The Scientific Research Team (SRT) is the smallest unit in the STARFLEET Sciences Auxiliary. They are chapter-based, and size can vary, consisting of a single member or dozens. The member in charge of overseeing the SRT is referred to as the Lead Researcher (LR) and their second in command is the Lead Research Assistant (LRA). The primary purpose of the SRT is to serve as an informational and communications resource for the chapter in all things science. Through this, we can enhance interest in science within the chapter’s membership and promote science education wherever possible.
Its secondary mission is to share this information and communication with other like-minded individuals through the STARFLEET Sciences Auxiliary via the Region Science Liaisons. The Science Liaison network is a great way of sharing this interest across the organization.
Its third mission is to foster participation in science-related activities. Activities, such as away missions to science-related venues in the area, can be both a chapter and multi-chapter activity. There are many areas that offer science-related venues for tour and explorations. In the United States, examples include the Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchison, Kansas; the Space Centers located in Houston, Texas and Cape Canaveral, Florida; and the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In Canada, you can visit the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the Calgary Science Centre, the Edmonton Space and Science Centre, and Science World B.C. in Vancouver. South America has The Spaceport in French Guiana and, while in Australia, you can visit the Australian Space Discovery Centre in Adelaide. Europe also offers many destinations of interest including the European Space Agency HQ in Paris, France; the National Space Centre two miles north of Leicester City Centre in the UK; the Technik Museum in Speyer, Germany; and the Space Expo in Noordwijk, Netherlands. And there are planetariums in many areas across the globe.
To be an official member of the chapter’s SRT requires three things: STARFLEET membership; affiliation with the STARFLEET Sciences Auxiliary in the database; and signing up for membership with the STARFLEET Sciences Auxiliary at the following website – https://sciences.sfi.org/join-us/ . The chapter CO must give permission for an SRT to be established.
Each SRT is identified by a unique designation. As SRTs are chapter-based groups (and to keep it very simple), your SRT will use your vessel’s NCC number as its designation. For example, the SRT on the ISS Olympus is SRT-36010. SRTs are encouraged to have nicknames, mottos, and logos
Reporting is done on a quarterly basis, one month prior to the publication of the Event Horizon, allowing SRT activities to be reported in the newsletter. The report should include a current SRT roster; projects and activities (planned, in progress, and completed); a list of award recipients; and any assistance or resources needed.
Activities can also include chapter projects and programs. There are many projects a chapter can take on that are science-related… recycling, conservation, and highway clean-ups are but a few that can be done on a local basis. SRT projects could also be as simple as school science projects (these can help get the junior members involved) or as detailed as setting up a chapter recycling program.
The Scientific Research Teams are a great way to get the members involved in the ever-evolving world of scientific discoveries. We look forward to hearing about the adventures your SRT will have!
FADM Mike Malotte
STARFLEET Sciences SRT Coordinator
sfsci-srtcoord@sfi.org