Apply to do Research

It is a primary mission of the UC Natural Reserve to facilitate scientific research. We welcome both new projects and the continuation of long-term research at Rancho Marino. With many projects running each year, coordination is essential to assure that researchers’ needs are met and conflicts with housing, equipment and research sites are avoided. Your adherence to the online application process provides this essential research coordination.

Contemplating Rancho Marino as a Research Site?

Please contact Rancho Marino with inquiries related to executing your research at the Reserve. Email us at seydel@ucsb.edu or call the office at (805) 927-6833‬.‬‬‬‬

Research applications submitted to the NRS should be based on peer reviewed research proposals that meet reasonable criteria of scientific rigor. It is expected that research conducted at Rancho Marino will be suitable for publication in an appropriate scientific venue.

When to File an On-line Research Application:

• Any time a new research project is planned at Rancho Marino Reserve
• After reviewing the NRS Use and Guidelines; you should be confident that your project will be deemed feasible and appropriate for a UCNRS site
• If a previously approved project is expanded, altered, significantly revised or extended beyond the period stated in the approved proposal.
• When multiple research projects are proposed (separate applications must be filed for each project)

What to include in your application:

• Applications should be submitted at least two weeks prior to your intended visit.
• All the standard information required in a scientific research proposal: title, principle investigator information, a brief introduction/summary of the project and research methods you plan to use to complete your project
• Specific information on how the project will be completed on the RMR Reserve: logistical and methodological issues including frequency/duration/seasonal timing of your visit(s); anticipated need for housing; how/whether specimens will be collected; how you will avoid the intentional or inadvertent introduction of non-endemic genetic material within the boundary of the reserve; and your plans to construct or devise (and later remove) experimental manipulations during the scope of your work.  Approximate dates of the proposed research project; the application will require you to provide dates and an “activity” (what you are going to be doing on those dates) in order for your application to be approved
• Be sure to record the user name and log-in password you used when submitting your original application so that you can easily update your application and post activities

A letter of support from the Reserve Director is required for any grant administered by the University of California Santa Barbara. Please submit a final (or nearly finalized) proposal to the Director at least three weeks prior to the grant submission deadline if you need to obtain a letter of support. Contact us for more info.

 

Coordinating with the Reserve Once Your Application/Activity has been Approved:

• You will receive confirmation that your application has been approved. If you are unsure, please check RAMS for the status of your application and reservation(s). If your reservation has been approved, you will be given further information about your stay at Rancho Marino. All users are asked to check in with the director when they enter the reserve. Part of our job is to help you conduct a successful research project, so let us know how we can help (though keep in mind that there is only one of us on staff).
•  Basic rules include NO FIREARMS, NO SMOKING, AND NO PETS ARE PERMITTED ANYWHERE ON THE RESERVE. IF YOU VIOLATE THESE RULES, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. You will find our rules and safety protocols when you check into the reserve.

Visit the “Schedule a Visit” page for more information on continuing your project past your initial trip.