Research is an endeavor to study or obtain knowledge through the use of a systematic approach with the intent of clarification. This includes activities which attempt to discover new facts, information, or new applications of existing knowledge.
What is clearly not research under the licensing process?
Journalism which includes public surveys, photojournalism and/or audio video documentaries. Exploration which includes mineral prospecting and land, or water, adventure travel. Administrative documentation to be used for internal purposes, year end reports, and/or as the results of hearings, workshops, or other public inquiries.
What is clearly not licensed under the NWT Scientists Act?
Research involving land animals or wildlife habitats, which requires a Wildlife Research Permit, and/or research studies in archaeology, which requires an Archaeologists Permit.
What are basic and applied forms of research?
Basic research is a curiosity driven activity that has the purpose of discovery for the advancement of knowledge and applied research aims to discover the best ways of using this knowledge in the practice of a profession.
What does licensed research include the gathering of?
Western scientific knowledge, traditional, indigenous and/or local knowledge. It also includes the gathering of primary research material as well as secondary research material.
What must licensing take into consideration?
The social context of the proposed research.
What activities of research are administered under the NWT Scientists Act?
The total range of research activities requiring a licence is not easily summarized, but in any case where the peoples' behaviour, health, or non-public records containing personal or private information is involved, the Aurora Research Institute must be consulted to determine licence requirements.
Examples of categories of research administered under the NWT Scientists Act include, but are not limited to:
- Biology
- Contaminants
- Geology
- Physical Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Health
- Social Sciences
- Economics, Business
- Traditional/Indigenous Knowledge
- Anthropology
- Fossils
- Tourism
What is the purpose of the the research licensing process?
One of the intentions of the research licensing process is to improve communication and understanding of research in the Northwest Territories. This should be initiated while the research program is still in the development phase so that the concerns and interests of NWT residents are best represented.