systems rework: buffs, prestige graph, research, modular architecture

Decouples core systems from centralized globals in favor of catalogue-based architecture and data-driven content. Key changes: - Prestige: node-based buff tech tree, graph panel, progress bar - Research: multi-worker system, per-generator research, xp generation - Ascension: meta-currency layer via multi-currency prestige resets - Buffs: refactored as generator-independent via catalogues - UI: currency panel, edge-scrolling camera + zoom, current-goal panel - Alchemy Tower: crafting building with recipe/cost system - Testing: 7 test suites (ascension, prestige, research, goals) - Content: migrated from hardcoded idles/ to gym format (tiny_sword)
2026-05-07 20:36:21 +00:00
parent 2743fd314a
commit 81a4058b04
242 changed files with 11226 additions and 2242 deletions
--- a/core/research/README.md
+++ b/core/research/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,488 @@
+# Research Module Documentation
+
+## Overview
+
+The `research/` subfolder implements a production-based research system where generator output earns 
+research XP, automatically leveling up to provide production multipliers. Research tracks are tied to 
+specific generators and can be enhanced with purchasable buffs that increase XP gain.
+
+## Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `research_catalogue.gd` | Resource holding all research configurations |
+| `research_panel.gd` | UI panel showing all research tracks |
+| `research_row.gd` | UI row component for individual research display |
+| `../generator/research_buff_calculator.gd` | Static utility for buff multiplier calculations |
+
+## Architecture
+
+```
+LevelGameState (Node2D)
+├── research_xp: Dictionary
+├── research_levels: Dictionary
+├── research_catalogue: ResearchCatalogue
+│   └── ResearchPanel (UI, always visible)
+│       ├── ResearchRow (for each research track)
+│       │   ├── Name & icon
+│       │   ├── Level display
+│       │   ├── Progress bar (percentage)
+│       │   ├── Multiplier indicator
+│       │   └── Active buff display
+└── (buff calculation delegated to ResearchBuffCalculator static methods)
+```
+
+## Data Flow
+
+```
+Generator Production (currency_per_cycle)
+	│
+	▼
+LevelGameState.add_research_xp()
+	1. base_xp = currency_produced * xp_per_currency_produced
+	2. buff_multiplier = ResearchBuffCalculator.apply_buffs(research, buffs)
+	3. actual_xp = base_xp * buff_multiplier
+	4. research_xp += actual_xp
+	5. Check level threshold → auto-level
+	6. Emit research_level_up signal
+	│
+	▼
+ResearchState {xp: 150.5, level: 3}
+	│
+	▼
+CurrencyGenerator.get_research_multiplier() → 1.3 (30% bonus)
+	│
+	▼
+Production *= 1.3
+```
+
+## ResearchData
+
+Resource class defining research configuration for a generator (defined in `core/generator/research_data.gd`).
+
+### Key Properties
+
+```gdscript
+@export var id: StringName                              # Unique research identifier
+@export var generator_id: StringName                    # Which generator this affects
+@export var name: String                                # Display name
+@export_multiline var description: String = ""          # Description text
+@export var icon: Texture2D                             # Icon for UI
+
+# XP Configuration
+@export var xp_per_currency_produced: float = 0.01      # XP per 1 currency unit
+@export var base_xp_required: float = 100.0             # XP needed for level 1
+@export var xp_growth_multiplier: float = 1.5           # XP requirement growth per level
+
+# Multiplier Configuration
+@export var base_multiplier: float = 1.0                # Production multiplier at level 0
+@export var multiplier_per_level: float = 0.1           # +10% production per level
+
+# Associated Buff (single buff per research track)
+@export var associated_buff_id: StringName              # Buff that increases XP gain
+```
+
+### Key Methods
+
+```gdscript
+func get_xp_required_for_level(level: int) -> float:
+	"""XP needed to reach this level from previous"""
+	return base_xp_required * pow(xp_growth_multiplier, float(maxi(level - 1, 0)))
+
+func get_xp_required_for_level_big(level: int) -> BigNumber:
+	"""XP needed to reach this level from previous (BigNumber)"""
+	return BigNumber.from_float(base_xp_required * pow(xp_growth_multiplier, float(maxi(level - 1, 0))))
+
+func get_total_xp_for_level(level: int) -> BigNumber:
+	"""Total cumulative XP needed to reach this level from level 0 (BigNumber)"""
+	if level <= 0: return BigNumber.new(0.0, 0)
+	var total: BigNumber = BigNumber.new(0.0, 0)
+	for l in range(1, level + 1):
+		total = total.add(get_xp_required_for_level_big(l))
+	return total
+
+func get_level_for_xp(xp: BigNumber) -> int:
+	"""Calculate level from total accumulated BigNumber XP (loop-based)"""
+	if xp.mantissa == 0.0: return 0
+	var level: int = 0
+	while true:
+		var next_xp: BigNumber = get_total_xp_for_level(level + 1)
+		if xp.compare_to(next_xp) < 0: break
+		level += 1
+	return level
+
+func get_multiplier_for_level(level: int) -> float:
+	"""Production multiplier at given level"""
+	return base_multiplier + (multiplier_per_level * float(maxi(level, 0)))
+
+func get_xp_progress(xp: float) -> float:
+	"""Returns 0.0-1.0 progress to next level"""
+```
+
+## ResearchCatalogue
+
+Resource class holding all research configurations.
+
+### Structure
+
+```gdscript
+class_name ResearchCatalogue
+extends Resource
+
+@export var research_entries: Array[ResearchData] = []
+
+func get_research_by_id(research_id: StringName) -> ResearchData
+func get_research_by_generator_id(generator_id: StringName) -> ResearchData
+func get_all_research() -> Array[ResearchData]
+```
+
+### Usage
+
+Referenced directly by `LevelGameState` via `@export var research_catalogue: ResearchCatalogue`.
+
+## ResearchBuffCalculator
+
+Static utility class for calculating research XP buff multipliers.
+
+### Location
+
+`res://core/generator/research_buff_calculator.gd`
+
+### Key Methods
+
+```gdscript
+static func apply_buffs(research: ResearchData, game_state: LevelGameState) -> float:
+	"""Calculate total buff multiplier for research XP gain. Returns multiplicative factor."""
+	var multiplier: float = 1.0
+	if research.associated_buff_id.is_empty():
+		return multiplier
+	
+	var buff: GeneratorBuffData = game_state.get_buff(research.associated_buff_id)
+	if buff != null and game_state.is_buff_active(buff.id):
+		var buff_level: int = game_state.get_buff_level(buff.id)
+		multiplier *= ResearchBuffCalculator._calculate_buff_multiplier(buff, buff_level)
+	
+	return multiplier
+
+static func _calculate_buff_multiplier(buff: GeneratorBuffData, level: int) -> float:
+	"""Calculate buff effect multiplier at given level."""
+	return buff.get_effect_multiplier(level)
+```
+
+### Usage
+
+Called from `LevelGameState.add_research_xp()`:
+
+```gdscript
+func add_research_xp(research_id: StringName, xp: BigNumber) -> void:
+	var research: ResearchData = research_catalogue.get_research_by_id(research_id)
+	if research == null:
+		return
+	
+	# Apply buff multipliers
+	var buff_multiplier: float = ResearchBuffCalculator.apply_buffs(research, self)
+	var multiplier_bn: BigNumber = BigNumber.from_float(buff_multiplier)
+	var actual_xp: BigNumber = xp.multiply(multiplier_bn)
+	
+	# Store XP and check for level-up
+	var old_level: int = get_research_level(research_id)
+	research_xp[research_id] = research_xp.get(research_id, BigNumber.new(0.0, 0)).add(actual_xp)
+	var new_level: int = research.get_level_for_xp(research_xp[research_id])
+	
+	if new_level > old_level:
+		research_levels[research_id] = new_level
+		research_level_up.emit(research_id, old_level, new_level)
+	
+	research_xp_changed.emit(research_id, research_xp[research_id])
+```
+
+## LevelGameState Extensions
+
+### State Variables
+```gdscript
+var research_xp: Dictionary = {}        # {research_id: BigNumber}
+var research_levels: Dictionary = {}    # {research_id: level_int}
+# research_tracker removed - buff calculation moved to static utility
+```
+
+### Signals
+```gdscript
+signal research_xp_changed(research_id: StringName, new_xp: BigNumber)
+signal research_level_up(research_id: StringName, old_level: int, new_level: int)
+```
+
+### Key Methods
+```gdscript
+func register_research(research_id: StringName) -> void:
+	"""Initialize research state from catalogue (BigNumber XP)"""
+	if not research_xp.has(research_id):
+		research_xp[research_id] = BigNumber.new(0.0, 0)
+
+func get_research_xp(research_id: StringName) -> BigNumber
+
+func get_research_level(research_id: StringName) -> int
+
+func get_research_multiplier(research_id: StringName) -> float:
+	"""Returns production multiplier from research level"""
+	var level: int = get_research_level(research_id)
+	return research.get_multiplier_for_level(level)
+
+func add_research_xp(research_id: StringName, xp: BigNumber) -> void:
+	"""Add XP (BigNumber) with buff multipliers applied, auto-level if threshold reached"""
+	var research: ResearchData = research_catalogue.get_research_by_id(research_id)
+	if research == null:
+		return
+	
+	var old_level: int = get_research_level(research_id)
+	var current_xp: BigNumber = get_research_xp(research_id)
+	
+	# Apply buff multipliers via static utility
+	var buff_multiplier: float = ResearchBuffCalculator.apply_buffs(research, self)
+	var multiplier_bn: BigNumber = BigNumber.from_float(buff_multiplier)
+	var actual_xp: BigNumber = xp.multiply(multiplier_bn)
+	
+	research_xp[research_id] = current_xp.add(actual_xp)
+	var new_level: int = research.get_level_for_xp(research_xp[research_id])
+	
+	if new_level > old_level:
+		research_levels[research_id] = new_level
+		research_level_up.emit(research_id, old_level, new_level)
+	
+	research_xp_changed.emit(research_id, research_xp[research_id])
+```
+
+### Save/Load Integration
+```gdscript
+const RESEARCH_XP_KEY = "research_xp"
+const RESEARCH_LEVELS_KEY = "research_levels"
+const CURRENT_SAVE_FORMAT_VERSION = 5  # Bumped from 4 to support BigNumber
+
+# In save_game():
+var save_data = {
+	# ... existing fields ...
+	RESEARCH_XP_KEY: _serialize_research_xp(),  # Serialize BigNumber as {m, e}
+	RESEARCH_LEVELS_KEY: research_levels.duplicate(),
+}
+
+func _serialize_research_xp() -> Dictionary:
+	var result: Dictionary = {}
+	for research_id in research_xp.keys():
+		var xp: BigNumber = research_xp[research_id]
+		result[research_id] = xp.serialize()
+	return result
+
+# In load_game():
+research_xp = _deserialize_research_xp(parsed_data.get(RESEARCH_XP_KEY, {}))
+research_levels = parsed_data.get(RESEARCH_LEVELS_KEY, {})
+
+func _deserialize_research_xp(raw: Variant) -> Dictionary:
+	var result: Dictionary = {}
+	if raw is Dictionary:
+		for research_id in raw.keys():
+			var serialized: Variant = raw[research_id]
+			if serialized is Dictionary:
+				result[research_id] = BigNumber.deserialize(serialized)
+	return result
+
+# In reset_for_prestige():
+research_xp.clear()
+research_levels.clear()
+```
+
+## CurrencyGenerator Extensions
+
+### Production Tick Integration
+```gdscript
+func _grant_cycle_income(cycle_count: int) -> void:
+	var produced: BigNumber = ...
+	_add_currency(produced)
+	production_tick.emit(produced, cycle_count, owned)
+	
+	# Award research XP (BigNumber) - buff multipliers applied in LevelGameState
+	if data.research_data != null:
+		var amount_float: float = produced.mantissa * pow(10.0, float(produced.exponent))
+		var xp: BigNumber = BigNumber.from_float(data.research_data.xp_per_currency_produced * amount_float)
+		game_state.add_research_xp(data.research_data.id, xp)
+```
+
+### Research Multiplier
+
+```gdscript
+func get_research_multiplier() -> float:
+	if data.research_data == null:
+		return 1.0
+	return game_state.get_research_multiplier(data.research_data.id)
+
+func get_effective_auto_run_multiplier() -> float:
+	return run_multiplier * get_research_multiplier() * get_automatic_production_multiplier() * _get_prestige_multiplier()
+```
+
+## GeneratorBuffData Extensions
+
+### New Buff Kind
+
+```gdscript
+enum BuffKind {
+	AUTO_PRODUCTION_MULTIPLIER,
+	MANUAL_CLICK_MULTIPLIER,
+	RESOURCE_PURCHASE,
+	RESEARCH_XP_MULTIPLIER  # Increases research XP gain
+}
+```
+
+### New Properties (for RESEARCH_XP_MULTIPLIER buffs)
+
+```gdscript
+@export var research_target_id: StringName  # Which research track this buff affects
+@export var xp_multiplier_per_level: float = 0.1  # +10% XP per level
+```
+
+## ResearchPanel
+
+UI component showing all research tracks (always visible, like GeneratorPanel).
+
+### Layout
+
+```
+ResearchPanel (ScrollContainer)
+└── VBoxContainer
+	├── TitleLabel ("Research")
+	└── ResearchRows (VBoxContainer)
+		└── ResearchRow (for each research track)
+```
+
+### Key Methods
+
+```gdscript
+func _build_research_rows() -> void:
+	for research in research_catalogue.get_all_research():
+		var row = RESEARCH_ROW_SCENE.instantiate()
+		row.setup(research)
+		_research_rows[research.id] = row
+
+func _refresh_row(row) -> void:
+	var research_id: StringName = row.get_research_id()
+	var xp: BigNumber = game_state.get_research_xp(research_id)
+	var level: int = game_state.get_research_level(research_id)
+	var progress: float = research.get_xp_progress(xp)
+	var multiplier: float = research.get_multiplier_for_level(level)
+	var xp_current: BigNumber = xp.subtract(research.get_total_xp_for_level(level))
+	var xp_needed: BigNumber = research.get_xp_required_for_level_big(level + 1)
+	row.update_display(level, progress, multiplier, xp_current, xp_needed)
+```
+
+### Signals Connected
+
+- `research_xp_changed` - Refresh progress bars
+- `research_level_up` - Refresh level and multiplier displays
+
+## ResearchRow
+
+UI row component for individual research display.
+
+### UI Layout
+
+```
+ResearchRow (HBoxContainer)
+├── Icon (TextureRect)
+├── VBoxContainer
+│   ├── NameLabel ("Gold Mine Research")
+│   └── LevelLabel ("Level 3")
+├── ProgressBar (with percentage label "75%")
+├── MultiplierLabel ("+30%")
+└── BuffLabel ("Mining Expert: +20% XP")
+```
+
+### Key Methods
+
+```gdscript
+func setup(research: ResearchData) -> void:
+	_name_label.text = research.name
+	_icon.texture = research.icon
+
+func update_display(level: int, progress: float, multiplier: float, xp_current: BigNumber, xp_needed: BigNumber) -> void:
+	_level_label.text = "Level %d" % level
+	_progress_bar.value = progress * 100
+	_progress_label.text = "%d%%" % int(progress * 100)
+	_multiplier_label.text = "+%d%%" % int((multiplier - 1.0) * 100)
+	
+	# Update buff label if buff is active
+	if _research.associated_buff_id != &"":
+		var buff: GeneratorBuffData = game_state.get_buff(_research.associated_buff_id)
+		if is_buff_active(buff.id):
+			_buff_label.text = "%s: +%d%% XP" % [buff.text, int(effect * 100)]
+```
+
+## Formulas
+
+### XP Calculation
+
+```
+base_xp = currency_produced * xp_per_currency_produced
+actual_xp = base_xp * buff_multiplier
+```
+
+### Level Progression
+
+```
+xp_required_for_level(n) = base_xp_required * (xp_growth_multiplier ^ (n - 1))
+total_xp_for_level(n) = sum(xp_required_for_level(i) for i in 1..n)
+level = get_level_for_xp(total_xp)
+```
+
+### Production Multiplier
+
+```
+multiplier = base_multiplier + (multiplier_per_level * level)
+effective_production = base_production * multiplier
+```
+
+### Buff XP Multiplier
+
+```
+xp_multiplier = 1.0
+for each active buff targeting this research:
+	xp_multiplier *= buff.get_effect_multiplier(level)
+actual_xp = base_xp * xp_multiplier
+```
+
+## Design Decisions
+
+| Decision | Value |
+|----------|-------|
+| ResearchCatalogue reference | Direct `@export var research_catalogue: ResearchCatalogue` in LevelGameState |
+| Buff calculation | Static utility (`ResearchBuffCalculator`) - no dedicated tracker node |
+| Progress bar display | Percentage format (e.g., "75%") |
+| Buff display | Shows buff name and effect (e.g., "Mining Expert: +20% XP") |
+| Research unlock | Starts unlocked |
+| XP formula | Production-based: `XP = currency_produced * xp_per_currency_produced` |
+| Level-up | Auto-level when XP threshold reached |
+| Buffs | Single buff per research track, multiplicative XP bonus |
+| Prestige | Research levels and XP reset to 0 |
+| ResearchPanel visibility | Always visible (like GeneratorPanel) |
+
+## System Behavior
+
+1. **Generator produces currency** → `production_tick` signal emitted
+2. **CurrencyGenerator calls** → `game_state.add_research_xp()` with base XP
+3. **LevelGameState applies buffs** → `ResearchBuffCalculator.apply_buffs()` calculates multiplier
+4. **XP awarded** → stored in `research_xp` dictionary
+5. **Level check** → if XP exceeds threshold, auto-level and emit `research_level_up`
+6. **Multiplier applied** → `get_research_multiplier()` returns updated production bonus
+7. **UI refresh** → `ResearchPanel` updates progress bars and level displays
+
+## Prestige Integration
+
+On prestige reset:
+1. `research_xp.clear()` - All XP lost
+2. `research_levels.clear()` - All levels reset to 0
+3. Buff purchases persist (separate state)
+4. Research tracks remain unlocked
+
+## See Also
+
+- `core/level_game_state.gd` - Research state storage and management
+- `core/generator/currency_generator_data.gd` - Links to ResearchData
+- `core/generator/generator_buff_data.gd` - RESEARCH_XP_MULTIPLIER buff type
+- `core/generator/research_buff_calculator.gd` - Static buff calculation utility
+- `core/research/research_catalogue.gd` - Research configuration resource
--- a/core/research/TODO.md
+++ b/core/research/TODO.md
@@ -0,0 +1,616 @@
+# Research Feature Implementation Plan
+
+## Overview
+
+A production-based research system where:
+- **Generator production → Research XP → Auto-level → Production multiplier**
+- **Research buffs** (purchased with currency) increase XP gain multiplicatively
+- **One research track per generator** with a single associated buff
+- **Progress bar shows percentage** to next level
+- **Buff display shows name and effect**
+- **Research tracks start unlocked**
+- **Resets on prestige** (levels and XP lost)
+
+---
+
+## System Architecture
+
+```
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│                         LevelGameState                           │
+│  - research_xp: Dictionary                                       │
+│  - research_levels: Dictionary                                   │
+│  - research_catalogue: ResearchCatalogue                         │
+│  - add_research_xp() applies buffs via ResearchBuffCalculator   │
+└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+							  │
+		  ┌───────────────────┼───────────────────┐
+		  ▼                   ▼                   ▼
+┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐
+│ CurrencyGen     │  │ ResearchData    │  │ ResearchPanel   │
+│ (Gold Mine)     │──│ (Resource)      │──│ (Always visible)│
+│ - produces gold │  │ - XP config     │  │ - Shows all     │
+│ - emits signal  │  │ - Multiplier    │  │   research      │
+└─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  │ - Progress bars │
+										  └─────────────────┘
+		  │
+		  ▼
+┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│              ResearchBuffCalculator (static utility)           │
+│  - apply_buffs() calculates XP multiplier from active buffs    │
+└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+```
+
+---
+
+## Data Flow
+
+```
+Generator Production (currency_per_cycle)
+		 │
+		 ▼
+┌──────────────────────┐
+│ CurrencyGen          │
+│ emits production_tick │
+└──────────────────────┘
+		 │
+		 ▼
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│ LevelGameState.add_research_xp()        │
+│ 1. base_xp = currency_produced * rate   │
+│ 2. buff_mult = ResearchBuffCalculator.apply_buffs()
+│ 3. actual_xp = base_xp * buff_mult      │
+│ 4. research_xp += actual_xp             │
+│ 5. Check level threshold → auto-level   │
+│ 6. Emit research_level_up signal        │
+└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
+		 │
+		 ▼
+┌──────────────────────┐
+│ ResearchState        │
+│ {xp: 150.5, level: 3}│
+└──────────────────────┘
+		 │
+		 ▼
+┌──────────────────────┐
+│ CurrencyGen          │
+│ get_research_multiplier() → 1.3 (30% bonus)
+└──────────────────────┘
+		 │
+		 ▼
+┌──────────────────────┐
+│ Production *= 1.3    │
+└──────────────────────┘
+```
+
+---
+
+## Component Specifications
+
+### 1. ResearchData (core/generator/research_data.gd)
+
+**Purpose:** Resource defining research configuration for a generator
+
+**Location:** `res://core/generator/research_data.gd`
+
+**Key Properties:**
+```gdscript
+@export var id: StringName                              # Unique research identifier
+@export var generator_id: StringName                    # Which generator this research affects
+@export var name: String                                # Display name
+@export_multiline var description: String = ""          # Description text
+@export var icon: Texture2D                             # Icon for UI
+
+# XP Configuration
+@export var xp_per_currency_produced: float = 0.01      # XP per 1 currency unit produced
+@export var base_xp_required: float = 100.0             # XP needed for level 1
+@export var xp_growth_multiplier: float = 1.5           # XP requirement growth per level
+
+# Multiplier Configuration
+@export var base_multiplier: float = 1.0                # Production multiplier at level 0
+@export var multiplier_per_level: float = 0.1           # +10% production per level
+
+# Associated Buff (single buff per research track)
+@export var associated_buff_id: StringName              # Buff that increases XP gain
+```
+
+**Key Methods:**
+```gdscript
+func get_xp_required_for_level(level: int) -> float:
+	"""XP needed to reach this level from previous"""
+	return base_xp_required * pow(xp_growth_multiplier, float(maxi(level - 1, 0)))
+
+func get_total_xp_for_level(level: int) -> float:
+	"""Total cumulative XP needed to reach this level from level 0"""
+	if level <= 0:
+		return 0.0
+	var total: float = 0.0
+	for l in range(1, level + 1):
+		total += get_xp_required_for_level(l)
+	return total
+
+func get_level_for_xp(xp: float) -> int:
+	"""Calculate level from total accumulated XP"""
+	var level: int = 0
+	var cumulative_xp: float = 0.0
+	while true:
+		var next_xp: float = cumulative_xp + get_xp_required_for_level(level + 1)
+		if xp < next_xp:
+			break
+		level += 1
+		cumulative_xp = next_xp
+	return level
+
+func get_multiplier_for_level(level: int) -> float:
+	"""Production multiplier at given level"""
+	return base_multiplier + (multiplier_per_level * float(maxi(level, 0)))
+
+func get_xp_progress(xp: float) -> float:
+	"""Returns 0.0-1.0 progress to next level"""
+	if xp <= 0.0:
+		return 0.0
+	var current_level: int = get_level_for_xp(xp)
+	if current_level < 0:
+		return 0.0
+	
+	var xp_at_current_level: float = get_total_xp_for_level(current_level)
+	var xp_needed_for_next: float = get_xp_required_for_level(current_level + 1)
+	var xp_in_current_level: float = xp - xp_at_current_level
+	
+	return clampf(xp_in_current_level / xp_needed_for_next, 0.0, 1.0)
+```
+
+---
+
+### 2. ResearchCatalogue (core/research/research_catalogue.gd)
+
+**Purpose:** Resource holding all research configurations
+
+**Location:** `res://core/research/research_catalogue.gd`
+
+**Structure:**
+```gdscript
+class_name ResearchCatalogue
+extends Resource
+
+@export var research_entries: Array[ResearchData] = []
+
+func get_research_by_id(research_id: StringName) -> ResearchData:
+	for entry in research_entries:
+		if entry.id == research_id:
+			return entry
+	return null
+
+func get_research_by_generator_id(generator_id: StringName) -> ResearchData:
+	for entry in research_entries:
+		if entry.generator_id == generator_id:
+			return entry
+	return null
+
+func get_all_research() -> Array[ResearchData]:
+	return research_entries.duplicate()
+```
+
+**Usage:** Referenced directly by LevelGameState via `@export var research_catalogue: ResearchCatalogue`
+
+---
+
+### 3. ResearchBuffCalculator (core/generator/research_buff_calculator.gd)
+
+**Purpose:** Static utility class for calculating research XP buff multipliers
+
+**Location:** `res://core/generator/research_buff_calculator.gd`
+
+**Key Methods:**
+```gdscript
+static func apply_buffs(research: ResearchData, game_state: LevelGameState) -> float:
+	"""Calculate total buff multiplier for research XP gain. Returns multiplicative factor."""
+	var multiplier: float = 1.0
+	if research.associated_buff_id.is_empty():
+		return multiplier
+	
+	var buff: GeneratorBuffData = game_state.get_buff(research.associated_buff_id)
+	if buff != null and game_state.is_buff_active(buff.id):
+		var buff_level: int = game_state.get_buff_level(buff.id)
+		multiplier *= _calculate_buff_multiplier(buff, buff_level)
+	
+	return multiplier
+
+static func _calculate_buff_multiplier(buff: GeneratorBuffData, level: int) -> float:
+	"""Calculate buff effect multiplier at given level."""
+	return buff.get_effect_multiplier(level)
+```
+
+**Usage:** Called from `LevelGameState.add_research_xp()` to apply buffs before storing XP
+
+---
+
+### 4. LevelGameState Extensions (core/level_game_state.gd)
+
+**New State Variables:**
+```gdscript
+var research_xp: Dictionary = {}        # {research_id: BigNumber}
+var research_levels: Dictionary = {}    # {research_id: level_int}
+# research_tracker removed - buff calculation moved to static utility
+```
+
+**New Signals:**
+```gdscript
+signal research_xp_changed(research_id: StringName, new_xp: BigNumber)
+signal research_level_up(research_id: StringName, old_level: int, new_level: int)
+```
+
+**New Properties:**
+```gdscript
+@export var research_catalogue: ResearchCatalogue
+```
+
+**New Methods:**
+```gdscript
+func register_research(research_id: StringName) -> void:
+	if not research_xp.has(research_id):
+		research_xp[research_id] = BigNumber.new(0.0, 0)
+	if not research_levels.has(research_id):
+		research_levels[research_id] = 0
+
+func get_research_xp(research_id: StringName) -> BigNumber:
+	return research_xp.get(research_id, BigNumber.new(0.0, 0))
+
+func get_research_level(research_id: StringName) -> int:
+	return research_levels.get(research_id, 0)
+
+func get_research_multiplier(research_id: StringName) -> float:
+	var level: int = get_research_level(research_id)
+	var research: ResearchData = _get_research_data(research_id)
+	if research == null:
+		return 1.0
+	return research.get_multiplier_for_level(level)
+
+func add_research_xp(research_id: StringName, xp: BigNumber) -> void:
+	"""Add XP with buff multipliers applied, auto-level if threshold reached"""
+	var research: ResearchData = research_catalogue.get_research_by_id(research_id)
+	if research == null:
+		return
+	
+	var old_level: int = get_research_level(research_id)
+	var current_xp: BigNumber = get_research_xp(research_id)
+	
+	# Apply buff multipliers via static utility
+	var buff_multiplier: float = ResearchBuffCalculator.apply_buffs(research, self)
+	var multiplier_bn: BigNumber = BigNumber.from_float(buff_multiplier)
+	var actual_xp: BigNumber = xp.multiply(multiplier_bn)
+	
+	research_xp[research_id] = current_xp.add(actual_xp)
+	var new_level: int = research.get_level_for_xp(research_xp[research_id])
+	
+	if new_level > old_level:
+		research_levels[research_id] = new_level
+		research_level_up.emit(research_id, old_level, new_level)
+	
+	research_xp_changed.emit(research_id, research_xp[research_id])
+
+func _get_research_data(research_id: StringName) -> ResearchData:
+	if research_catalogue == null:
+		return null
+	return research_catalogue.get_research_by_id(research_id)
+```
+
+**Save/Load Integration:**
+```gdscript
+const RESEARCH_XP_KEY = "research_xp"
+const RESEARCH_LEVELS_KEY = "research_levels"
+
+# In save_game():
+var save_data = {
+	# ... existing fields ...
+	RESEARCH_XP_KEY: research_xp.duplicate(),
+	RESEARCH_LEVELS_KEY: research_levels.duplicate(),
+}
+
+# In load_game():
+if parsed_data.has(RESEARCH_XP_KEY):
+	research_xp = parsed_data.get(RESEARCH_XP_KEY, {})
+if parsed_data.has(RESEARCH_LEVELS_KEY):
+	research_levels = parsed_data.get(RESEARCH_LEVELS_KEY, {})
+
+# In reset_for_prestige():
+research_xp.clear()
+research_levels.clear()
+```
+
+**Initialization in _ready():**
+```gdscript
+# Initialize research state from catalogue
+if research_catalogue:
+	for research in research_catalogue.get_all_research():
+		register_research(research.id)
+```
+
+---
+
+### 5. CurrencyGeneratorData Extensions (core/generator/currency_generator_data.gd)
+
+**New Property:**
+```gdscript
+@export var research_data: ResearchData  # Link to research configuration
+```
+
+---
+
+### 6. CurrencyGenerator Extensions (core/generator/currency_generator.gd)
+
+**In `_grant_cycle_income()`:**
+```gdscript
+func _grant_cycle_income(cycle_count: int) -> void:
+	if data == null or cycle_count <= 0:
+		return
+
+	var effective_run_multiplier: float = get_effective_auto_run_multiplier()
+	var per_cycle: float = data.production_per_cycle(owned, effective_run_multiplier, purchased_count)
+	if per_cycle <= 0.0:
+		return
+
+	var produced: BigNumber = BigNumber.from_float(per_cycle).multiply(BigNumber.from_float(float(cycle_count)))
+	_add_currency(produced)
+	production_tick.emit(produced, cycle_count, owned)
+	
+	# Award research XP - buff multipliers applied in LevelGameState
+	if data.research_data != null:
+		var xp: float = data.research_data.xp_per_currency_produced * produced.to_float()
+		game_state.add_research_xp(data.research_data.id, BigNumber.from_float(xp))
+```
+
+**New Method:**
+```gdscript
+func get_research_multiplier() -> float:
+	if data == null or data.research_data == null:
+		return 1.0
+	if game_state == null:
+		return 1.0
+	return game_state.get_research_multiplier(data.research_data.id)
+```
+
+**Modify `get_effective_auto_run_multiplier()`:**
+```gdscript
+func get_effective_auto_run_multiplier() -> float:
+	return run_multiplier * get_research_multiplier() * get_automatic_production_multiplier() * _get_prestige_multiplier()
+```
+
+---
+
+### 7. GeneratorBuffData Extensions (core/generator/generator_buff_data.gd)
+
+**New Enum Value:**
+```gdscript
+enum BuffKind {
+	AUTO_PRODUCTION_MULTIPLIER,
+	MANUAL_CLICK_MULTIPLIER,
+	RESOURCE_PURCHASE,
+	RESEARCH_XP_MULTIPLIER  # NEW: Increases research XP gain
+}
+```
+
+**New Properties (for RESEARCH_XP_MULTIPLIER buffs):**
+```gdscript
+@export var research_target_id: StringName  # Which research track this buff affects
+@export var xp_multiplier_per_level: float = 0.1  # +10% XP per level (uses get_effect_multiplier)
+```
+
+**Note:** Buff names are configured in the `text` field of each `GeneratorBuffData` instance
+
+---
+
+### 8. ResearchRow (core/research/research_row.tscn + .gd)
+
+**Location:**
+- Script: `res://core/research/research_row.gd`
+- Scene: `res://core/research/research_row.tscn`
+
+**UI Layout:**
+```
+ResearchRow (HBoxContainer)
+├── Icon (TextureRect)
+├── VBoxContainer
+│   ├── NameLabel ("Gold Mine Research")
+│   └── LevelLabel ("Level 3")
+├── ProgressBar (with percentage label "75%")
+├── MultiplierLabel ("+30%")
+└── BuffLabel ("Mining Expert: +20% XP")
+```
+
+**Script Methods:**
+```gdscript
+func setup(research: ResearchData) -> void:
+	"""Initialize row with research data"""
+	_research = research
+	_name_label.text = research.name
+	_icon.texture = research.icon
+
+func update_display(level: int, progress: float, multiplier: float, xp_current: float, xp_needed: float) -> void:
+	"""Update UI elements"""
+	_level_label.text = "Level %d" % level
+	_progress_bar.value = progress * 100
+	_progress_label.text = "%d%%" % int(progress * 100)
+	_multiplier_label.text = "+%d%%" % int((multiplier - 1.0) * 100)
+	
+	# Update buff label if buff is active
+	if _research.associated_buff_id != &"":
+		var buff: GeneratorBuffData = game_state.get_buff(_research.associated_buff_id)
+		if buff != null and game_state.is_buff_active(buff.id):
+			var level: int = game_state.get_buff_level(buff.id)
+			var effect: float = buff.get_effect_multiplier(level) - 1.0
+			_buff_label.text = "%s: +%d%% XP" % [buff.text, int(effect * 100)]
+```
+
+---
+
+### 9. ResearchPanel (core/research/research_panel.tscn + .gd)
+
+**Location:**
+- Script: `res://core/research/research_panel.gd`
+- Scene: `res://core/research/research_panel.tscn`
+
+**Layout:**
+```
+ResearchPanel (ScrollContainer)
+├── VBoxContainer
+│   ├── TitleLabel ("Research")
+│   └── ResearchRows (VBoxContainer)
+│       └── ResearchRow (for each research track)
+```
+
+**Script Methods:**
+```gdscript
+func _ready() -> void:
+	_game_state = find_parent("LevelGameState")
+	if _game_state == null:
+		return
+	
+	_game_state.research_xp_changed.connect(_on_research_xp_changed)
+	_game_state.research_level_up.connect(_on_research_level_up)
+	
+	_build_research_rows()
+	_refresh_all()
+
+func _build_research_rows() -> void:
+	for child in _research_rows_container.get_children():
+		child.queue_free()
+	_research_rows.clear()
+	
+	if _game_state.research_catalogue:
+		for research in _game_state.research_catalogue.get_all_research():
+			var row = RESEARCH_ROW_SCENE.instantiate()
+			_research_rows_container.add_child(row)
+			row.setup(research)
+			_research_rows[research.id] = row
+
+func _refresh_all() -> void:
+	for row in _research_rows.values():
+		_refresh_row(row)
+
+func _refresh_row(row) -> void:
+	var research_id: StringName = row.get_research_id()
+	var xp: float = _game_state.get_research_xp(research_id)
+	var level: int = _game_state.get_research_level(research_id)
+	var research: ResearchData = _game_state.research_catalogue.get_research_by_id(research_id)
+	
+	if research != null:
+		var progress: float = research.get_xp_progress(xp)
+		var multiplier: float = research.get_multiplier_for_level(level)
+		var xp_current: float = xp - research.get_total_xp_for_level(level)
+		var xp_needed: float = research.get_xp_required_for_level(level + 1)
+		
+		row.update_display(level, progress, multiplier, xp_current, xp_needed)
+
+func _on_research_xp_changed(research_id: StringName, _new_xp: float) -> void:
+	if _research_rows.has(research_id):
+		_refresh_row(_research_rows[research_id])
+
+func _on_research_level_up(research_id: StringName, _old_level: int, _new_level: int) -> void:
+	if _research_rows.has(research_id):
+		_refresh_row(_research_rows[research_id])
+```
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Sequence
+
+| Step | Task | Files | Priority | Status |
+|------|------|-------|----------|--------|
+| 1 | Create `ResearchData` resource class | `core/generator/research_data.gd` | High | ⬜ |
+| 2 | Create `ResearchCatalogue` resource class | `core/research/research_catalogue.gd` | High | ⬜ |
+| 3 | Create `ResearchBuffCalculator` static utility | `core/generator/research_buff_calculator.gd` | High | ✅ Done |
+| 4 | Add research state to `LevelGameState` | `core/level_game_state.gd` | High | ✅ Done |
+| 5 | Add `RESEARCH_XP_MULTIPLIER` buff kind | `core/generator/generator_buff_data.gd` | High | ⬜ |
+| 6 | Add `research_data` export to `CurrencyGeneratorData` | `core/generator/currency_generator_data.gd` | High | ⬜ |
+| 7 | Connect production to research XP in `CurrencyGenerator` | `core/generator/currency_generator.gd` | High | ✅ Done |
+| 8 | Create `ResearchRow` scene & script | `core/research/research_row.tscn`, `.gd` | Medium | ⬜ |
+| 9 | Create `ResearchPanel` scene & script | `core/research/research_panel.tscn`, `.gd` | Medium | ⬜ |
+| 10 | Add save/load support for research state | `core/level_game_state.gd` | Medium | ⬜ |
+| 11 | Add prestige reset for research | `core/level_game_state.gd` | Medium | ⬜ |
+| 12 | Create sample `ResearchData` resource | `doc/gyms/tiny_sword/resources/` | Low | ⬜ |
+| 13 | Test integration | Manual testing | Low | ⬜ |
+
+---
+
+## Design Decisions (Confirmed)
+
+| Decision | Value |
+|----------|-------|
+| ResearchCatalogue reference | Direct `@export var research_catalogue: ResearchCatalogue` in LevelGameState |
+| ResearchCatalogue location | `core/research/research_catalogue.gd` (resource, referenced directly) |
+| Buff calculation | Static utility (`ResearchBuffCalculator`) - no dedicated tracker node |
+| Progress bar display | Percentage format (e.g., "75%") |
+| Buff display | Shows buff name and effect (e.g., "Mining Expert: +20% XP") |
+| Research unlock | Starts unlocked |
+| XP formula | Production-based: `XP = currency_produced * xp_per_currency_produced` |
+| Level-up | Auto-level when XP threshold reached |
+| Buffs | Single buff per research track, multiplicative XP bonus |
+| Prestige | Research levels and XP reset to 0 |
+| ResearchData location | `res://doc/gyms/tiny_sword/resources/` |
+| ResearchPanel visibility | Always visible (like GeneratorPanel) |
+
+---
+
+## Formulas
+
+### XP Calculation
+```
+base_xp = currency_produced * xp_per_currency_produced
+actual_xp = base_xp * buff_multiplier
+```
+
+### Level Progression
+```
+xp_required_for_level(n) = base_xp_required * (xp_growth_multiplier ^ (n - 1))
+total_xp_for_level(n) = sum(xp_required_for_level(i) for i in 1..n)
+level = get_level_for_xp(total_xp)
+```
+
+### Production Multiplier
+```
+multiplier = base_multiplier + (multiplier_per_level * level)
+effective_production = base_production * multiplier
+```
+
+### Buff XP Multiplier
+```
+xp_multiplier = 1.0
+for each active buff targeting this research:
+	xp_multiplier *= buff.get_effect_multiplier(level)
+actual_xp = base_xp * xp_multiplier
+```
+
+---
+
+## Notes
+
+- **ResearchData instances** should be created as `.tres` resources in `doc/gyms/tiny_sword/resources/`
+- **Associated buffs** should be created as `GeneratorBuffData` with `BuffKind.RESEARCH_XP_MULTIPLIER`
+- **Buff names** are configured in the `text` field of each `GeneratorBuffData`
+- **ResearchPanel** should be added as a child node in the main game scene (always visible)
+- **Save format version** should be incremented to 5 when adding research support (BigNumber XP)
+- **ResearchXPTracker removed** - buff calculation moved to static `ResearchBuffCalculator` utility
+
+---
+
+## Testing Checklist
+
+- [ ] Generator produces currency → research XP increases
+- [ ] Buff multipliers correctly applied to XP gain
+- [ ] Auto-level triggers at correct XP thresholds
+- [ ] Production multiplier updates after level-up
+- [ ] ResearchPanel displays correct progress and level
+- [ ] Save/load preserves research state
+- [ ] Prestige resets research levels and XP
+- [ ] Multiple research tracks work independently
+- [ ] Buff purchase correctly affects XP gain
+
+---
+
+## Dependencies
+
+- `CurrencyGenerator` must emit `production_tick` signal
+- `GeneratorBuffData` must support `RESEARCH_XP_MULTIPLIER` kind
+- `LevelGameState` must support buff tracking and signals
+- Save format version must be updated
--- a/core/research/research_catalogue.gd
+++ b/core/research/research_catalogue.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+class_name ResearchCatalogue
+extends Resource
+
+@export var research_entries: Array[ResearchData] = []
+
+func get_research_by_id(research_id: StringName) -> ResearchData:
+	for entry in research_entries:
+		if entry.id == research_id:
+			return entry
+	return null
+
+func get_research_by_generator_id(generator_id: StringName) -> ResearchData:
+	for entry in research_entries:
+		if entry.generator_id == generator_id:
+			return entry
+	return null
+
+func get_all_research() -> Array[ResearchData]:
+	return research_entries.duplicate()
--- a/core/research/research_catalogue.gd.uid
+++ b/core/research/research_catalogue.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://d2v6t6w2todfy
--- a/core/research/research_data.gd
+++ b/core/research/research_data.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+class_name ResearchData
+extends Resource
+
+@export var id: StringName = &""
+@export var generator_id: StringName = &""
+@export var name: String = ""
+@export_multiline var description: String = ""
+@export var icon: Texture2D
+
+## XP Configuration
+@export var xp_per_currency_produced: float = 0.01
+@export var base_xp_required: float = 100.0
+@export var xp_growth_multiplier: float = 1.5
+
+## Multiplier Configuration
+@export var base_multiplier: float = 1.0
+@export var multiplier_per_level: float = 0.1
+
+## Associated Buff (single buff per research track)
+@export var associated_buff_id: StringName = &""
+
+## Worker Scaling Configuration
+@export var worker_scaling_factor: float = 0.01
+@export var min_workers_for_xp: int = 1
+
+func get_xp_required_for_level(level: int) -> float:
+	return base_xp_required * pow(xp_growth_multiplier, float(maxi(level - 1, 0)))
+
+func get_xp_required_for_level_big(level: int) -> BigNumber:
+	var float_val: float = base_xp_required * pow(xp_growth_multiplier, float(maxi(level - 1, 0)))
+	return BigNumber.from_float(float_val)
+
+func get_total_xp_for_level(level: int) -> BigNumber:
+	if level <= 0:
+		return BigNumber.new(0.0, 0)
+	var total: BigNumber = BigNumber.new(0.0, 0)
+	for l in range(1, level + 1):
+		total = total.add(get_xp_required_for_level_big(l))
+	return total
+
+func get_level_for_xp(xp: BigNumber) -> int:
+	if xp.mantissa == 0.0:
+		return 0
+	var level: int = 0
+	while true:
+		var next_xp: BigNumber = get_total_xp_for_level(level + 1)
+		if xp.compare_to(next_xp) < 0:
+			break
+		level += 1
+	return level
+
+func get_multiplier_for_level(level: int) -> float:
+	return base_multiplier + (multiplier_per_level * float(maxi(level, 0)))
+
+func get_xp_progress(xp: BigNumber) -> float:
+	if xp.mantissa == 0.0:
+		return 0.0
+	var current_level: int = get_level_for_xp(xp)
+	if current_level < 0:
+		return 0.0
+	
+	var xp_at_current_level: BigNumber = get_total_xp_for_level(current_level)
+	var xp_needed_for_next: BigNumber = get_xp_required_for_level_big(current_level + 1)
+	var xp_in_current_level: BigNumber = xp.subtract(xp_at_current_level)
+	
+	if xp_needed_for_next.mantissa == 0.0:
+		return 1.0
+	
+	var ratio: float = (xp_in_current_level.mantissa / xp_needed_for_next.mantissa) * pow(10.0, float(xp_in_current_level.exponent - xp_needed_for_next.exponent))
+	return clampf(ratio, 0.0, 1.0)
--- a/core/research/research_data.gd.uid
+++ b/core/research/research_data.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://m7baywrfnpn0
--- a/core/research/research_panel.gd
+++ b/core/research/research_panel.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,155 @@
+class_name ResearchPanel
+extends PanelContainer
+
+const RESEARCH_ROW_SCENE: PackedScene = preload("res://core/research/research_row.tscn")
+
+@onready var _title_label: Label = $ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer/TitleLabel
+@onready var _research_rows_container: VBoxContainer = $ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer/ResearchRows
+@onready var _buy_worker_button: Button = $ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer/BuyWorkerButton
+
+var _game_state: LevelGameState
+var _research_rows: Dictionary = {}
+var _active_research_id: StringName = &""
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	_game_state = find_parent("LevelGameState")
+	if _game_state == null:
+		push_error("ResearchPanel: Could not find LevelGameState parent")
+		return
+	
+	_game_state.research_xp_changed.connect(_on_research_xp_changed)
+	_game_state.research_level_up.connect(_on_research_level_up)
+	_game_state.currency_changed.connect(_on_currency_changed)
+	_game_state.research_workers_changed.connect(_on_research_workers_changed)
+	
+	_build_research_rows()
+	_refresh_all()
+	_refresh_worker_button()
+
+func _build_research_rows() -> void:
+	for child in _research_rows_container.get_children():
+		child.queue_free()
+	_research_rows.clear()
+	_active_research_id = &""
+	
+	if _game_state.research_catalogue:
+		for research in _game_state.research_catalogue.get_all_research():
+			var row: ResearchRow = RESEARCH_ROW_SCENE.instantiate()
+			_research_rows_container.add_child(row)
+			row.setup(research)
+			row.active_changed.connect(_on_research_active_changed.bind(research.id))
+			_research_rows[research.id] = row
+	
+	_load_active_research_state()
+
+func _refresh_all() -> void:
+	for row in _research_rows.values():
+		_refresh_row(row)
+
+func _refresh_row(row: ResearchRow) -> void:
+	var research_id: StringName = row.get_research_id()
+	var xp: BigNumber = _game_state.get_research_xp(research_id)
+	var level: int = _game_state.get_research_level(research_id)
+	var research: ResearchData = _game_state.research_catalogue.get_research_by_id(research_id)
+	
+	if research != null:
+		var progress: float = research.get_xp_progress(xp)
+		var multiplier: float = research.get_multiplier_for_level(level)
+		var xp_current: BigNumber = xp.subtract(research.get_total_xp_for_level(level))
+		var xp_needed: BigNumber = research.get_xp_required_for_level_big(level + 1)
+		
+		row.update_display(level, progress, multiplier, xp_current, xp_needed)
+
+func _on_research_xp_changed(research_id: StringName, _new_xp: BigNumber) -> void:
+	if _research_rows.has(research_id):
+		_refresh_row(_research_rows[research_id])
+
+func _on_research_level_up(research_id: StringName, _old_level: int, _new_level: int) -> void:
+	if _research_rows.has(research_id):
+		_refresh_row(_research_rows[research_id])
+
+func _on_research_active_changed(is_active: bool, research_id: StringName) -> void:
+	if is_active:
+		if _active_research_id != &"" and _active_research_id != research_id:
+			var existing_row: ResearchRow = _research_rows.get(_active_research_id)
+			if existing_row != null:
+				existing_row.set_active(false, false)
+		_active_research_id = research_id
+		_save_active_research_state()
+	else:
+		if _active_research_id == research_id:
+			_active_research_id = &""
+			_save_active_research_state()
+
+func _load_active_research_state() -> void:
+	if _game_state == null:
+		return
+	
+	var save_data: Dictionary = _game_state.get_external_save_data("research_active")
+	if save_data.has("active_research_id"):
+		var loaded_id: String = String(save_data.get("active_research_id", ""))
+		if not loaded_id.is_empty():
+			_active_research_id = StringName(loaded_id)
+			var row: ResearchRow = _research_rows.get(_active_research_id)
+			if row != null:
+				row.set_active(true, false)
+
+func _save_active_research_state() -> void:
+	if _game_state == null:
+		return
+	
+	var save_data: Dictionary = {}
+	if _active_research_id != &"":
+		save_data["active_research_id"] = String(_active_research_id)
+	_game_state.set_external_save_data("research_active", save_data)
+
+func get_active_research_id() -> StringName:
+	return _active_research_id
+
+func is_research_active(research_id: StringName) -> bool:
+	return _active_research_id == research_id
+
+func activate_research(research_id: StringName) -> void:
+	if _research_rows.has(research_id):
+		var row: ResearchRow = _research_rows[research_id]
+		row.set_active(true)
+
+func _on_currency_changed(currency_id: StringName, _new_amount: BigNumber) -> void:
+	if currency_id == &"worker":
+		_refresh_worker_button()
+
+func _on_research_workers_changed(_new_count: int) -> void:
+	_refresh_worker_button()
+
+func _can_buy_worker() -> bool:
+	if _game_state == null:
+		return false
+	
+	var worker_currency: BigNumber = _game_state.get_currency_amount_by_id(&"worker")
+	
+	return worker_currency.mantissa >= 1.0
+
+func _buy_worker() -> void:
+	if _game_state == null:
+		return
+	
+	_game_state.assign_worker_to_research()
+
+func _on_buy_worker_pressed() -> void:
+	_buy_worker()
+	_refresh_worker_button()
+
+func _refresh_worker_button() -> void:
+	if _buy_worker_button == null:
+		return
+	
+	if _game_state == null:
+		_buy_worker_button.disabled = true
+		return
+	
+	var can_buy: bool = _can_buy_worker()
+	_buy_worker_button.disabled = not can_buy
+	
+	var worker_currency: BigNumber = _game_state.get_currency_amount_by_id(&"worker")
+	var research_workers: int = _game_state.get_research_workers()
+	_buy_worker_button.text = "Assign Worker to Research (%d available, %d assigned)" % [int(worker_currency.mantissa), research_workers]
--- a/core/research/research_panel.gd.uid
+++ b/core/research/research_panel.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://fdl7ftxw8w1e
--- a/core/research/research_panel.tscn
+++ b/core/research/research_panel.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+[gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://6d101h70mcx"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://fdl7ftxw8w1e" path="res://core/research/research_panel.gd" id="1_script"]
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://ckr805xqy6h4w" path="res://core/research/worker_summary_label.tscn" id="3_worker"]
+
+[node name="ResearchPanel" type="PanelContainer" unique_id=600021293]
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(400, 100)
+offset_right = 400.0
+offset_bottom = 100.0
+script = ExtResource("1_script")
+
+[node name="ScrollContainer" type="ScrollContainer" parent="." unique_id=973132184]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="VBoxContainer" type="VBoxContainer" parent="ScrollContainer" unique_id=1679714014]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="TitleLabel" type="Label" parent="ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer" unique_id=990297493]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "Research"
+
+[node name="HBoxContainer" type="HBoxContainer" parent="ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer" unique_id=1419318708]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="WorkerSummaryLabel" parent="ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer" unique_id=13607753 instance=ExtResource("3_worker")]
+
+[node name="BuyWorkerButton" type="Button" parent="ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer" unique_id=1083899286]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "Invest Worker (0 available)"
+
+[node name="ResearchRows" type="VBoxContainer" parent="ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer" unique_id=2066050169]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[connection signal="pressed" from="ScrollContainer/VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer/BuyWorkerButton" to="." method="_buy_worker"]
--- a/core/research/research_row.gd
+++ b/core/research/research_row.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+class_name ResearchRow
+extends HBoxContainer
+
+signal active_changed(is_active: bool)
+
+@onready var _name_label: Label = $VBoxContainer/NameLabel
+@onready var _level_label: Label = $VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer/LevelLabel
+@onready var _progress_bar: ProgressBar = $VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer/ProgressBar
+@onready var _multiplier_label: Label = $VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer/MultiplierLabel
+@onready var _buff_label: Label = $VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer/BuffLabel
+@onready var _check_button: CheckButton = $CheckButton
+
+var _research: ResearchData
+var _game_state: LevelGameState
+var _is_active: bool = false
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	_game_state = find_parent("LevelGameState")
+	if _game_state == null:
+		push_error("ResearchRow: Could not find LevelGameState parent")
+		return
+	
+	_game_state.research_xp_changed.connect(_on_research_xp_changed)
+	_game_state.research_level_up.connect(_on_research_level_up)
+	_check_button.toggled.connect(_on_check_button_toggled)
+
+func setup(research: ResearchData) -> void:
+	_research = research
+	if _name_label:
+		_name_label.text = research.name
+
+func get_research_id() -> StringName:
+	if _research == null:
+		return &""
+	return _research.id
+
+func update_display(level: int, progress: float, multiplier: float, xp_current: BigNumber, xp_needed: BigNumber) -> void:
+	if _level_label:
+		_level_label.text = "Level %d" % level
+	
+	if _progress_bar:
+		_progress_bar.value = progress * 100
+	
+	if _multiplier_label:
+		_multiplier_label.text = "+%d%%" % int((multiplier - 1.0) * 100)
+	
+	if _buff_label and _research != null:
+		if not _research.associated_buff_id.is_empty():
+			var buff: GeneratorBuffData = _game_state.get_buff(_research.associated_buff_id)
+			if buff != null and _game_state.is_buff_active(buff.id):
+				var buff_level: int = _game_state.get_buff_level(buff.id)
+				var effect: float = buff.get_effect_multiplier(buff_level) - 1.0
+				_buff_label.text = "%s: +%d%% XP" % [buff.text, int(effect * 100)]
+			else:
+				_buff_label.text = ""
+		else:
+			_buff_label.text = ""
+
+func _on_research_xp_changed(research_id: StringName, _new_xp: BigNumber) -> void:
+	if _research != null and research_id == _research.id:
+		_update_from_state()
+
+func _on_research_level_up(research_id: StringName, _old_level: int, _new_level: int) -> void:
+	if _research != null and research_id == _research.id:
+		_update_from_state()
+
+func _update_from_state() -> void:
+	if _research == null or _game_state == null:
+		return
+	
+	var xp: BigNumber = _game_state.get_research_xp(_research.id)
+	var level: int = _game_state.get_research_level(_research.id)
+	
+	var progress: float = _research.get_xp_progress(xp)
+	var multiplier: float = _research.get_multiplier_for_level(level)
+	var xp_current: BigNumber = xp.subtract(_research.get_total_xp_for_level(level))
+	var xp_needed: BigNumber = _research.get_xp_required_for_level_big(level + 1)
+	
+	update_display(level, progress, multiplier, xp_current, xp_needed)
+
+func _on_check_button_toggled(toggled_on: bool) -> void:
+	if toggled_on != _is_active:
+		_is_active = toggled_on
+		active_changed.emit(_is_active)
+
+func set_active(is_active: bool, emit_signal: bool = true) -> void:
+	_is_active = is_active
+	_check_button.button_pressed = is_active
+	if emit_signal:
+		active_changed.emit(is_active)
+
+func is_research_active() -> bool:
+	return _is_active
+
+func get_research_id_public() -> StringName:
+	if _research == null:
+		return &""
+	return _research.id
--- a/core/research/research_row.gd.uid
+++ b/core/research/research_row.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://gk3mr3k5yvp7
--- a/core/research/research_row.tscn
+++ b/core/research/research_row.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+[gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://bpo8pl5tipav"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" uid="uid://gk3mr3k5yvp7" path="res://core/research/research_row.gd" id="1_script"]
+
+[node name="ResearchRow" type="HBoxContainer" unique_id=810714290]
+mouse_filter = 2
+script = ExtResource("1_script")
+
+[node name="Icon" type="TextureRect" parent="." unique_id=1376308659]
+layout_mode = 2
+size_flags_horizontal = 0
+size_flags_vertical = 0
+
+[node name="VBoxContainer" type="VBoxContainer" parent="." unique_id=468422769]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="NameLabel" type="Label" parent="VBoxContainer" unique_id=1742937834]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "Research Name"
+
+[node name="HBoxContainer" type="HBoxContainer" parent="VBoxContainer" unique_id=819270678]
+layout_mode = 2
+alignment = 2
+
+[node name="LevelLabel" type="Label" parent="VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer" unique_id=1108328348]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "Level 0"
+
+[node name="ProgressBar" type="ProgressBar" parent="VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer" unique_id=1855503166]
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(200, 0)
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="MultiplierLabel" type="Label" parent="VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer" unique_id=135310321]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "+0%"
+
+[node name="BuffLabel" type="Label" parent="VBoxContainer/HBoxContainer" unique_id=2124734446]
+layout_mode = 2
+
+[node name="CheckButton" type="CheckButton" parent="." unique_id=3456789012]
+layout_mode = 2
+text = "Active"
--- a/core/research/worker_summary_label.gd
+++ b/core/research/worker_summary_label.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+class_name WorkerSummaryLabel
+extends Label
+
+@onready var _game_state: LevelGameState = find_parent("LevelGameState")
+
+signal research_workers_changed(new_count: int)
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	if _game_state == null:
+		push_error("WorkerSummaryLabel: Could not find LevelGameState parent")
+		return
+	
+	_game_state.currency_changed.connect(_on_currency_changed)
+	_game_state.research_workers_changed.connect(_on_research_workers_changed)
+	_update_worker_display()
+
+func _on_currency_changed(currency_id: StringName, _new_amount: BigNumber) -> void:
+	if currency_id == "worker":
+		_update_worker_display()
+
+func _on_research_workers_changed(new_count: int) -> void:
+	_update_worker_display()
+
+func _update_worker_display() -> void:
+	var worker_currency: int = int(_game_state.get_currency_amount_by_id("worker").mantissa)
+	var research_workers: int = _game_state.get_research_workers()
+	text = "Workers: %d available, %d assigned" % [worker_currency, research_workers]
--- a/core/research/worker_summary_label.gd.uid
+++ b/core/research/worker_summary_label.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://brvoy607b3nft
--- a/core/research/worker_summary_label.tscn
+++ b/core/research/worker_summary_label.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+[gd_scene format=3 uid="uid://ckr8z5xqy6h4w"]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://core/research/worker_summary_label.gd" id="1_script"]
+
+[node name="WorkerSummaryLabel" type="Label"]
+layout_mode = 2
+script = ExtResource("1_script")
+text = "Workers: 0"