Academic circles were an academic system used by the Voth civilization.

They had the power to dispatch ships and assistants to researchers initiated in them. Initiation in a circle required commitment to it. Tova Veer was admitted to the Circle of Archeology with highest honors.

Circles were grouped in for example Circles of Science and Philosophy, and specific circles included the Circle of Exobiology and Circle of Archeology. (VOY: "Distant Origin")