Due to COVID-19, we will not be reviewing or approving any applications that require in-person contact in our schools or board offices until further notice. Applications involving no-contact research will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis according to the Review Criteria.
Please note that our review process is subject to change. Approved projects may also be delayed or cancelled subject to changing circumstances associated with COVID-19. Applications and all supporting documentation should be sent as one file to external.research@yrdsb.ca according to the deadlines below.
Interested in Conducting Research in the YRDSB?
York Region Districts School Board (YRDSB) supports research activities in in its schools and departments that align with system priorities as outlined in Board Plans, including the Trustee's
Multi-Year Strategic Plan and
Director’s Action Plan.
The YRDSB External Research Review Committee (ERRC) is responsible for reviewing research requests by institutions, agencies, staff members, or other individuals who wish to conduct research within the Board.
All research that is not initiated by the Board must be approved by the ERRC. The committee meets four times annually to review applications. The applications are reviewed to ensure they comply with the 
ERRC Review Criteria and the Guidelines for Conducting External Research in the York Region District School Board and do not have an adverse effect on students, staff or Board resources.
If you are interested in conducting research within YRDSB please read our Guidelines for Conducting External Research in the York Region District School Board, which explain the review and application process and provides access to the online application form.
Important Dates
Application Deadlines for 2020-2021
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Note: Approval of external research applications is not guaranteed. Researchers are advised to apply to other school boards as well. Due to the high volume of applications received, only a select few will be accepted.
How to Apply
- Review the Guidelines for Conducting External Research in the York Region District School Board and the ERRC Review Criteria.
- Complete the Application to Conduct External Research in the York Region District School Board.
- Submit one electronic copy of the application package and all supporting documents to External.Research@yrdsb.ca prior to deadline.
- Direct questions to: External.Research@yrdsb.ca.
The York Region District School Board complies with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). External researchers must ensure that their requests to conduct external research comply with CASL.