The Rothwell Science Park

Introduction

The Rothwell Science Park, named after world renowned physicist Julia Rothwell, is the collection of research buildings located near the edge of Capital City. It is on the frontier of scientific research and development, with the best and the brightest flocking to work with the latest equipment, aiming of becoming the next big thing in the scientific community. Almost every type of research is done here, from space travel to inventing a new type of cereal; as long as you can get a sponsor.

History

Starting with the earliest inventors of the industrial era, scientific endeavours quickly made their way to the forefront of the superhero race. Initially based in tech powers, there were moves towards genetic enhancements in the early 1960s. However, the Australian Crisis put a stopper in that field. This, along with public outcry over the so called “ethics” of their research, led to an overhaul of the scientific approach; with greater care being taken for human life. This change also seemed to drastically improve the life expectancy of said researchers, with fewer willing to experiment on themselves for lack of other available test subjects.

The next big change came in the 2000s, with the field of magic being taken more seriously by the scientific community. The entire field became formalised, as different enchantments and incantations were fully tested and documented. This was summarised in Professor D. William's 2014 paper on the entire field of super powers, which popularised the Professor's main theorem: any magical power could be recreated by an equivalent technological device; and vice versa. The paper went on to theorise that an equivalent power could also be created genetically; although there is not enough research in this field to confirm or deny this.

In 2052, the Park received a major redesign, founding several new departments to keep up with the modern demands of the scientific community. With increased funding from the World Government, and an expansion into several new fields, work began in redeveloping the site. Since then there has been a gradual replacement of the old buildings, and the entire Park has been reorganised, putting linked departments closer together. A monorail has also been added to aid with travel, as much of the area has been pedestrianised.

Historical Figures

Robert Maxwell

Robert Maxwell was famous for his work in the applications of dark matter to teleportation, conducting some of the first successful experiments teleporting live animals.

Dr. Ekua Corke

Dr. Corke won a Nobel Prize in 2021 for her use of magic to improve soil quality for farming; one of the first mass-distributed uses of magic.

Julia Rothwell

The Science Park was named after Julia Rothwell for her work in superconductivity; inventing the first widely-available room-temperature superconductors, which were a key element in the design of magnets for modern fusion reactors. This has since been used in creating many of the sustainable power sources for use by the general public today, including the Core.

The Rothwell Science Park Today

The Rothwell Science Park The Rothwell Science Park was founded in Capital City around its formation. It is based inside the circumference of the Large Hadron Collider, the world's leading research facility for almost all areas of science. A large portion of funding is provided by the World Government, although some money coming from individual businesses with an interest in a particular bit of research. All the finances are dealt with in the Finance and Patents Office located at the centre of the site. This is, in many way, the headquarters of the whole project, and is led by the chief co-ordinator Director Richards.

There are currently 2 main divisions of superpower research. The Maxwell Institute (named after Robert Maxwell for his work in quantum optics) performs world-leading research into tech based powers; developing everything from purely theoretical research to front-end consumer development. The Maxwell Institute has been behind some of today's best known tech heroes such as Apollo, Phalanx and The Kraken. Operations are currently overseen by Dr. Maru Himura.

The main research facility for magic is located in The Corke Building. The understanding of magic powers is far more limited than the tech powers. Much work has been done to define what is possible to complete using magic, but exactly how magic works is still unknown. Most current knowledge has been pieced together from texts from all ages on the subject, which has provided a good outline of most areas. However, there are still large gaps in our understanding. This division is led by Professor Daman Goda.

The Maxwell Institute

There are currently 2 main divisions of superpower research. The Maxwell Institute (named after Robert Maxwell for his work in quantum optics) performs world-leading research into Tech based powers; developing everything from purely theoretical research to front-end consumer development. They have been the minds behind some of today's best known tech heroes such as Apollo, Phalanx and The Kraken. Operations are currently overseen by Dr. Maru Himura.

The Corke Building

The main research facility for magic is located in The Corke Building. The understanding of magic powers is far more limited than tech powers. Much work has been done to define what is possible to complete using magic, but exactly how magic works is still unknown. Most of what is currently known has been pieced together from texts from all ages on the subject, which has provided a good outline of most areas. However, there are still large gaps in our understanding. This division is lead by Professor Daman Goda.

Al-Battani Space Station

2023 marked the launch of the Al-Battani Space Station, a place to coordinate scientific research from across the globe. It also had a secondary function: to monitor superpowered activities of an extreme nature, to see the global effects such acts have. The station is crewed by around 15 people round the clock, and the on-board equipment is updated regularly. It was the first point of call when the Moon suddenly lost some of its mass.

Ranks

There are no formal ranks in the Science Park. However, many researchers look to become heads of their own projects, and gain the prestige in the scientific community that comes with it.

(OC Note: The Rank (+2) Trope in this organisation will allow you better funding, and greater access to the relevant equipment, resources and staff, as well as a greater respect among your peers.)

People of Note

Director Jeremy Richards

Director Jeremy Richards is the commander-in-chief of the Science Park. Based in the Finances and Patents Office, he is the first level of communication between the Park and the World Government, thanks to his contacts at the very top.

Dr Maru Himura

Dr Maru Himura currently leads the technological powers department at the Science Park. Her reign has been notable for its outwards focus, which has allowed for better communication with the public about the Park's work.

Professor Daman Goda

Professor Daman Goda has recently been appointed the head of the magical department of the Science Park. His work has focused on the application of magic to other areas of the Park, and there are rumours that a combined technology and magic project is in the works.

Alicia Perkins

Renowned architect Alicia Perkins was behind the redesign of the Science Park. She has gone on to work on a number of other famous projects, including many of the iconic buildings in the Capital City skyline, Stargaze Plaza among them.

Sergei Markin

Know primarily as a fashion designer, Sergei Markin also works closely with the material sciences department at the Park to create uniforms to suit many of today's famous superheroes. His iconic designs are known to fetch millions, being both stylish and practical.

Opinions of Other Organisations

SPEAR

“Spear have provided much funding in the past, which has afforded us many research opportunities. We always look forward to working with them to see where next we may stretch the boundaries of science as we know it.” - Director Richards

Separatists

“While it is not clear how much of a threat these people really pose, it is clear from their statements that they do not understand the benefit a unified government provides to the world, both in terms of the quality of all human life, and the scientific advancements made through this world-wide cooperation.” - Director Richards

Garuda

“It is good to know individuals choose to use their powers and technology to protect humanity, but doing so without working with SPEAR risks encouraging imitators, which in turn risks the health and safety of normal citizens.” - Dr. Himura

The Heart

“It is a shame that in this day and age people still feel the need to make themselves criminals. We do our best to make an equal society, but alas it seems the problem may never go away.” - Director Richards

Gamasot Laboratories & JeevesCorp

“Competition is always healthy, and we've been fortunate enough to collaborate on projects with both companies in the past.” - Director Richards

Temple

“While we don't know everything about the mysteries of magic, one has to question some of the bolder claims made by Temple as to their inner workings…” - Professor Goda

The Summits

“While these Summits are here to serve a very important purpose, it is important not to forget some of the other exciting opportunities it will present us with. I doubt we shall see a chance to work so closely with so many individuals again once they are over. I imagine the benefit from these meetings will radiate throughout the world, and the scientific community.” - Director Richards

the_rothwell_science_park.txt · Last modified: 2015/05/05 12:00 by gm_cameron
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