Insights into Community Experiences with Research License Review Across Nunavut

Abstract

Nunavut is one of the three northern territories in Canada. Under Nunavut’s Scientists Act, the Nunavut Research Institute (NRI) administers research licenses in the territory. The research license review (RLR) process includes community organizations in reviewing applications, ensuring Nunavummiut (people of Nunavut) priorities are considered. RLR organizations can recommend approval, rejection, or conditions for research licenses. To better understand RLR organizations’ experience with the NRI’s research licensing process, we undertook a survey to learn about: i) the annual volume of RLR requests; ii) RLR organizations’ review protocols and practices; iii) opportunities and challenges associated with RLR; and iv) recommendations for improving the NRI’s consultation process. Survey results showed that RLR organizations receive up to 64 applications annually, with most (40%) receiving one to 10 applications per year. Over half (55%) of RLR organizations review all applications received. Some (35%) reviewers are financially compensated for time spent reviewing, and 45% of organizations assign different reviewers for each application. Only 10% of reviewers provide feedback for all applications reviewed. Reviewers reported a need for increased community support and resources for the RLR process, more direct engagement with researchers, and improved access to research outcomes and reports. This survey is the first time Nunavut RLR organizations were consulted on their experiences with the license review process. Their feedback is critical in refining RLR administrative processes, strengthening community – researcher communications, and informing the NRI’s efforts to ensure research is more accessible to Nunavummiut. Taken together, improvements in the RLR process can contribute enhancing Inuit self-determination in Nunavut research.