Science in the Empire of Lethe

**Scientists** fall into one of two categories: public and private. Public scientists conduct research that isn’t expected to turn a profit and receive their funding primarily from the Ministry of Science, while private scientists are those who have been hired by Houses or businesses to conduct research into their personal interests.

It is not uncommon for individuals to jump between public and private science tracks.

##### The Ministry of Science

Funded by the Imperial Throne, the Ministry focuses their efforts primarily on matters of academic and public interest.

Becoming a Ministry Scientist is a lengthy process, requiring an individual to have an advanced education and to have put research into given subject matter. Once an individual has applied for funding, their work is reviewed to determine if it is both academically sound and a matter of public interest. If approved, they will receive an imperial grant and a writ of permission, affirming the Empress has given Her consent to research the subject with the knowledge that all results are considered property of the Imperial throne. Scientists are expected to be wholly dedicated to and track every detail of their research, and share that information with the Ministry on a regular basis.

A typical career path is as follows: University Student → Researcher working under a Scientist → Independent Scientist seeking Imperial grants → Imperial Scientist

##### Public (Imperial) Scientists

Although the Ministry typically provides funding into public research, working for the Ministry will put an individual on track to becoming an Imperial Scientist.

Individuals who wish to follow this path typically do so immediately following their university studies, opting to become a researcher working underneath a Scientist before applying for funding to conduct their own research through the Ministry. Following some cycles working with the Empress on approved research, an individual may be offered a position as an Imperial Scientist. Imperial Scientists have the luxury of more freedoms: in addition to a generous salary from the Empress, they’ll receive an expense account for their research and fast tracked requests for specialized materials.

##### Private Scientists

Private Scientists are almost exclusively employed by Noble Houses or businesses and are typically recruited while in the process of completing their University education. Post graduation, recruited scientists are moved closer to their employer’s lab and begin working as a lab assistant. Over time, an individual may progress up the chain until they become a principal investigator and are given direct supervision over a lab (or multiple labs).

Career progression is as follows: University Student → Lab Assistant → Researcher → Lab Supervisor → Lab Manager → Principal Investigator

* Lab Assistants are tasked with assisting Researchers in a variety of ways, from taking notes to getting coffee.
* Researchers are tasked with focusing specifically on research assigned by the Lab Manager or Principal Investigator.
* Lab Supervisors manage everyone working in the lab, whether they’re a scientist or not.
* Lab Managers are tasked with the day-to-day tasks of running a lab, such as scheduling, ordering supplies, and assembling research info for the Lead Researcher.

Although lucrative, private scientists don’t carry the same prestige or respect as Imperial Scientists.