How to Apply

A note to new and returning Researchers:

Priority is given to investigators from our member universities, and is subject to availability of facilities, equipment and housing. The application process will vary depending on the nature of your research project.

Applications for research space and housing for the summer season (May – September) must be received by the Head of Research Services by February 1st of the same year. Applications will also be accepted after February 1st and will be considered based on availability.
Please apply for research spaces at the BMSC by the application deadline to ensure your application is dealt with in a timely manner and all your research needs can be met.
Plan Ahead. Allow up to 60 days for DFO Collection Permits, other applicable permits (see below) and Animal Use Protocol (AUP) review and approval. 2026 AUP submission deadlines are February 2, April 1, June 1, and September 1.

Applicants for research space should review the Research Policies that are adhered to at BMSC and determine if and how they will influence your research plans. There are specific policies relating to boat use, collecting organisms, SCUBA diving, animal care, exotic species restrictions, and biohazard and radiation safety.

*Please note – while we welcome researchers year-round, housing space and lab facilities can be limiting during the busy summer instructional period; thus, we encourage researchers to consider visiting in the fall, winter, or spring.

1. Review BMSC Research Facilities and Fees

The BMSC has several major research installations unique from other marine laboratories. Review our facilities and service fees to find out how we can accommodate your research.

Contact the Head of Research Services if you have any questions.

phone: 250-728-3301 ext. 255

Email Research Services

2. Apply for research space

Complete and submit the on-line Research Request Form.

*Applications for research space and housing for the summer research season (May 1 – Sept. 30) must be received by the Head of Research Services by February 1st of the same year.

Research Request Form

3. Apply for necessary permits

There are multiple permits that you may require (land use, animal collection, transfer, etc.). Please visit: https://bamfieldmsc.com/resource/permits to prepare for your visit.

*Plan ahead. The waiting time for approval of permits can be as long as 60 days, it is necessary to apply well in advance of your arrival at BMSC.

These permit are issued by external institutions (not by BMSC). Your approved permits must be approved and to the Head of Research Services prior to your arrival at BMSC.

Permit cheat sheet – you will need the following permits if…

Parks Canada Permit – if you are working on, or collecting from, Parks Canada land.

Huu-ay-aht Investigation Permit – if you are working on, or collecting from, Huu-ay-aht treaty land.

DFO Scientific Collection Permit – if you are collecting, capturing, measuring, removing and/or touching any marine animals (inverts or verts, intertidal or subtidal) for research purposes.

DFO Introduction or Transfers (ITC) Permit (collection to holding)- if you are transferring any marine animals (inverts or verts, intertidal or subtidal) from their collection site to any other marine site OR to BMSC’s flow-through seawater system (even if collected right near BMSC).

DFO Introduction or Transfers (ITC) Permit – Return (return to collection site)- if you are transferring any marine animals (inverts or verts, intertidal or subtidal) from BMSC back to their collection site you will need a separate ITC Permit for that activity.

BC Freshwater and Terrestrial Collections – If you are collecting organisms from freshwater or terrestrial sources.

4. Submit Animal Use forms

Vertebrate Research

If you are working with vertebrates or cephalopods, you will need an approved Animal Use Protocol (AUP). Visit the BMSC Animal Care page for policies, procedures, and forms.

As a small institution, the BMSC ACC meets quarterly to review AUPs. As such, the time from AUP submission to review and approval may take longer than your Home Institution. Please take this into consideration when planning your AUP submission and proposed research start date.

2026 AUP and IUF submission deadlines:

February 2 for proposed research start dates between April 1 – May 31
April 1 for proposed research start dates between June 1 – July 31
June 1 for proposed research start dates between August 1 and October 31
September 1 for proposed research start dates between November 1 and March 31 of the next calendar year

Invertebrate Research

If you are working with invertebrates, you will need to submit a short Invert Use Form (IUF). Submission deadlines are the same as above. Please see the BMSC Animal Care page for to download the IUF.

Questions? Contact our Head of Animal Care, Dr. Lisa Hoogenboom: lhoogenboom(at)bamfieldmsc.com
phone: 250-728-3301 ext. 275

Email the Head of Animal Care

Applications for research space and housing for the summer season (May – September) must be received by the Head of Research Services by February 1st of the same year.