Research Approval
Before doing research at the Danum Valley Field Centre it is necessary to apply for permission from the Danum Valley Management Committee (DVMC) and, for non-Malaysian scientists, Malaysia’s Economic Planning Unit (EPU). The process is relatively straightforward but can take up to six months to complete; applications should therefore be made well in advance of the intended project start date.
The DVMC application form and guidelines can be downloaded using the following links:
The EPU application needs to be made on-line via the EPU website. This EPU website provides all the necessary information on the application procedure and requirements, but the following guidelines may also be of use when completing the application.
Please note: Although EPU and DVMC approval is given for the entire duration of a project, for projects lasting more than one year the EPU research pass must be renewed annually. This does not require the completion of a new application, but at least one month before the existing pass is due to expire a brief project report, a letter requesting a renewal of the pass and a supporting letter from the project’s local collaborator should be submitted to EPU Putrajaya with a copy sent to EPU-Sabah. Addresses can be found in the Contacts section.
Project supervisors, planning visits & research assistants:
Scientists on planning visits, project supervisors and research assistants (e.g. undergraduate students assisting long-term scientists with their work), do not require formal DVMC or EPU research approval and may enter Sabah on a regular tourist visa. For scientists who would like to make planning visits to Danum, it is necessary to complete a short application and send this to the Secretary of DVMC. The form can be downloaded using the following link.
Many long-term scientists at Danum use volunteer research assistants – this is perfectly acceptable, providing the project’s local collaborator is kept informed and gives their approval. If you do wish to use volunteer, non-Malaysian, research assistants please read the following guidelines.
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