For the mirror universe counterpart, see Daystrom (mirror).

BIOGRAPHY
Richard Daystrom
Richard Daystrom in 2268
Species:	Human
Gender:	male
Born:	2219
Affiliation:	United Federation of Planets
Career
Occupation:	scientist

Doctor Richard Daystrom (born 2219) was one of the most brilliant and influential scientific geniuses of the 23rd century.

In 2229, aged 10, Daystrom produced the first practical mathematical study of the relationship between subatomic structure and data processing. Over the next fourteen years, Daystrom expanded his understanding in the subject, and finally made a breakthrough in developing the duotronic computer in 2243. For his efforts, he was rewarded with the Nobel and Zee-Magnees Prizes. (TOS novel: Final Frontier; TOS episode: "The Ultimate Computer")

Despite his achievements, Daystrom felt under appreciated by his peers and successors, and developed a resentment for them when they developed improvements based on his work. In response to this, Daystrom devoted his time to working on the development of a multitronic computer system and create a successful artificial intelligence. By the 2260s, Daystrom had built the M-5 computer system, which was so sophisticated that it would be able to operate a starship on its own.

Starfleet Command were impressed by Daystrom's new M-5 computer, and in 2268, decided to install the device aboard the USS Enterprise and perform a test run, with Daystrom accompanying them. While the initial tests went well, the M-5 soon began to act erratically and violently, actions which included the seizing of non-critical systems, attacking the freighter Woden without provocation, and launching full strength attacks on several other Constitution-class starships during war games, which jeopardized over 1,600 lives.

Once the M-5 had been deactivated, it was revealed that Daystrom had used his own personality engrams as a model for the system's personality, which included his psychological problems. Unfortunately, the events brought about an emotional breakdown in Daystrom, which required him to be subdued. Following the incident, Daystrom was committed to a medical rehabilitation facility. (TOS episode: "The Ultimate Computer") He later participated in a diplomatic mission to contact the Calligar. (TOS novel: The Rift)

In the 23rd century, Daystrom was considered a genius, and was compared to minds such as Albert Einstein, Kazanga and Sitar of Vulcan. However, his brief mental decline and failure didn't dent his reputation and esteem, as he was still rated amongst scientific genius such as Noonien Soong and Cren Veruda (at least by Elias Vaughn). (TOS episode: "The Ultimate Computer"; DS9 novel: Lesser Evil)

At some point during Daystrom's lifetime, he wrote a text titled Principles of Robotics. By the late 24th century, it was required reading by cadets taking Starfleet Academy's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course. (Last Unicorn RPG module: Starfleet Academy Handbook)

External linkEdit

• Richard Daystrom article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.