Research Points

Research Points are the units used to measure the cost of General Research Technologies. Though the player can convert Credits to Research Points by directly researching General Research Technologies (and as a side-effect of researching Topical Research Technologies), Research Points mostly represent the non-state funded part of Research and thus the player also has limited control of their distribution.

Research Points are accumulated from every Colony and Research Outpost, and they are also obtained through Exploration, Trade with more advanced technologically civilizations, by being a member of an Alliance with more advanced members, or by having a Patron Player.

Research Points are spent automatically to advance the General Research Technologies of the Tech Grid.

Research Points also have an effect on the Colony level, as they determine its Education Rating (alternative/discarded name: Literacy Rating).