Why is i am rank 65 my research can only go up to 9900 yet the next ability i can research is 12000. Did i do something wrong? Is there any way to build up my limit other than leveling? I like this game but i need some help

Easy, you can invest RP ANYTIME into any research trees. You don't even have to save up to the full amount that research tree requires.. Invest RP everytime you log in to keep your RP bank empty and it'll help you to reduce chance of having RP stolen from you via hackings too..

Awesome!!!!!! did not know you could do that

Most people miss this, even though it's mentioned in the game tutorial, the game wiki, and right across the forums lol.

And to me, seemed obvious from the way the page is set up.

I've wondered why there is a research cap anyway?

probably so you wont stay at level <20 and rack in billions of research points to spend and get far without risk

Ah, you're forgetting the 2 week rule for rank <20 players. Probably get 5,000 - 10,000 "extra" research in that span considering <20 players will only have 5 planets and most likely only 1 good research planet (or none).

Also, any rank <20 player is attackable and hackable at any time (PvP ship to ship battles), regardless of the 2 week rule. The 2 week rule only applies to planet attacks and invasions, IIRC.

No im not forgetting anything, i just made an example.

And the FAQ...
EDIT: I now added this info to my sig, this better reduce the times this is asked

You have too much high hopes.
People who dotn read the tutorial, the game wiki, the right across the forums and the faq WONT read your sign, they wont search at first either.

These newbies who don't read give us many good benefits.

1. Easy to kill targets with puny weapons and defenses on their end.

2. Easy to invade and seize their planets.

3. Easy hackable for free research points.

4. Easy raids.

5. Buff up our PvP reputations and unlock missions by massive kill counts on them.

Please don't encourage the ignorant to read FAQ's and tutorials and wiki's. Those who actually care will do so and be smart players.

ROFL