Science Handbook

The Scientific Department, more commonly referred to as ScD, is the Foundation's primary body for the studying and classifying of all anomalous entities. In an environment with unique and potentially dangerous anomalies, the duties that the Scientific Department conducts are vital and as such, Scientific personnel are expected to uphold a certain level of professional competence.

The Scientific Handbook is a direct guide of the department's responsibilities to the Foundation, showing current and future Scientific Department members how they will be expected to act and how to perform their duties.

Any inquiries or concerns with procedures should be directed to a member of the Scientific Department's Command Team.

The Code of Conduct outlines the expectations of all Scientific Staff. All expectations apply both on-site and any official Scientific Department Discord servers. 

Research Staff (Assistant Researcher+):

• Anomaly Research: Anomaly Research is the Scientific Department's primary duty, covering testing and interviewing the anomalies contained at Paragon Research Institute; more information on testing can be found in the Testing Handbook.

• Chemical Research: Chemical Research covers creating, experimenting with, and discovering chemicals in the Foundation; information on chemicals can be found in the Chemical Handbook.

• Lore Research: Lore Research covers researching and interviewing 

Senior Research Staff (Senior Researcher+):

• Leading Research Projects: Senior Researchers are allowed to create research projects; projects are a way to organize efforts to finding out more information on a specific topic. For more information, refer to the Testing Handbook.

• Leading Assignments: Senior Researchers are encouraged to take a leading role in any assignment that Board of Research members create.

Research Student | Security Class-0

Research Students are newly introduced members of the Scientific Department who go through an academic program to gain an understanding of the basics. To progress to the next rank, Research Students must:

• Attend a Student Seminar;

• Attend a Group Test; and

• Pass the Final Exam with a 70%.

Assistant Researcher | Security Class-1

Assistant Researchers are former Research Students who have since then successfully passed the academic program. They are trusted with more duties, and gain more privileges in the department, such as the ability to conduct tests on Safe and Euclid-classed anomalies. To progress to the next rank, Assistant Researchers must:

• Conduct three passed T1 tests or one B+ T2/3 test;

• Attend two mock/group tests; and

• Purchased: "Junior Researcher" (50 research points)

Junior Researcher | Security Class-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. To progress to the next rank, Junior Researchers must:

• Conduct two B+ T2/3 tests;

• Attend 3 mock/group tests;

• Been in the department for at least seven days; and

• Purchased: "Researcher" (70 research points).

Researcher | Security Class-1

Researchers are personnel who have moderate amount of experience in the Scientific Department. As a result, Researchers can conduct tests up to the Heavy Containment Zone. Additionally, Researchers can request ethical waivers for anomalies in the Cleanrooms and Medium Containment Zone. To progress to the next rank, Researchers must:

• Co-host a Student Seminar;

• Co-host a Group or Mock Test;

• Been in the department for fourteen days;

• Been in the Researcher position for five days;

• Purchased: "Senior Researcher" (100 research points); and

• Pass the Senior Researcher Exam (80%).

Senior Researcher | Security Class-1

Senior Researchers are highly experienced members of the Scientific Department. Due to their extensive knowledge, Senior Researchers can perform testing and cross-testing on any anomalies and are responsible for initial testing. Additionally, Senior Researchers can conduct mass tests on all anomalies. To progress to the next rank, Senior Researchers must:

• Co-host three Student Seminars;

• Lead two Research assignments or Research Projects;

• Be a member of the department for four weeks;

• Have no moderate or severe infractions on record;

• Complete the Scientific Command Academy; and

• Purchased: "Research Instructor" (140 research points).

Research Instructor | Security Class-2 (Limit: 20)

Research Instructors are considered Junior Command and role models for other department members. At this stage of their career, their responsibilities shift to leading projects, organizing departmental events, and more.

Research Supervisor | Security Class-2 (Limit: 8)

Research Supervisors are considered Medium Command and demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication to the department. As part of their role, they are also considered the primary administrative board of the department. Research Supervisors have the authority to vote and propose legislation, along with delegating tasks assigned by their superiors.

Board of Research | Security Class-3 (Limit: 4)

Board of Research members are considered High Command and have several responsibilities such as maintaining and expanding the department, suggesting significant legislative changes, and executing tasks given by the Research Director. 

Research Director | Security Class-4 (Limit: 1)

The Research Director is responsible for all Scientific Department operations and is the executive lead of all administrative functions.

The Scientific Department examines Scientific Command hosts several department events to help new department members learn the basics of procedures and duties. 

Exams are given to Research Students and Researchers to determine whether they are ready for Junior Researcher and Senior Researcher respectively. 

Both exams can be found within the Resources channel in the ScD Discord server. In order for your exam to be counted, you must complete all prior requirements, which can be found above.

Student Seminar

Student Seminars serves to prepare new Research Students by covering all the expectations and duties of the Scientific Department, as well as an overview of the facility and testing procedures. 

Department Lecture

Research Instructors host lectures to teach department members about specific anomalies. The goal of lectures is to give detailed knowledge about an anomaly: its classification, containment, and properties. The host may also show the anomaly's containment area and explain how it's secured, demonstrating the care and precision needed for its containment. 

Lab Certification

Research Instructors host lab certifications to teach Assistant Researchers and above on how to use lab equipment, handle chemicals, and follow lab regulations. During the training, the host will explain how each piece of equipment works and how to safely manage chemicals. People with a Lab Certification may access the lab and use the equipment at any moment. 

Test Showcase

Research Instructors host test showcase to introduce Foundation Personnel who are interested in joining the Scientific Department on how tests are conducted. During the event, the host will perform a test: showing the procedure on conducting tests, following regulations, and maintaining professionalism. Scientific Department members attending must not interrupt the demonstration.

Mock Tests

Research Instructors host mock tests on private servers to teach participants on how to plan and run tests, understand test procedures, and follow regulations. Mock tests go through the entire testing process from requesting anomalies, working with Class-D personnel, and handling other tasks during tests. 

Group Testing

Research Instructors host group tests on public servers to teach participants on how to properly test anomalies on-site. Group tests are essential for helping Scientific Staff gain the knowledge and skills needed to conduct safe and effective tests. The host has full control of the event, meaning that participants must follow their directions. 

Scientific Summits

Scientific Summits are hosted monthly. These events will outline the plans of the Scientific Department Command Team for the next month, what was accomplished the previous month, and any major milestones that may have occurred. Awards will be given out to those that deserve them, and a mass test with all of the attendees will be held at the end of the event.

The Research Point system is a way for Scientific Department members to be reimbursed for their work within the department. To redeem a reward, please use the #requests-hub channel.

The Scientific Department has various things that serve to acknowledge the members who go above and beyond in performing their duties and being a part of the community.

The Researcher of the Month Program is a way for members to be acknowledged and awarded for their exceptional dedication to the Scientific Department. The Medium and High Command will determine every month who deserves the title. Below are the rewards for receiving the award:

• 150 robux;

• 35 reward points;

• Special "Researcher of the Month" role in a customizable color;

• Host one unethical test on any anomaly (needs to be approved by Director first); and

• Become a member of Anomalous Absurdities for two weeks (assisting Professor Quibblestein with his tests and activities, should he appear on-site).