You can't research anything while you are researching tech and vice versa, but how come you can build ships while upgrading the shipyard?

The scientists don't like machines hammering around while they are doing their research. The workers on the production line are not that sensitive.

Your tech levels establish the baseline for your player profile. Techs influence how your profile interacts with the rest of the game engine. Therefore, it is next to impossible to modify the game engine to allow an upgrade to a research lab while a tech is being built. Shipyards have no such affect.

Ok, thanks