Operating within the Advance Works Division of Nepleslian Research and Manufacturing (NRM), the Athena Foundation are a group of cybernetic and genetics specialists dedicated to improving clones of the Nepleslian Reds. The foundation has two mascots: the owl due to the wisdom that it represents. The trickster Tanuki is also sometimes used, representing the unpredictable nature of Red scientists.

While the experiment in YE 36 to recreate the super-Y chromosome (the Raijin-Type Artificial Nepleslian) was a failure, it did create a realization with Red scientists that there should be a more diverse array of clones (or Artificial Nepleslians in modern usage) than a single type that did everything. Thus the Athena Foundation was established.

The Foundation would remain a largely unknown entity within the sector until YE 43 when they were approached by the Ryu Keiretsu. Needing a workforce for their expansion into the frontier and not expecting most Yamataians to apply, they wished to leverage the Reds' expertise in cloning. The Lily Type Artificial Nepleslian was the ultimate result, based on the development of earlier types of artificial Nepleslians created by the foundation.

Due to the lack of surviving scientists and engineers after the Fall of Kennewes, many members of the Athena Foundation were recruited by one of the shell biotech companies of the Reds and transferred to NRM when they were discovered to have sympathies towards the Reds/a professional mindset.

Name	Ethnicity	Specialty	Profile Photo
Dr. Sanders	European Descent	Cybernetic and Genetic Engineering
Dr. Li Wei	Lianjia	Cellular Biology
Dr. Natsuko Lindberg	Yamataian	Genomics
Dr. Tanaka Aki	Yamataian	Genetic Modification Technologies
Dr. Magnus Nielsen	Yamataian	Quantum Computing in Bioengineering
Dr. Lina Bergstrom	Yamataian	Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Carlos Mendoza	Mutari Lianjia	Advanced Prosthetics
Dr. Bjorn Larsson	Yamataian	Nanotechnology in Medicine
Dr. Fatima Khouri	Abd Bahadi Lianjia	Neural Interfaces
Dr. Kim Seojin	Nepleslian	Stem Cell Research
Dr. Freja Jensen	Yamataian	Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Ravi Kapoor	Mareesha	Tissue Engineering
Dr. Hana Johansson	Yamataian	Nanite Surgery and Augmentation
Dr. Anika Van Der Merwe	Neplesian	Computational Biology
Dr. Kazuki Svensson	Yamataian	Gene Sequencing and Editing
Dr. Yuki Karlsson	Yamataian	Biomechanics
Dr. Ali Vahdati	Mareesha	Cellular Regeneration Studies
Dr. Kenji Lund	Yamataian	Bioinformatics and Genomic Data Analysis
Dr. Tara O'Sullivan	Nepleslian	Cloning Technology
Dr. Kyo Kjellberg	Yamataian	Bioinformatics
Dr. Siri Nilsen	Yamataian	Biochemistry
Dr. Erika Lindholm	Yamataian	Medical Ethics and Law
Dr. Ayumi Olsson	Yamataian	Gene Therapy
Dr. Haruki Berg	Yamataian	Ethical Philosophy and Oversight
Dr. Priya Patel	Mareesha	Stem Cell Research

The following are senior leaders within the foundation or individuals who have been key to successes of the foundation.

An acolyte of Dr. X (Ravi Mendoza), Dr. Sanders increasingly found X's disregard for the well-being of others disturbing. When murmurs of the coup of YE 43 reached Dr. Sanders while he was working with Advancer Enterprises, he instructed members of the foundation still at NRM HQ to do nothing but archive X's more “disappointing” projects. When the coup finally occurred in late YE 43, they were able to maintain much of X's works after he fled to unknown parts of the Empire.

Always striving to push their understanding of science (especially in line of their mission statement), the Athena Foundation is currently working on the following:

• Research into the Z Type sex chromosome.
• Development of nanite and genetic augmentations.

The following are projects they have completed themselves or collaborated with an outside organiztion:

• Development of Type Raijin-Type Nepleslian clones
• Undisclosed collaboration with Waylan Vulca
• Lily Type Artificial Nepleslian: a joint collaboration with Advancer Enterprises

With the establishment of the Fujiko University in YE 45, there was a need for a graduate-level program in order to educate the future of the Nepleslian Reds and others within the region. The Athena Foundation decided to step forward, seeing it as a better way to find future scholars and staff than their current means of human resourcing.

The Athena Institute of Training provides the following programs:

• Master of Science in Genetic Engineering and Modification
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Technologies
• Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Master of Science in Cybernetics and Neural Engineering
• Master of Science in Quantum Bioinformatics
• Master of Philosophy in Bioethics
• Master of Science in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
• Master of Science in Advanced Biotechnologies

Because of how new the institute is, scientists at the Athena Foundation act as professors. The relocation of the Foundation's laboratories to the University was done partially to accommodate this change in their schedules.

The Master of Science in Genetic Engineering and Modification explores the cutting-edge world of gene manipulation, offering a deep dive into the techniques, tools, and ethics surrounding this revolutionary field.

Example Modules Include:

• Basics of Genetic Modification: Laying the foundation for more intricate studies.
• Advanced Gene Editing Techniques: Delves deeper, presenting the latest advancements in gene-editing tools.
• Ethical Concerns in Genetic Engineering: Examines the moral implications and societal consequences of genetic manipulation.
• Application of Gene Therapy: Teaches the therapeutic use of genetic interventions in treating and curing diseases. Also usage with enhancement treatments.

Professors: Dr. Sanders, Dr. Aki Tanaka, Dr. Kazuki Svensson, Dr. Ayumi Olsson.

A convergence of biology, medicine, and engineering, the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Technologies provides students with the skills to design the next generation of medical tools and treatments.

Example Modules Include:

• Biomechanics: offers insights into the mechanical aspects of the human body
• Advanced Prosthetics: delves into the creation of synthetic devices to replace or augment human functions. 'Nanotechnology in Medicine'
• Nanotechnology in Medicine: introduces the microscopic innovations revolutionizing drug delivery and diagnostics.
• Medical Device Design: instructs on the formulation of effective and safe medical tools, essential for the ever-evolving medical landscape.

Professors: Dr. Lina Bergstrom, Dr. Yuki Karlsson, Dr. Dr. Bjorn Larsson.

Unlocking the intricate mysteries of the cell and its molecular components, this program grants students in-depth knowledge on the fundamental units of life.

Example Modules Include:

• Cellular Biology Fundamentals: Provides a comprehensive look at cellular structures and their functions.
• Stem Cell Research: Discusses the use of undifferentiated cells in medicine.
• Cellular Regeneration Studies: Delves into the cell's ability to repair and restore itself.
• Molecular Techniques in Disease Research: Trains students on leveraging molecular biology in understanding and combating diseases.

Professors: Dr. Li Wei, Dr. Seojin Kim, Dr. Priya Patel, Dr. Ali Vahdati.

At the crossroads of technology and neuroscience, this degree delves deep into the marriage of machines with the human neural network.

With the guidance of Dr. Natsuko Lindberg and Dr. Hana Johansson, students are set to revolutionize the interface between man and machine.

Example Modules Include:

• Neural Interfaces: Studying the connections between technological devices and neural systems.
• Cybernetic Implants: Explores the integration of machine components into the human body for enhancement or replacement.
• AI in Medicine: Reveals the vast contributions of and means to use artificial intelligence in diagnostics, treatments, and research.
• Nanite Surgery Techniques: Introduces students to the methods and techniques of performing delicate surgeries with nanites.

Professors: Dr. Natsuko Lindberg, Dr. Freja Jensen, Dr. Fatima Khouri, Dr. Hana Johansson.

Combining the principles of quantum computing with biological data analysis, this program is set to help students understand the fine line between biological and synthetic life.

Example Modules Include:

• Quantum Computing Basics: Offers a primer on the concepts underlying quantum computing.
• Advanced Bioinformatics Algorithms: Delves deep into methods of processing and interpreting vast biological datasets.
• Genomic Data Analysis: Focuses on deriving meaningful insights from genetic sequences.
• Computational Biology: Merges computation with biological studies to enhance research times.

Professors: Dr. Magnus Nielsen, Dr. Kenji Lund, Dr. Kyo Kjellberg.

This program invites students to contemplate the moral, legal, and philosophical considerations in the realm of biomedicine. Students will be prepared for the complex ethical challenges in biomedicine.

Example Modules Include:

• Medical Ethics: Discusses the moral dilemmas medical professionals face.
• Law and Regulations in Biomedical Research: Examines the legal frameworks governing medical research and practices.
• Ethical Philosophy: Offers a deep dive into the moral theories underpinning bioethical decisions.
• Oversight Mechanisms: Studies the systems in place to ensure ethical compliance.

Professors: Dr. Erika Lindholm, Dr. Haruki Berg.

Focused on the creation and restoration of organs and tissues, this program offers students the skills needed to create modern medicine.

Example Modules Include:

• Basics of Tissue Engineering: Lays the groundwork for designing and growing tissues in labs.
• Advanced Techniques in Organ Growth: Delves deeper into the art and techniques of growing organs outside the body.
• Regenerative Medicine: Studies the science of restoring damaged tissues and organs in the body.
• Stem Cell Therapies: Explores the use of stem cells in treatments.

Professors: Dr. Ravi Kapoor, Dr. Seojin Kim.

Empowering students with the latest in biotechnological tools and techniques, this program sets them on the path to innovative discoveries. Students are primed for entering the biotechnology workforce.

Example Modules Include:

• Advanced Biochemical Techniques: Introduces sophisticated methods of studying and manipulating biochemicals.
• Cloning Technologies: Offers insights into the processes of replicating organisms or cells.
• Biomedical Nanotechnology: Studies the potential of nanoscale innovations in medicine.
• Biochemical Reactions in Medicine: Gives a detailed view of chemical reactions vital to medical science.

Professors: Dr. Siri Nilsen, Dr. Tara O'Sullivan, Dr. Carlos Mendoza.

Demibear created this article on 2023/10/08 04:43. Artwork generated with midjourney.com by Demibear.

This article was approved by [[members:andrew] on 2023/10/13.¹⁾