project.
A research, training, or public service activity that receives funding from an external source through a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.
A request to change the PI must be well-justified and based on unforeseen circumstances. KSU will not approve requests made for reasons of administrative convenience.
Valid Justifications: Valid reasons for a change of PI request include the departure of the original PI from KSU, a long-term absence of the original PI due to illness or other personal circumstances, or a significant change in the original PI's responsibilities at KSU that prevents them from continuing to lead the project.
Invalid Justifications: A change of PI will not be approved if requested solely because the original PI has taken on other projects or has an over-commitment of effort.
Only one (1) change of PI request will typically be approved for the life of an award.
The proposed new PI must have the requisite qualifications, experience, and available effort to lead the project to a successful conclusion. The successor PI should typically be from the original PI's home college or department and must meet all KSU eligibility requirements to serve as a PI.
The proposed new PI must submit a complete request package to the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) within thirty (30) days of the event necessitating the change (e.g., the original PI's departure). The package must include:
A formal request letter addressed to the sponsor's Program Officer, drafted by the proposed new PI, that justifies the change and describes their qualifications to lead the project.
The proposed new PI's current, agency-specific biographical sketch.
The proposed new PI's current and pending support documentation.
A completed and signed conflict of interest (COI) disclosure form for the new PI.
ORI will review the request package to ensure the justification is valid, the proposed new PI is eligible, and all documentation is complete and compliant.
The request will be routed for all required internal approvals, including from the relevant Department Chair and Dean.