From an asthetics standpoint, I have a problem with the aft part of the ship. The nacelles seem out of place in the overhead view, almost asymmetrical. Honestly, the ship really doesn't need the after half at all.
As the design-as-drawn goes, I say that the nacelles would best fit close to the hull under port and starboard fuselages, just outboard and ventral to the impulse vents.
Now, in the universe perspective, it's quite possible that science vessel like this would probably first fall into a second-line scientific role (since the Intrepid has taken the traditional exploration role and the Nova has taken the deep-space surveyor role), then most likely into a diplomatic/courier role, with it's scientific instrumentation and dedicated labs being transformed into briefing rooms and "convention" halls.
Those are my takes from looking at the design.
Davy Jones
"Frightened? My dear, you are looking at a man who has laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom, and chuckled at catastrophe! I was petrified."
-- The Wizard of Oz