Queen's Symposium

The Queen's Symposium was an annual scientific conference in the Golden Empire. Instituted at the behest of Queen Rin Sakaros in 111 ABY shortly after the formation of the Exploration Corps, the Symposium was formally administered by the Ministry of Science and Technology. It was designed as a venue for scientists and inventors to both present their latest creations and discoveries and exchange information and collaborate on projects. Like all functions of the Royal government, it was conducted in Orhyo, though translation aids were often available to scientists from newly acquired member systems.

Attendance at the Symposium was by invitation from the Ministry (though scientists could request invitations, with supporting reasons), and usually numbered in the low thousands. Invitation to the event was generally given to those with doctoral degrees in physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology, though some medical doctors were invited occasionally. Receiving an invitation was considered extremely prestigious, and it also allowed an invitee to form professional relationships with fellow scholars from other worlds.

The location of the Symposium changed each year, though by 141 ABY the University of Chorrdo on Mezlagob had already hosted it four times. Rin herself rarely attended the Symposium, but a high-ranking agent of the Empire was always present, usually the Minister of Science and Technology or his deputy. Tariun Sakaros attended once as a Royal Executor, then threatened to resign his post if his sister ever forced him to go again.

In addition to showcasing ideas, sparking creativity, and forging professional connections and collaboration, the Symposium also gave the Ministry a chance to evaluate potential candidates for government funding of their research.