Cerebral reality caused the quest to fail. This is a 10 science improvement? 

I could be wrong but I believe this is working as intended.  Cerebral Reality (Initial) is not a science improvement.  If you look at say... Public-private Partnerships (Science), the in the brackets states Science.  I believe that is the issue you encountered Oleary.  While Cerebral Reality does provide science, it is not a (Science) improvement.

Hopefully that clears this up, and again, I could be wrong.

Good luck with your games Oleary!

Thanks!. I think you're right. A little confusing but first run through so to be expected. Have fun!