"To commission the study" means to formally request and hire someone to conduct research or investigations on a specific topic or issue. Full definition
The governor commissioned a study of the issue earlier this year that is expected to be released in the coming days. (patch.com)
Recently the legislature commissioned a study on charter schools that came back with a particular set of recommendations that include expanding charters in the state. (baltimoresun.com)
It has also commissioned studies to determine what effect wind farm construction and electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the turbines may have on fish populations. (cleantechnica.com)