Basic Research Center

In-Game Description:
"Analyzes ores and uses their data to advance the base. Awards 3 points per 50 ore. Processes ore at 1/4th value."

Summary:
"The first Research furnace you can get, it's very basic and is very good for new players. This item does not add or subtract any cash from your ores value. It gives 1 point every 100 ores. However, ores are processed at 1/4 their value." - Previous Editor

My opinion is that the 1/4 value from the furnace and only 3 points per 50 ore can be overided by simply collecting boxes as they give at least 200 points of research.