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External Research

TDCJ permits any individual(s) to apply for approval to conduct external research. This research may be academic or biomedical in nature and may include the collection of new data or the use of existing data pertinent to the employees, clients, or operations of the TDCJ.

Apply to Conduct Research

External Research Process

Research project proposals are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Proposal packets must be submitted at least one month prior to the planned quarterly review for consideration. Incomplete proposal packets will not be reviewed.

Quarter Application Due Date Review Period
Q1 - September – November Last Friday of October Last full week of November
Q2 - December – February Last Friday of January Last full week of February
Q3 - March – May Last Friday of April Last full week of May
Q4 - June – August Last Friday of July Last full week of August

Initial Review Phase: Up to 180 Days.

  • Submit completed research packet with necessary components
  • Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts a background investigation of PI and Co-PIs
  • Research and Development prepares research packet and internal documentation
  • Office of General Counsel (OGC) reviews project
  • Designated Division Directors review project
  • Deputy Executive Director reviews project
  • Project is approved or denied.

Active Project Phase: Entire length of time data is being collected, analyzed and used for publication.

  • Collect/receive data
  • Complete Progress Reports (ERF 22.11)
    • Initial progress report at 3 months
    • Subsequent reports every 6 months
  • Complete and present technical report(s) on project findings
    • A minimum of one technical report is required for each project
    • Research and Development will aid in the coordination of your technical report presentation with TDCJ personnel, if needed
  • Publish or present your findings
    • Provide outward facing materials (manuscript drafts, presentations, posters, etc.) to Research and Development at least 30 days prior to submission/presentation for review
  • Submit External Research Incident Reports (ERF 22.12), when applicable
    • Documents adverse events that occur during the course of an external research project

Closure Phase: End of data collection and project publications.

  • Submit External Research Closeout Request (ERF 22.13)
    • Will serve as the final documentation of the technical reports, publications, presentations, and other materials your project has generated.
  • Designated Division Directors review project closure
  • Research and Development provides Project Closure Memorandum

Contact
Office of Strategic Initiatives and Modernization
Research and Development
PO Box 13081 - Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711-3084
E-mail: director.research@tdcj.texas.gov