That seems an apt description yes. Starfleet's main purpose is exploration and science, but unfortunately as a part of that the military end sometimes comes into play. We have stumbled across some species that are less than friendly to humans or other life in my time as Captain.
I believe this is the longest I have been on a planet's surface since I was in the academy.
You will have to tell me more about your research when we meet. It sounds quite interesting.