Doctor Richard Daystrom (William Marshall) and the Daystrom Institute are key parts of Star Trek lore, and here are the best episodes centered around the man and the institution that bears his name. Dr. Daystrom only appeared in a single episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, but the character's legacy continues to influence the Trek franchise to this day. Daystrom is emblematic of Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets' scientific advancement, which can be both a good thing and something that poses serious risks to the future of the Star Trek universe.
Star Trek's Dr. Richard Daystrom invented the duotronic computers that were used aboard Starfleet ships including the USS Enterprise commanded by Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner). Daystrom was a scientific genius held in the same levels of esteem as the likes of Albert Einstein and the Vulcan theoretical scientist Sitar. His impact on the Federation continued long after his death, as the Daystrom Institute continued to work in various fields of scientific research, including the cybernetics and computing that was so close to Daystrom's heart. Here's a ranking of the best episodes from across the Star Trek franchise that revolve around Daystrom, his inventions, and the two institutions that bear his name.
