The Island has established a firm base for research in wildlife ecology, natural resources and conservation management. Whilst continuing to develop research on the Island’s environment, cultural and physical heritage, terrestrial and marine, the SHRI will work in partnership with South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI), as well as seek new partnerships and funding to bring about research in our thematic priority areas.
Emerging areas for research on St Helena are: natural capital; society, heritage and culture; health and well-being; technology, business and economic development and the impact of fibre optic connectivity and understanding climate change impacts.
Research Area 1
Society, health and well-being
Research Area 2
Information and communication technology
Research Area 3
Natural capital
Research Area 4
Climate change and green technology
Any organisation or individual wishing to undertake research on St Helena, or within its territorial boundary (the 200 nautical mile Marine Protected Area), requires a Research Licence.
The Research Licence application is intended to help determine whether the proposed research is feasible on island, whether it aligns with St Helena’s laws, policies and strategic priorities, and what additional assessments and licences or permits may be required.
The Research Licence application process is coordinated by the St Helena Research Institute on behalf of the St Helena Research Council.
We recommend that researchers contact the Research Institute early in project planning to discuss proposed research and to ensure that any problems or opportunities can be addressed. Enquiries should be directed to enquiries@sthelenaresearch.edu.sh. All completed applications will be submitted to the St Helena Research Council who will return the decision to the applicant.
How to apply
- Please make sure that you read the ‘Guidelines for Researchers’ before completing your Application Form.
- Please make sure you sign and return the ‘Protocol for Researchers’ along with your completed Application Form and any other supporting documentation identified in your application.
- The Research Council meet to review and determine applications quarterly, on the first Thursday of the months of February, May, August and November. The deadline for submission of applications in advance of the Research Council meeting will be six weeks. Applicants can expect a response within two weeks of the meeting at which the application was considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications at least three months in advance of their project start date or expected start date if project funding is to be confirmed.
The Application Form to conduct research on St Helena can be downloaded here along with the Guidelines for Researchers and Protocol for Researchers .
Licence Fees
For successful applications, there is a £250.00 fee for issuing a Research Licence. There is a reduced charge for Undergraduate and MSc studies of £50.00 and £100.00 respectively.
The Research Council will consider requests for a waiver of the Research Licence fee under special circumstances from local non-Governmental not-for-profit charitable organisations and the St Helena Government.
Please note that if your proposed research requires a licence under the Environmental Protection Ordinance, 2016, there is an additional fee of £100.00.
Useful Information
For information on preparing for your visit to St Helena, please check out the following weblinks:
St Helena Tourism – Official source of information about St Helena. Be sure to view their Travel Checklist and Useful Information document.
SA Airlink – Book your flight to St Helena which operates weekly between St Helena and Johannesburg or once monthly between St Helena and Ascension.
St Helena Immigration – St Helena welcomes both long and short-term visitors. Visitor information provided by St Helena Government can be found here.
Inside Saint Helena – The travel and information app is an essential tourist guide and business directory.
St Helena Island Info – This website provides an excellent source of information about the Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Time on St Helena is always GMT.
Electric plugs are the same as the UK. Bring an adaptor if you don’t have UK appliances.
St Helenians are known as Saints and are some of the warmest people you will ever meet. Expect to wave or chat to everyone as you walk through Jamestown.
For much of the year, temperatures remain between 20-27°C. Temperatures in the central areas are, on average, 5 – 6 °C lower.
The sun is intense in the Southern Hemisphere, even when cloudy, so don’t forget sunscreen (preferably one that is marine-friendly if you’re going in the water!) and a hat.
If you plan to hike, bring sturdy walking boots and a pole if you use one – it can be slippery and quite steep on many of the trails.
If you are going to drive, read the St Helena Highway Code. The roads are very narrow and steep, with some impressive hair-pin bends. Cars going downhill give way to those coming up hill.
St Helena Research Institute
- +(290) 22607 ext 223
Visit Us
Canarvon Court, Education Learning Centre, Jamestown, St Helena
STHL 1ZZ
Contact Us
T. 00 (290) 22607
admin@sainthelenaresearch.edu.sh