The office of scientific minister existed inside the Galactic Empire, granting its holder control over every division within the Imperial science corps. After the Galactic Emperor Palpatine's trip to Tantiss Base located on Wayland, Dr. Royce Hemlock, who was the Chief Scientist of the Advanced Science Division, proposed his own appointment to the role to improve his service to the Empire. Emperor Palpatine replied that this would happen when the moment was right.