I was able to get to level 2 farming, but only by not doing anything else first -- I had my builder clear the well and build the first hut, but then put that villager on research when that was all done. And when the "farmers" depleted the berry bush, I put them all on the research table, too. And I bought farming first thing, ignoring the construction bit.

And make sure to "check" the research skill in the detail screen -- otherwise they'll wander off and do other jobs when you aren't looking!

I didn't manage to get anyone to a "masters degree" though, wow .

They will research when starving -- at least mine will -- but they won't if they're sick.

-- jen