Did warships conduct scientific research?

Was scientific research common aboard Royal Navy ships in the early twentieth century?

Yes. The Royal Navy maintained oceanographic units and used several sloops and survey vessels for that work.

The Royal Navy conducted a substantial amount of oceanographic work in the early twentieth century. Dedicated units gathered maritime data, and several sloops served in oceanographic or survey roles. This work supported a navy operating across many seas and climates. The resulting environmental knowledge also mattered to navigation and weapons.