In advance of any proposed project, investigators must submit a research proposal to OTS, and initiation of the research must await written approval. The proposal should detail the nature of the study, methods (including whether or not collecting will take place), number of participants, dates desired, and source of funding. If you want to handle vertebrates, be sure to mention your previous experience capturing and handling the animals you want to work with. You should also pay particular attention to any of the applicable points listed under Master Plan Guidelines, below.

Initiation of the research must await written approval if research involves site commitments, manipulation of organisms or habitat, application of chemicals, use of radioisotopes or other hazardous materials, introduction of exotic genomes, or collecting.

For any proposed collecting, please describe in full detail with scientific justification. To collect and export biological materials, appropriate permits must be obtained from the Costa Rica Wildlife Department. The staff of the OTS San José office (CRO) can provide assistance with permit application and logistical support, including the making of reservations. After project approval is obtained, contact the OTS Reservations Office (Fax in Costa Rica (506) 524-0608; e-mail: reservas@ots.ac.cr) at least three months in advance of the proposed starting date.

Cooperation with local scientists is strongly recommended. The University of Costa Rica (UCR), the Universidad Nacional (UNA), the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR), Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), and the Museo Nacional (MNCR) are institutional members of OTS. They welcome cooperative projects and use of facilities, as do many other local institutions. Researchers interested in cooperative arrangements for work at Las Cruces should mention such plans in the research proposal and should also inform the education coordinator at the Costa Rican office (academic@ots.ac.cr).

Send proposals to:
Las Cruces Biological Station
c/o The Director
Apdo. 73-8257, San Vito
Coto Brus
Costa Rica
Fax (506) 773-3278
e-mail lcruces@ots.ac.cr