A Pokémon Professor (Japanese: ポケモン博士 Pokémon Expert) is a veritable expert on the Pokémon World. They are notable for giving rookie Trainers their Starter Pokémon. Coincidentally, all of the Professors from the main-stream Pokémon series are named after a plant: Oak, Elm, Ivy, Birch, Rowan, and Juniper. The Professors are also responsible for the distribution of the Pokédex.

List of Pokémon Professors

• Professor Samuel Oak, whom heralds from the Kanto region. His specialty is the study of the relationships between people and Pokémon.
• Professor Elm, whom heralds from the Johto region. His specialty is the study of breeding patterns and interactions between Pokémon.
• Professor Birch, whom heralds from the Hoenn region. His specialty is the study of Pokémon habitats in correlation with human existences.
• Professor Rowan, whom heralds from the Sinnoh region. His specialty is the study of Pokémon evolutionary patterns.
• Professor Aurea Juniper, whom heralds from the Unova region. Her specialty is the study of Pokémon origins in relation to mythology.
• Professor Hastings, whom heralds from the Fiore, Almia and Oblivia regions. His specialty is the study of connecting with Pokémon on a greater friendship level. To this extent, he created the Capture Styler, an indispensable tool used by Pokémon Rangers. (Pokémon Ranger series only)
• Cedric Juniper, a former Pokémon Professor and father of Professor Juniper.

Anime Only

In the series' extensive medium, there are a variety of Pokémon Professors, many of which stem from the Pokémon anime. This is a comprehensive list of such professors, whose role is limited to being in the anime only.

• Professor Fuji created the genetic clone of Mewtwo on New Island.
• Professor Lund, the foremost expert in terms of Deoxys.
• Dr. Akihabara, credited with creating the Pokemon Transfer System and discovering the cyber-species of Porygon.
• Professor Felina Ivy is the professor in the Orange Islands.

Manga-Exclusive

Conversely, there are also Pokémon Professors whose role is limited to being featured in manga-related material. Such persons will be listed here.

• Professor Yanase Berlitz, whose research revolved around methods to control Legendary Pokémon. Is also the mother of Platinum Berlitz, a Pokédex Holder and heir to the Berlitz Family throne. (Pokémon Adventures series only)
• Professor Berlitz is an associate and assistant to Professor Rowan. (Pokémon Adventures series only)

Trivia

• Although most Pokémon Professors are named after trees (For example, Oak, Elm, Birch, etc) the Pokémon Professors in games outside of main-stream versions do not follow this pattern.
• Professor Juniper is the only female main-stream professor.