #pending-discoveries, where another Researcher will replicate your test and try to replicate your discovery.

• If the 2nd Researcher gets the same result as your original submission, your discovery will be moved to #verified-discoveries and your original submission will be graded.

Grading Rubric

Discoveries are classified using a letter system, the letter is decided by the significance of the discovery, for example discovering where an SCP originated from would be more important than finding how fast SCP-173 can move.

Bonus Points:

A - 15

B - 10

C - 5

F - 0

F will only be given if the discovery can already be found on the science hub.

Section VII > Department Events

Scientific Command has developed several events to increase engagement within the Scientific Department. These events aim to achieve two objectives: to provide members of ScD with relevant information on SCPs or ScD duties, and to have fun through game nights and movie nights. Members of Scientific Command can host any of the events listed below. 

Student Seminar

A Student Seminar is an event organized by Lead Researchers+ and attended by Research Students. Student Seminars are considered a "Recruitment Event," and previous attendees don't need to attend again. Researchers or Senior Researchers may co-host these events to enhance their knowledge and fulfill their promotional requirements. The basic Student Seminar will comprise a tour of the facility, including the Cleanrooms, followed by a brief review of the Science Guidelines and Scientific Hub. During this event, attendees are encouraged to ask any questions they may have.

Department Lecture

Lectures are events organized by Lead Researchers+ and can be attended by all Foundation personnel. The basic lecture focuses on any known anomaly, not limited to those contained at Paragon. The topics covered in this lecture include Special Containment Procedures, ACS Containment Class, and a description of an anomaly. Any SCP may be used and shown on stage for the public. Scientific Department personnel attending these events will receive five Research Points. Lectures can be announced in the main Paragon server, alongside the ScD server.

Lab Certification

Lab Certifications are to be hosted by Lead Researcher+ and can be attended by all ScD personnel. The certification will  cover all aspects of chemical research and the laboratory equipment. The host will explain how to gather samples,  the different laboratory equipment,  and how to use the equipment. Completing a lab certification is required to enter and utilise the laboratory. All Research Interns and above may attend lab certifications.

Group Testing

A Group Test is an event hosted by a Lead Researcher+ on the public server, where members of ScD come together to conduct a test. The host of the event is responsible for the test, and any SCP can be tested as long as it falls under the host's clearance level. Attendees of the event can propose test questions and hypotheses. While test reports are recommended, they are not mandatory. If submitted, they can earn points and a grade.

Mock Testing

A Mock Test is an event hosted by a Lead Researcher+ where Class-D, combative personnel, and scientists participate in a standard test. However, instead of using actual personnel, attendees, hosts, and co-hosts fulfill the required roles. Each participant will play a specific role in "Mocking" a normal test, hence the name "Mock Test". Although test reports are recommended, they are not mandatory. You can submit them for points and a grade. Additionally, note that these Mock Tests may not involve any sentient SCPs compared to a normal test.

Section VIII > Department Duties

Research Staff Duties:

Research Intern - Researcher

• Anomaly Research - Anomaly Research is the Scientific Department's primary duty, this duty covers testing and interviewing the anomalies contained at Paragon Research Institute. More information on testing can be found in the Testing Guidelines.

Senior Research Staff Duties:

Senior Researcher+

• Leading Research Projects - 

• Leading Assignments - 

Section IX > Research Points & Rewards

Research Points are the Scientific Department's primary currency, and can be used to purchase promotions or rewards. The section will cover how to obtain research points, and what you can purchase with the points.

Section 6.1 > Obtaining Research Points

Section X > Specialist Programme

The Specialist designation is given to researchers who have demonstrated an extensive knowledge of a particular subject matter. There are five qualifications available for this designation: Safe, Euclid, Keter, Esoteric, & Chemical. The requirements for obtaining the Specialist designation in each containment class(or the ScD Lab) may vary, but they are generally very similar. A list of the specific requirements for obtaining the Specialist designation in each containment class(or chemical) can be found below:

Safe Specialist

• Attend 5 Safe Class SCP lectures

Due to the large amount of safe SCPs, you are only required to attend a lecture for 5 SCPs for Safe Class.

• Conduct 10 B+ test/interviews

Euclid Specialist

• Attend all Euclid Class SCP lectures

• Conduct 5 B+ tests/interviews

Keter Specialist

• Attend all Keter Class SCP lectures

• Conduct 3 B+ tests/interviews

Esoteric Specialist

• Attend all Esoteric Class SCP lectures

• Conduct 2 B+ tests/interviews

Chemical Specialist

• Conduct 5 B+ tests

• Record yourself making a chemical that takes 3 steps to make. Send the video in #request-hub.

Once you have met the requirements mentioned above, you can request to become a Specialist by using the pinned format in the #requirements-logs channel.

Becoming a Specialist will provide you with the following perks:

• A special role in the ScD server

• The ability to test/cross-test on all SCPs in that class (this doesn't void supervision)

• A 25% increase in research points for tests on SCPs in their specialised class

• The ability to convert RP to Credit, using the ratio: 10:1

• The ability to host ScD assignments (once a week) related to their field of expertise.

Becoming an Expert will provide you with the following perks:

• A special role in the ScD Server

• The ability to test/cross-test on all SCPs

• The ability to do reward tests without supervision such as, increased SCP limit, Mass Test and a SCP-131-GRY test. (You still have to request the reward)

• The ability to test without supervision during initial testing

• A 40% increase in research points from all sources

• All other perks from being a Specialist

Please note that these benefits are subject to change. If you have any suggestions on how to improve or change these benefits, please feel free to share your ideas in the #suggestions channel.

Expert Role

A role reserved for any Specialist that went out of their way to get specialised in the entirety of the Specialist Program. Those that currently hold this role are extremely dedicated. Currently, the requirements to earn this role are the following:

• Must be a specialist in 3 out of the 5 categories

• Pass the Expert Exam

• Make a ground-breaking discovery in any field(one that is website-worthy)

• ScD Command must approve of you becoming an Expert

Section XII > Researcher of the Month

Every month, one non-command member and one command member will be nominated for the title of Researcher of the Month. The selection will be based on their activity both on-site and on the ScD server. Board of Research members will be responsible for choosing the Researcher of the Month. To be eligible for this nomination, a user needs to have hosted at least five tests in the last month.

Researcher of the Month Includes:

• 150 Robux Reward

• 35 Reward Credits

• Special Discord role for exactly one month.

• Stands out separately from other non-command members in the ScD Discord

• Host 1 unethical test on any SCP (needs to be approved by Director first)

• Become a member of Anomalous Absurduties for 2 weeks

  • Becoming a member of AnAb will let you help Professor Quibblestein with his tests and activities, should he see you on site.