diff --git a/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_belt.dm b/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_belt.dm
index a4e51215043..0f693de8241 100644
--- a/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_belt.dm
+++ b/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_belt.dm
@@ -14,5 +14,5 @@
 	display_name = "tool-belt, alt"
 	cost = 0
 	path = /obj/item/storage/belt/utility/alt
-	allowed_roles = list("Station Engineer", "Atmospheric Technician", "Chief Engineer", "Engineering Apprentice", "Roboticist")
+	allowed_roles = list("Station Engineer", "Atmospheric Technician", "Chief Engineer", "Engineering Apprentice", "Roboticist", "Research Director")
 	flags = null
diff --git a/html/changelogs/wickedcybs_belt.yml b/html/changelogs/wickedcybs_belt.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..0c88c5f05e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/html/changelogs/wickedcybs_belt.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+author: WickedCybs
+
+delete-after: True
+
+changes:
+  - tweak: "Research Directors are now able to select the alternate tool belt variant in the loadout."
\ No newline at end of file