Frequently asked questions about Scientific Research Licensing
Is it possible to obtain my research license before the NRI’s 45-day consultation period is complete?
The agencies consulted by NRI are given 45 business days to complete their review of research license applications forwarded to them by NRI. License approval before the 45-day review period has expired is possible if the NRI receives assurance from the consulted agencies that the research proposed will not result in harm or disruption. Licenses may also be issued during the review period if applicants provide letters from local authorities and/or community collaborators confirming support for the proposed research. New land and water based research must undergo review by the Nunavut Planning Commission and complete screening by the Nunavut Impact Review Board before NRI may issue a research license. Social science and health research applicants must also provide confirmation of Research Ethics Board approval for their projects before a license may be issued.
How does the NRI decide which organizations in Nunavut to consult with when my application is reviewed?
The NRI Manager of Research Liaison and Nunavut Science Advisor review each research license application to identify the key agencies that will be directly impacted by or engaged in the research proposed, or that have a vested interest in the research outcomes. The specific agencies consulted varies for each application and is determined by the research discipline, study methods, scope, and location of the research. Examples of the agencies most often consulted include:
- Municipal Councils;
- Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs);
- District Education Authorities (DEAs);
- Regional Inuit Associations (RIAs);
- Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI);
- Institutions of Public Government (IPGs);
- Government of Nunavut Departments and Agencies; and
- Community Interest Groups (e.g., community research organizations).
Consulted agencies receive copies of your full application form and supporting documents along with a reviewer recommendation form for them to provide feedback to the NRI.
Can I apply for my Scientific Research License while my project is still under review by the Nunavut Planning Commission or Nunavut Impact Review Board?
Yes, if you are proposing a new research project that is subject to review by the NPC, you are encouraged to submit a full application while your project proposal is under review by the NPC or NIRB. The NRI will not be able to issue your license until the NPC and NIRB reviews are complete; however, we can start processing your application while the NRIB and NPC processes are underway; this will allow for a faster licensing decision upon issuance of the NIRB screening decision for your project.
What do I do if part of my project is in Nunavut and part is in another jurisdiction such as the Northwest Territories, or Nunavik Marine Region?
Nunavut’s Scientists Act applies only to research conducted within the Territory of Nunavut, including Territorial waters (seaward up to 12 nautical miles). Research conducted in the Northwest Territories is subject to the Northwest Territories Scientists Act administered by the Government of the Northwest Territories. Research in the NWT may also be subject to other regulatory requirements.
Research conducted on Nunavut territorial lands and waters in the Nunavik Marine Region must be reviewed by the Nunavik Marine Region Planning Commission and screened by the Nunavik Marine Region Impact Review Board before Research proponents planning transboundary research activities that involve fieldwork in multiple jurisdictions are required to identify and obtain all regulatory approvals and licenses for their projects.
What if my project is taking place entirely in Nunavut but is multi-disciplinary? For example: my research involves collecting benthic invertebrates as well as documenting Inuit knowledge about freshwater ecology.
If your project is multi-disciplinary, you will require research licenses from multiple agencies. For the example above, a license to fish for scientific purposes from DFO is required for the invertebrate sampling AND a scientific research license from NRI is needed for the Inuit knowledge component. The project would also need to be reviewed by the Nunavut Planning Commission. The Manager of Research Liaison can help to identify all the necessary permits and authorizations you need to undertake your research.
Can I make changes to my research field locations after I have submitted my research license application and/or have already received my license?
If you wish to make changes to field locations for a research application currently under review, notify the Manager of Research Liaison immediately. Changes in field locations may also require a new review of your project by the Nunavut Planning Commission and/or a new screening by the Nunavut Impact Review Board. If you wish to add new locations to a research license you must request an amendment to your license. License amendments will require approval of the communities nearest to the proposed field locations.
If you have identified several candidate locations for fieldwork but have not yet selected the final locations, please include all candidate locations in your license application even if you don’t anticipate being able to conduct activities at all locations. It is much easier to remove authorized field locations from your license than it is to add new ones.
Can I make changes to my project after it is Licensed?
It is possible to make changes to your license if you submit a written request for a license amendment.
License amendment requests should be directed to the Manager of Research Liaison as soon as possible and should detail exactly what changes are needed to the research license and why. License amendments may require further community consultation and may also require a new review of your project by the Nunavut Planning Commission and/or a new screening by the Nunavut Impact Review Board.
What happens if I apply to conduct research in partnership with multiple communities and one or more community is supportive of the project while others do not wish to participate?
You will receive a license to proceed with research activities only in the communities that have expressed support for the project.
What should I do if I decide after receiving my license that I must cancel my project?
Notify the Manager of Research Liaison immediately if you intend to cancel your project.
You must also immediately notify any other local groups and individuals that you have recruited and/or hired to support your research (translators, hotels, interpreters, outfitters, participants, etc.)
Am I still required to submit an annual summary report to renew a multiyear license for a new year if I was unable to complete any research activities in the current year?
Yes, if you were unable to complete your licensed research activities as planned, you still must provide a translated annual summary report to the NRI explaining the reasons for cancelling or deferring your research activities. The NRI must receive your completed annual summary and renewal request report before we are able to renew a multi-year research license for a new year or issue you a new license for a different project.
How long will it take the NRI to renew my multi-year research license for a new year after I submit my annual summary report and license renewal request?
The NRI requires a minimum of 14 business days to renew your multi-year license after we receive your translated annual summary report and multiyear license renewal request. Remember: if you make significant changes to your research project (e.g., if you change your research methods or addition of new research communities/locations), you may be required to submit a new full application.
Can I receive a license to conduct social sciences research in Nunavut if my project has not been reviewed by an Institutional Research Ethics Board?
Yes, if your research project is deemed by the NRI to pose minimal risk to Nunavummiut, you are still able to obtain a license to conduct social sciences research in Nunavut if you do not have access to an Institutional Research Ethics Board (REB) to review your research proposal. Before receiving a license, you will be required to demonstrate ethical research competence by completing a training program in research ethics, such as the Canadian Tri Council Course on Research Ethics (TCPS CORE). You must also clearly outline the measures that you will take to protect Nunavummiut from harm resulting from their involvement in your project.