Apply for a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence

  • Apply for a licence to conduct research
  • Other permits and permission you may need
  • Reporting
  • List of permitted research projects

  1. Apply for a licence to conduct research

    Anyone entering the Yukon for research purposes must obtain a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence (S&E).

    COVID-19 update for the Scientists and Explorers licensing program

    While we're continuing to accept applications, there may be delays in the review and comments process. There may be limited capacity at reviewing agencies and Yukon First Nations due to COVID-19 impacts.

    We will issue licences provided that applicants follow the direction of Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health in regards to self-isolation when entering Yukon.

    We encourage applicants to include a self-isolation plan in their applications. Please note that an S&E licence is not a licence to enter Yukon free from self-isolation requirements.

    Find information for people entering Yukon.

    If you have any questions or would like to discuss please email scientists.explorers@yukon.ca.

    Before you apply

    Allow for processing time

    We recommend that you apply 3 months before research is scheduled to begin. This is in case your project needs additional licensing or permitting.

    Research in national parks

    Research in national parks only

    If your research is only taking place within a national park in Yukon, you don't need a Scientist and Explorers licence. Instead, you need to apply for a Parks Canada Research and Collection permit.

    Visit the Parks Canada website to learn more

    Research in national parks and elsewhere

    If your research takes place in the national park and other locations in Yukon, you need to apply for both the: 

    Contact the First Nations governments in your research area ahead of time. You may need other permits or permissions depending on where the research is taking place. See the section on Additional permits, licences and special requirements.

    Archaeological research

    If you are doing archaeological research, you will need an Archaeological Sites Regulation Permit, not a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence.

    Apply

    1. Be aware of the licence requirements for the geographical area in which you'll be working. These will vary depending on your project. 
       
    2. Contact the First Nation in whose traditional territory you'll be working. For research on the Yukon North Slope, contact the Inuvialuit. All areas of Yukon are in the traditional territories of Yukon and transboundary First Nations, or the in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
      • Provide confirmation of who you contacted at which First Nation and when.
      • Include any letters of approval or support in your application.
      • For projects within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, you must contact (as appropriate):
        • the Environmental Impact Screening Committee (EISC), to review your proposed project;
        • the Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee (AHTC);
        • the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope) (WMAC[NS]);
        • the Inuvialuit Game Council (IGC); and
        • the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC).
           
    3. Complete the application form and attach any related documents.
       
    4. Submit your application. Email is preferred.
      Email: scientists.explorers@yukon.ca
      Mail:
      Government of Yukon
      Manager, Museums and Heritage (L-1)
      Box 2703
      Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
       

    We will review your application and refer it for comment to appropriate:

    • territorial and federal agencies;
    • committees, councils and/or corporations; and
    • Yukon First Nation governments.

  2. Other permits and permission you may need

    Archaeological research

    If you are doing archaeological research, you will need an Archaeological Sites Regulation Permit, not a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence.

    Additional permits and licences 

    Depending on your research, you may need other permits in addition to your Scientists and Explorers Act licence.

    Working on Settlement Land

    To work in an area on Yukon First Nation Settlement Land or in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, you must obtain permission. You need written confirmation of consultation and consent.

    Read about access, rights and obligations on Settlement Land. These lands are covered under the:

     

    Maps


  3. Reporting

    If your application is successful, we ask that you submit 2 reports.

    1. An interim report, reflecting the status of the project and work completed. This report is recommended. It's due 2 months after you finish fieldwork.
       
    2. A final report when the project is completed. This report should detail findings and highlight the significance of the research. It's mandatory, and is due within 1 calendar year of the completion or termination of the project.

     


  4. List of permitted research projects

    The Arctic Institute of North America maintains a listing of all permitted research projects in Yukon. This list is in the Arctic Science and Technology Information System (ASTIS) database.

    When using the database, search for Geographic Code "G0811 – Yukon".

    Connect to the Arctic Science and Technology Information System.


Contact 

For questions, email scientists.explorers@gov.yk.ca or phone the manager of Museums and Heritage 867-667-3660 or toll free 1-800-661-0408 ext. 3660.