Professor's Research

Professor's Research is a set of Special Research tasks for Trainers who redeem a code from a Professor Willow-themed Professor's Research card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The card and Special Research were made available on July, 2021.

There is no deadline to complete the Special Research, but the codes expire on August, 2023.

Professor Willow dialogue
Hey there, TRAINER! Glad to see you. I was just thinking that it’d be interesting to research more about my Buddy Pokémon and the team leaders’ buddies. The four of us have powerful bonds with our buddies. Blanche has formed a wonderful relationship with Lapras, Candela has had Rapidash since it was a Ponyta, and Spark has developed an electrifying bond with Elekid. My buddy is the Mythical Pokémon Meltan. Since Meltan and I met, I’ve been documenting everything I learn about it. And trust me—there’s a lot to learn! I’ve actually heard some reports of Meltan sightings recently. Maybe you’ll run into one on your adventures? Definitely something to keep an eye out for as we begin our research. But first, let’s stock up on some supplies!

Welcome back, Trainer! Seems like you’re all set to head out on this research adventure. Why don’t we start by looking at the cool pair that is Blanche and Lapras? Known as the Transport Pokémon, Lapras is both Water- and Ice-type. A smart and kindhearted Pokémon, it glides across the surface of the sea while its beautiful song echoes around it. Lapras are known to have gentle hearts and can even understand human speech. I completely understand why Blanche chose Lapras as a buddy. That said, Blanche clearly feels a special connection to Lapras. Blanche got Lapras by trading with a fellow Team Mystic Trainer. I wonder if that has something to do with it. At any rate, let’s focus our research on Water- and Ice-type Pokémon to learn more about the Pokémon that Blanche holds dear.

Excellent work, TRAINER. It looks like you have your very own Lapras, just like Blanche! Be sure to tell your Lapras I said hi! I never miss a chance to greet new Pokémon. Now, let’s move on to our next dynamic duo: Spark and Elekid. The leader of Team Instinct has always had a soft spot for Pokémon that hatch from Eggs, so it’s only natural that he’d have a buddy like Elekid. But don’t let this Pokémon’s small stature fool you! Spark’s Elekid is incredibly powerful, making it a fitting buddy for the energetic team leader. Why hasn’t Spark evolved his Elekid? Well, Evolution should be approached with care. I’m sure Spark will know when Elekid is ready to evolve. Spark may seem pretty carefree, but few are more committed to the care and training of Pokémon than him. What do you say we research some Electric-type Pokémon that Spark tends to work with?

How did your research go, Trainer? I think it’s time to turn our attention to some Fire-type Pokémon—specifically the Fire Horse Pokémon Rapidash. This Pokémon has a competitive streak, making it a great match for Candela, the leader of Team Valor. Candela has had her Rapidash since it was a Ponyta, so you can be sure the two of them have been on more than a few adventures. Rapidash loves to run and gallop, so Candela always makes sure her Buddy Pokémon has plenty of time and space to do just that. That kind of care is critical for building strong, lasting relationships with your Pokémon. Candela’s passion and dedication make her a great role model for her fellow Team Valor members—and everyone, really. Maybe researching Fire-type Pokémon will help you learn more about Candela’s fiery spirit?

Welcome back, TRAINER! Thanks for conducting that research on Fire-type Pokémon. Now that we’ve learned more about the Pokémon that Blanche, Spark, and Candela call their buddies, it’s time to do some research on my Buddy Pokémon: Meltan. I remember when I first met my Meltan. I was out doing some research when I stumbled upon a group of them. I’d never seen a Pokémon like it before, and I wanted to share my findings with my mentor, Professor Oak. The group of Meltan eventually departed, but one Meltan stuck around, and we’ve been together ever since! At first, I assumed Meltan only stayed to snack on all the metal knickknacks in my mobile lab. But as time passed, our bond grew stronger, and now we’re practically inseparable. Our favorite thing is to go on long walks and look for metallic snacks for Meltan. Which reminds me—we still need to look into those reports of Meltan appearing nearby! Let’s do some investigating and see if we can find any Meltan, Trainer!

Well done, Trainer! Thanks to your hard work, you have your very own Meltan! I’m sure that if you take the time to build up your relationship, Meltan will evolve into Melmetal in no time! Melmetal stands over eight feet tall. By using centrifugal force, Melmetal can use its heavy hex-nut arms to deliver the strongest punches of all Pokémon. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Now is the time to focus on the friendship between you and your Buddy Pokémon—whether it be Meltan or any other Pokémon that you feel a special bond with. After studying the bonds the team leaders and I have with our Buddy Pokémon, I hope you feel inspired to find a buddy you can grow with as well. I’ve no doubt you and your Buddy Pokémon will achieve some incredible things—and Meltan and I will be cheering you on! Thank again for your assistance. Until next time, let’s GO!