The Responsibilities of being a Program Director or Principal Investigator (PD/PI)

What is the definition of Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI)?

A Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) is defined as the individual(s) judged by the applicant organization to have the appropriate level of authority and responsibility to direct a project supported by a grant. PI(s) are responsible for directing the project, intellectually and logistically. Each PD/PI is responsible and accountable for the proper conduct of the project or program including the submission of all required reports. The presence of more than one identified PI on a project neither diminishes the responsibility nor the accountability of any individual PD/PI.

By accepting a grant, a Program Director/Principal Investigator’s (PD/PI’s) accepts many responsibilities as a steward of external funding on behalf of the University. The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP), the College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR), and the Grants Accounting Office work together with the PD/PI to ensure that all of these responsibilities are met and the project is successful. However, final responsibility for compliance in these areas lies with the PD/PI.

Note: The designated PD/PI may not be altered or delegated without prior approval from the funder.

The details of the pre-award and post-award responsibilities of the PD/PI are found in this document, which will be reviewed at the mandatory post-award conference all grantees attend with ORSP staff before their budget can be launched.