How do I reduce the research time in my lab?

There are several ways actually:

1. Using Research Acceleration item that is usually rewarded in the Inferno Event.

2. By asking for a position from the Top Commander that grants it (e.g. Scientist).

3. By asking the Top Commander to activate a Battlefield Buff (usually costs him/her 2500 gold)

4. By waiting for certain events to that generally activates similar Battlefield Buff (this can then be compounded with the use of other buffs).

5. By participating in the Sand Table event (usually, it decreases building and research time a lot). However, it is very risky to go to this event, and you should constantly be teleporting (random teleport) in the place to avoid confrontations. You also wont be able to use Aegis in sand table. After performing the Research/Build, exit the event.