Pokémon Professor
- This article is about the Professors specializing in Pokémon. For the TCG tournament term, see Professor Program (TCG).
A Pokémon Professor (Japanese: ポケモン博士 Pokémon Expert) is considered an expert on Pokémon in their respective region. Pokémon Professors are often researchers as well, and many times they are the ones responsible for distributing Pokédexes and giving Trainers their first partner Pokémon.
Several known Pokémon Professors have had reports published in Pokémon Researchers Monthly. Pokémon Professor is also a Trainer class used by Augustine Sycamore in Pokémon X and Y and Kukui in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. Many professors are accompanied by laboratory assistants, these aides often provide help with tasks, or perform small chores and field work.
Overview
Core series
All core series games contain at least one professor, typically researching an element that coincides with an element of the game such as either a mechanic or story telling, for example, Professor Elm is a research of Pokémon Eggs and breeding methods, as Pokémon breeding was introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver. Most professors are encountered early on in the story, usually the one to encourage the player to go on their adventure and providing them with a goal that sets the plot in motion. Depending on the game, the professor may also be seen throughout the game, providing the player with items, advice and resources. In addition to, many professors are associated with a Pokédex, as the tool is often help in providing research and information in their field. When absent, they may instead send off their research assistants, who may provide the player with the resources for the professor. Other cases may also have the player be the one assisting the professor, helping to either to do Research tasks, or help in delivering certain items. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the player is granted the "Pokémon Professor" title if they have completed their Lumiose Pokédex.
Taking into account that Pokémon are living beings and that the science that studies living beings is biology, it is implicit that the vast majority of Pokémon Professors would be considered as biologists. In Sonia's case, as she studies history, she would be classified as a historian. A common theme behind these characters is that at least one professor is named after a type of tree, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet being the first to not introduce any professor character named after such. Legends: Z-A would be the exception where no character with the title of professor appears. However, Mable is now the acting director of the Pokémon Research Lab in Kalos and shares many traits that would otherwise be present.
List of Pokémon Professors
- Other known professors
- Professor Cedric Juniper is the father of Professor Juniper in the Unova region. He studies Pokémon distribution and biology.
- Professor Burnet from the Dimensional Research Lab, studies the relationship between Pokémon and other dimensions. Originally appearing in Pokémon Dream Radar, she makes her first core series debut in Pokémon Sun and Moon.
- Samson Oak is Professor Oak's cousin from the Alola region. He studies the regional forms and Totem Pokémon found within the region.
- Mable takes after Professor Sycamore's role, having the title of acting director in Legends: Z-A. She studies life energy and the Pokémon in Lumiose City's Wild Zones.
- Two other characters with the title of professor are named, but lack story relevance
- Professor Silktree is a professor that is only mentioned in a note on the PC in the Ruins of Alph in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. He is the founder of the local Research Center.
- Professor Andrew Park is a professor in Unova who runs the Poké Transfer Lab.
- Professor's assistants
- Main article: Professor's assistant
Many professors are helped by assistants. These characters often have similar works of studies to the professor they are working for. Many of these characters take part in the main story of a game and provide helpful insight on behalf of the professor.
- Professor Birch's child, who is either Brendan or May depending on the player chosen, will assist him in doing field work around Hoenn.
- Professor Rowan has three known assistants in the video games.
- The father of the player's friend will occasionally appear providing the player with items
- The player's friend, who is either Lucas or Dawn depending on the player chosen, makes appearances, providing the player with support.
- Roseanne is one of the few named assistant characters reusing a generic design. She appears in all Sinnoh-based titles, but did not receive her name until Pokémon Platinum.
- In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Bianca, a previous rival and friend from Pokémon Black and White becomes an assistant for Professor Juniper.
- Dexio and Sina are Professor Sycamore's assistants who are found in the Kalos and Alola regions. In Alola, they are researching Zygarde and teach the player about Mega Evolution.
- In exchange for living with him at the Pokémon Research Lab, Lillie assists Professor Kukui, helping him with smaller tasks and chores.
- Sonia was the assistant to Professor Magnolia. While Magnolia studied the Dynamax Phenomenon, Sonia went out to research Galar's history over the course of the game and becoming a professor herself.
- Hop, a rival character and friend of the protagonist becomes an assistant to Sonia during Pokémon Sword and Shield's post game and The Isle of Armor campaign.
- Both the player and Rei/Akari help Professor Laventon with research tasks, directly being involved with the creation of Hisui's first Pokédex.
- Professor SadaS and Professor TuroV had created an AI based on themselves as an assistant to help research Area Zero.
- Due to Dexio and Sina's absence, Mable is currently looking for assistants during the plot of Legends: Z-A. The player assists them with her research.
Other individuals who study Pokémon
Aside from the professors that the player may come across, there are other known researchers the player may encounter. They may be a part of a game's story, related to another character, or provide context and lore of a game or a setting's background and history.
- Known Pokémon researchers
Illustrated by Atsushi Furusawa
- Bill, a Pokémon Researcher and expert in many fields, as well as the inventor of the Pokémon Storage System and the Time Capsule. After the events in the Kanto-based titles, he is known for his experiments on Pokémon fusion.
- Mr. Fuji, previously known as Dr. Fuji, founded the Cinnabar Lab in order to research Pokémon. He had originally lived in Pokémon Mansion, and is implied to have wrote its journals about Mew and Mewtwo.
- Blaine, the Gym Leader of Cinnabar Gym is also a Pokémon researcher, who was good friends with Mr. Fuji.
- Mr. Pokémon is a known researcher of Pokémon in the Johto region. He is good friends with Professor Oak and Professor Elm, who he has provided assistance to.
- Bugsy, the Gym Leader of the Azalea Gym, is not only a Bug-type specialist, but also a researcher of Bug-type Pokémon.
- Captain Stern, a leading oceanographer from Hoenn's Slateport City.
- Cynthia, the Champion of the Sinnoh region, is an avid researcher and archeologist who studies myths and legends. She refers to herself as the "research of myths"
- Fennel of Striaton City, Unova, Professor Juniper's friend who specializes in studying Pokémon Trainers, as well as studying Pokémon dreams.
- Lenora of Nacrene City is an archaeologist that is also the director of the Nacrene Museum. The museum holds the Gym, in which she is also the Gym Leader of.
- Colress is a researcher who studies how to bring out the potential of Pokémon. In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 he was the leader of Team Plasma. He returns in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon to research both Z-Power and Mega Evolution.
- Cara Liss is a researcher of Galar's unique fossils.
- Volo, like Cynthia, goes by the title of "research of myths", had researched Hisui's history and mythology, particularly on Giratina and Arceus.
- Related groups
- Many villainous organizations are known to study and research Pokémon for malicious deeds. They are often accompanied by lower ranking members and scientists.
- The Devon Corporation is a company who focuses on creating tools for Pokémon Trainers. They have many fields of study including Pokémon Dreams, Pokémon fossil restoration, and Infinity Energy.
- The Aether Foundation, an organization known for caring and researching Pokémon and Ultra Beasts, is known to hold many scientists and researchers.
- President Lusamine directs research projects, provide assets and is known to help with research on certain Pokémon.
- Mohn, a former professor, first confirmed the existence of Ultra Wormholes and Ultra Beasts.
- Faba helped develop the Beast Ball and the mask used to control Type: Full.
- Working with the Aether Foundation, the Ultra Recon Squad is known to research Ultra Wormholes, Ultra Beasts and explain their history with Necrozma. In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, they helped developed the Beast Ball.
- The Galaxy Team's Survey Corps is tasked in researching Pokémon and learning about what type of creatures they are.
- The faculty of the NaranjaS and Uva AcademiesV in Paldea contain multiple teachers and professors who study Pokémon.
- Jacq, the biology instructor, studies Pokémon biology, and developed the Pokédex app for the Rotom Phone.
- Raifort, the history instructor, studies the history of Paldea, including the treasures of ruin.
- Dendra, the battle studies instructor, studies Pokémon battling.
- The faculty of Blueberry Academy in Unova also contains multiple teachers and professors who study Pokémon.
- Briar, one of the teachers at the school, is researching Terapagos and Area Zero.
- Synclaire is the developer of the Synchro Machine.
Side games
- Professor Krane of the Orre region, who specializes in the purification of Shadow Pokémon.
- Dr. Kaminko of the Orre region, who specializes in the creation of Robo-Pokémon.
Spin-off games
- Dr. Mason of the Trading Card Game Islands, who researches Pokémon cards.
- Professor P in Pokémon Trozei!, the head of SOL and creator of the Trozei Beamer.
- Professor Hastings of the Oblivia region, the creator of the Capture Styler used by Pokémon Rangers.
- Professor Holly in Pokémon Trading Card Game Online, who teaches the player the basics of how to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
- Professor Willow in Pokémon GO, who studies the regional distribution of Pokémon.
- Professor Bellis of Pasio in Pokémon Masters EX, who studies the relationship between Pokémon and sync stones.
- Professor Mirror of the Lental region in New Pokémon Snap, who studies the Illumina phenomenon.
- Professor Phorus of Aeos Island in Pokémon UNITE, who studies Aeos energy.
- Professor Gordon of Ryme City in Detective Pikachu Returns, who studies mineral archeology.
- Professor Fir in Pokémon Trading Card Game Live, who teaches the player the basics of how to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
- Professor Neroli in Pokémon Sleep, who studies the sleeping habits of Pokémon.
Other fields of study
- Professor Cozmo, a meteoriticist from Fallarbor Town.
- Dr. Astropoff, a scientist and astrologer.
- Professor Quentin Werty in Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure.
- Professor Andy in Pokémon Art Academy.
- Professor Tetra in Pokémon Picross.
- Leanne of the Oblivia region, an archaeologist who is studying the connection between the ruins and fairy tales of Oblivia.
- Professor Tangrowth in Pokémon Pokopia, a Pokémon whose appearance resembles that of a Pokémon Professor.
In animation
Professors, scientists, and researchers originally introduced in animation include:
Pokémon specialists
- Dr. Fuji, creator of Mewtwo.
- Professor Westwood V of Seafoam Island, Kanto, a Pokédex programmer.
- Professor Ivy of the Orange Islands, who studies the regional differences between Pokémon.
- Gary Oak of Pallet Town, Kanto, a Pokémon researcher known to have researched Fossil Pokémon, successfully resurrecting a living Aerodactyl and researching the habitat of supposedly extinct Shieldon. He has also shown interest in the Legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh.
- Dr. Gordon of Saffron City, Kanto, Pokémon inventions specialist.
- Professor Jacuzzi, Gulpin specialist.
- Professor Lund of LaRousse City, Hoenn, the leading authority on Deoxys.
- Professor Kodama, inventor of the "Affinity enabler".
- Dr. Namba, a Team Rocket scientist.
- Dr. Wiseman, a researcher of Shiny Pokémon.
- Isaiah, studies Clamperl and its pearls.
- Marie and Pierre, currently co-writing a research paper on whether Sudowoodo is a Rock type or a Grass type.
- Naomi, studies communication between Water-type Pokémon, specifically Lapras.
- Luna Carson, studies Pokémon habitats from her home in Purity Canyon.
- Professor Cerise of the Cerise Laboratory in Vermilion City, studies Pokémon and their ways of living.
- Professor Amaranth, a researcher of Mew, and founder of Project Mew.
- Professor Friede, the leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers, studies the unexplored mysteries of the Pokémon world.
Other fields of Pokémon study
Pokémon computer scientists
- Dr. Akihabara of Matcha City, Kanto, creator of the Pokémon Transfer System and Porygon in Pokémon the Series.
- Dr. Yung, inventor of the Mirage Pokémon system.
Pokémon archaeology
- Eve, discoverer of the ancient lost city of Pokémopolis.
- Professor Telesu, who was doing research on hieroglyphics near a Slowpoke colony.
- Tierra, excavator of an ancient city that was ruled by a queen in Johto.
- Professor Hale of Greenfield, Johto, who researched rare and Legendary Pokémon including the Unown.
- Professor Alden of Oldale Town, Hoenn, who studied ancient ruins in Hoenn.
- Professor Carolina of Celestic Town, Sinnoh, head of the Celestic Town Historical Research Center.
- Ferris and Sierra, amateur archaeologists that study Unova's Twist Mountain.
Pokémon paleontology
- A Nurse Joy of the Orange Islands, who led the expedition to Fukuhara Island No. 4.
- Dora, who worked with Gary at the Sayda Lab.
- Professor Proctor of Wales Island, Hoenn.
- Dr. Kenzo of Oreburgh City, Sinnoh, in charge of Oreburgh Museum's Fossil-restoration program.
- Foster, discovered the Fossil Pokémon Omanyte and Omastar living at the Ruins of Alph.
- Bray Zenn, Cara Liss's assistant in Galar.
Miscellaneous
- Professor Serena of Bomba Island, Hoenn, who teaches at the Pokémon Battle Judge Training Institute
Other fields of study
Astronomy
Botany
- Professor Malveaux, heads the Ferroseed Research Institute, which studies moss samples and their properties.
Healthcare
- Dr. Anna, operates a clinic and uses her Pokémon to help people's health.
- Dr. Proctor, runs a hospital for people.
Meteorology
- Bart and Millie, workers at Hoenn's Weather Institute.
- Mariah, uses several Hoppip to study wind patterns.
Pharmacology
- Cullen Calix, studies medicine and works at the Pokémon Institute.
Physicist
- Newton Graceland, interested in the Reverse World and invented several machines to reach the location.
- Tonio, studies how energy moves from his lab under Alamos Town's Space-Time Towers.
Roboticist
In the manga
Other professors, scientists, and researchers introduced in the various manga include:
Pokémon Adventures
Apart from the main Professors of each region, there are also two notable Pokémon researchers: Professor Yanase Berlitz of the Sinnoh region, who researched ways to control Legendary Pokémon such as Rayquaza; and Mr. Berlitz, her husband. Currently, both of them work as Professor Rowan's assistants.
In the TCG
- Main article: Professor's Research (Sword & Shield 178)
Professor's Research was introduced as a Supporter card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game during the English Scarlet & Violet Series (the Japanese Scarlet & Violet Era), featuring different Professors in its artwork over time. It allows the player to discard their hand, then draw seven cards; an identical effect to previous Professor characters' cards.
Trivia
- The Pokémon Wonder attraction features a researcher named Dr. Cresso, who leads a Pokémon research team.
In other languages
| Language | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese | Cantonese | 寶可夢博士 Pokémon Boksih * 小精靈博士 Síujīnglìhng Boksih * |
| Mandarin | 寶可夢博士 / 宝可梦博士 Pokémon Bóshì * 神奇寶貝博士 / 神奇宝贝博士 Shénqí-baǒbeì Bóshì * | |
| Danish | Pokémon professor | |
| Dutch | Pokémon Professor | |
| Finnish | Pokémon-professori | |
| French | Professeur Pokémon | |
| German | Pokémon-Professor | |
| Hungarian | Pokémon professzor | |
| Indonesian | Profesor Pokémon | |
| Italian | Professore Pokémon | |
| Korean | 포켓몬 박사 Pokémon Baksa | |
| Norwegian | Pokémon professor | |
| Polish | Profesor Pokémonów | |
| Portuguese | Brazil | Professor de Pokémon Professor Pokémon |
| Portugal | Professor Pokémon | |
| Russian | Профессор Покемонов Professor Pokémonov | |
| Spanish | Profesor Pokémon | |
| Swedish | Pokémon-professor | |
| Turkish | Pokémon profesörü | |
| Vietnamese | Giáo sư Pokémon | |
References
- ↑ Kris:"But Professor Oak is already perfecting the study of Pokémon ecology." (Pokémon Masters EX)
Related articles
| Pokémon Professors | |
|---|---|
| Core series | Oak • Elm • Birch • Rowan • Aurea Juniper • Cedric Juniper • Sycamore • Kukui • Burnet • Samson • Mohn • Magnolia • Sonia • Laventon • Sada • Turo |
| Masters EX | Bellis • Oak • Sycamore • Kukui • Sonia • Samson |
| Other spin-offs | Krane • P • Hastings • Holly • Burnet • Tetra • Willow • Mirror • Phorus • Fir • Neroli |
| Animated series | Oak • Ivy • Elm • Birch • Cozmo • Rowan • Carolina • Hastings • Aurea Juniper • Cedric Juniper • Sycamore • Kukui • Burnet • Samson • Mohn • Cerise • Magnolia • Sonia • Amaranth • Friede • Willow |
| Adventures | Oak • Elm • Birch • Cozmo • Rowan • Berlitz • Aurea Juniper • Cedric Juniper • Sycamore • Kukui • Burnet • Samson • Mohn • Magnolia • Sonia • Turo |
| Other manga | Oak (Pocket Monsters) |
| See also: Category:Professors | |
|
This Trainer Class article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games. |
