To answer the part about research projects! Most of the research is probably related to the turtle's sinking in some way, but that can include a range of things--anything from a giant turtle flotation/anti-grav device to worst-case scenarios of floating houses or greenhouses. This is the first time the kedan have had this sort of research opportunity, so the ideas might get a little silly--but on the other hand, they might be out be out-there-but-plausible, too.

Otherwise the kedan are genuinely and earnestly investigating the problem, so they're willing to take criticism if it furthers those efforts. Any details other than that are up to you!

Some drug research is probably also being done, given the relatively recent resurgence of 'street entertainment', though obviously any specific outcomes regarding that should be a plot development request, since that's a fairly big plot right now. (That being said there's a few PCs with opportunities/info regarding that, so this might also be a good opportunity to collate some clues.)