Researchers

[SakSak]

Don't forget to work some numbers.  That 20%/20 lab researcher is better than the 30%/5 lab researcher in the same area of expertise.

Assuming there are enough free research labs available.

[Erik L]

Assuming there are enough free research labs available.

For every 100pts of research base and 5 labs assigned, the 30%/5 lab generates 650 out of spec, and 1100 in spec. The 20%/20 generates 600pts out of spec, and 900 pts in spec. All you need is to add 2 more labs to the 20%/20 to exceed the output of the 30%/5 researcher.

Of course, the closer the bonus percentages are, the greater the disparity in lab capacity is needed along with sufficient labs to make it worthwhile.

Now, I am unsure of the exact mechanic on which stat gets increased when the researcher gains a bonus, but I've seen a lot more bonus percentage increases than lab capacity increases. To me it make sense to cultivate the high-capacity researchers and improve their bonuses, rather than hoping for a capacity boost.

[sloanjh]

Now, I am unsure of the exact mechanic on which stat gets increased when the researcher gains a bonus, but I've seen a lot more bonus percentage increases than lab capacity increases. To me it make sense to cultivate the high-capacity researchers and improve their bonuses, rather than hoping for a capacity boost.

Hmmm, interesting thought.  I don't think I've played any non-conventional starts while cultivating researchers.  In the conventional starts, I usually don't get into a situation where lab saturation is causing me problems - I just put my extra labs onto the best researcher in my 2nd priority field.  It may be that a hi-tech start is different; more labs to start with and less time to grow good bonuses....

John

[voknaar]

Don't forget to work some numbers. That 20%/20 lab researcher is better than the 30%/5 lab researcher in the same area of expertise.

Ahh mathmatics... how i failed you in highschool... Its ironic how I love games such as this and yet find doing any mathmatics harder than what you learn as a 10 year old!  At least my computer has a calculator so there is a god.