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Research Requests

Research Requests

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has a formal process for those seeking to conduct research involving its facilities, staff, and individuals under its supervision.

Inquiries shall be submitted to the Office of Research and Planning (ORP) mailbox: MDOC-Research@michigan.gov.

General Guidelines:

  • All approved research projects must:
    • Protect the rights and confidentiality of all participants
    • Minimize disruption of normal correctional operations
    • Prevent unwarranted imposition on prisoners, staff, facilities or programs.
  • Voluntary participation is required:
    • Participation (or refusal) must not affect parole decisions, housing assignments, visitation rights, work assignments, or access to programs.
    • Informed consent: Participants must be fully informed of the research purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits and must sign a consent form voluntarily.
    • Right to withdraw: Participants can opt out at any time without facing any negative consequences.
  • The department will not approve any medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic testing or research involving offenders as participants.

Research Proposal Process Overview:

  1. Once an inquiry is received, if applicable, the researcher will be emailed an initial topic approval form to complete and return.
  2. Upon return, the Office of Research and Planning will confirm receipt, complete an initial review, ask clarifying questions, and collaborate steps with the impacted MDOC areas, as needed.
  3. The request will be sent to the director for topic review:
    • If denied, the researcher will be notified and the process ends.
  4. If initial approval is given, the researcher will be notified and provided a full research proposal to complete. The researcher will return the full proposal, and final approval will be determined by MDOC leadership. If granted approval, the Office of Research and Planning will prepare a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) for the researcher to review, sign, and return to ORP.