As for “living scientists”. Just a few variables to consider.
Most of our current scientists are extremely specified. Most of them require special equipment and computers.
Most of research is built on data that we already have, collapse of humanity destroyed I would say 95% of usable data, rest is locked in mostly nonfunctional devices, and have to be restored.
During “fall”, most scientists (as these folks are usually not very athletic) died when left alone.
In groups, they had to perform physical tasks until safe havens were established and defended.
Also, another thing to consider is that in case of such biological catastrophe, most scientists, especially biology related, were prioritized and hauled of to state bunkers, and we know how those went.
Very important fact for PP is that Fall happened quite some time ago. People grew up from kids since then, people aged since then. We live so long only thanks to modern sterility and medicine.
Flight to moon was good. Flying people to moon was useles. All could be done by drones at fraction of price.
Mars wont hold breathable atmosphere, but it does have atmosphere so you dont have to worry about micro-meteorites.
Mars is hollow rock, and with resources needed to build interplanetary land station you could build two space stations that are equally functional. (you dont have to use fuel to escape planetary gravity field).
Why the hell terraform Mars? Underground/ dome habitats were idea from start, other solutions are just dumb.
True our solar system is so dumb, we should immediately move to Alpha Centaury (as seen in Civ games)
As Vogons used to say “You were warned! Info panel was placed on Alpha Centauri”
Answer to all is known 
Sci-Fi if done good, is expected to be either humorous or very dark future (smiley utopia or complete distopia). Not realistic one
Ah I see fellow hitchhiker.
May your towel always stay strong and by your hand.
Brasil and 1984 fan, Fallout and Mad Max 1/2 also, there is a lot of “possible wrong future”
as well as Sci-Fi ones. Daglas is great, but very few compare to Ursula le guin, Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert,Dickinson (Necromancer) … in books, so one can imagine it.
After Sardakaurs imagined or Jihad of Mua Dib, Laser Squad boys and all after come expected 