Conduct Research at Archbold

Archbold Biological Station and Archbold's Buck Island Ranch support visiting researchers whose work aligns with Archbold's mission and can be conducted safely and responsibly on our properties. All proposed research must be reviewed and approved before work begins. Researchers should allow at least two weeks for review, although complex proposals may require additional time.

How to Apply

Before submitting a request, review the Visiting Research Proposal Process for information about project requirements, available resources, site-use fees, and researcher responsibilities. When you are ready to apply, complete the Visiting Researcher Request Form. Please provide enough information for Archbold staff to understand your research questions, proposed methods, locations, timeline, logistical needs, and potential impacts.

Proposal Review

Research proposals are reviewed by the relevant program director and the Director of Science. Depending on the proposed work, additional review may be required from Archbold’s Data Management program, land management team, operations staff, or other personnel. Most decisions are made within two weeks of submission. Review times may vary based on project complexity, staff availability, permitting requirements, and the level of coordination needed. Research may not begin until the proposal has been formally approved.

Visiting Researcher Responsibilities

Approved visiting researchers are expected to:

• Complete all required orientation and safety materials before beginning work
• Follow Archbold policies and any project-specific conditions included with approval
• Coordinate access, housing, equipment, and other logistical needs in advance
• Pay applicable housing, facility, equipment, or research site-use fees
• Provide updated project metadata annually
• Share and archive final project datasets with Archbold within one year of project completion, in coordination with Archbold’s Data Management program

Additional requirements may apply depending on the location, methods, equipment, or level of staff support involved.

Fees, Housing, & Logistical Support

Archbold charges fees for some housing, facility use, research access, equipment, vehicle use, and specialized staff support. These fees help maintain the roads, buildings, research infrastructure, shared equipment, and logistical support used by the visiting research community.

Fees vary based on the type and duration of the project, the resources required, and the researcher’s relationship with Archbold. Graduate and undergraduate projects, exploratory visits, and projects that already contribute substantial operational support may qualify for reduced or waived site-use fees. Researchers are encouraged to include anticipated site-use and support costs in grant proposals and project budgets.

Housing and workspace are subject to availability and should be requested as early as possible.

Questions

Questions about research proposals, project eligibility, or site-use fees may be directed to Dr. Betsey Boughton, Director of Science.