I've just found the research screen. Its good hidden, because every other thing in the tower screen is clickable in the menu list above (exept for the achievements maybe, but that isnt that important)
You could easily fit in a new menu point "lab" ...
I think this is the worst game I've ever seen on Kongregate. If this wouldn't have badges I couldn't see any point in playing it longer than for 15 minutes max.