The Imperial Science Institute was a research facility located in Vorbarr Sultana on Barrayar. They had people who did genetic engineering studies as well as five-space wormhole physics; presumably other specialties were present as well. "You shall have an institute, if you can bring this off. You tell him," she jerked her head in the direction of the hall, toward Aral's room, "I said so." ―Cordelia promises an institute to Vaagen