Helios City Institute of Botanical Sciences

= Helios City Institute of Botanical Sciences =

Established in 2265 by the Helios City council, the “Heliodome” (as the institute is commonly called due to its massive dome-shaped greenhouse building) is one of the most well-known and prestigious universities in the entire Solarian Alliance. The Heliodome is located in Silversun’s capital, Helios City, and caters to both its Originate and Expatriate populations: a stance that has resulted in it and its faculty becoming increasingly politically isolated as the divide between these populations has gradually grown wider and wider. Many Skrell that opt to study abroad find themselves studying at the Heliodome due to its strong focus upon the natural sciences, though this number has dropped significantly since the Solarian Collapse of 2462. The loss of its skrellian student body has damaged Heliodome’s income, which has long profited from the patronage of its alien student body.

Despite the planet’s increasing domination by Idris Incorporated the Heliodome has managed to stay relatively Idris-free thanks to its President, Frederick “Freddy” Campbell, who convinced the megacorporation that it was better to keep the Heliodome as an independent. After all, the tourism brought by having an independent educational institution well-known throughout the Spur for its majestic botanical gardens has a definitive spillover effect for the megacorporation: tourists that go to see the Heliodome’s gardens stay at Idris hotels, eat at Idris restaurants, and often by kitchy Idris merchandise that (allegedly) celebrates the culture of Silversun’s Originals. Whether Freddy Campbell can hold onto the Heliodome’s independence as it approaches its bicentennial remains to be seen, though many note that the anti-corporate Solarian Corporate Authority has stated its interest in the venerable university.

Relevant Careers
Qualified graduates from the Heliodome can easily find employment as a Scientist, Xenobotanist, or Xenobiologist at a variety of corporate facilities. Those from Silversun working less academic positions, such as Botanists, will have often participated in the Heliodome’s community classes.

Notable Graduates

 * Frederick “Freddy” Campbell, PhD.: The current President of the Heliodome and one of the foremost experts on Silversun’s native fauna. A gregarious and friendly man, yet a fierce negotiator and thorn in the side of Idris Incorporated, “Doc Freddy” is one of the most prominent advocates for his fellow Originals.


 * Ophélie de Lemaître, PhD.: The current project lead of Idris’ most significant project on Silversun to date, the Sunshine Ring Oceanside Resort outside of Mulobi-Mbisi. A hawkish perfectionist, Doctor de Lemaître is responsible for much of the terraforming and biomodifications of the area destined to become the resort. This has made her one of most prominent members of Silversun’s Expatriate community.