The individual with the primary responsibility for the overall scientific, technical, administrative, and financial leadership of a sponsored project. Where a project has Co-PIs, one PI must be designated as the lead PI for communication and administrative purposes.

PROCESS:

A. Core Responsibilities of a Principal Investigator

The PI is responsible for the overall management and success of the sponsored project. While specific tasks may be delegated, the PI retains ultimate accountability. These core responsibilities can be grouped into the following key areas:

Scientific and Programmatic Management:

• Conducting the project as described in the approved scope of work.
• Overseeing the work of the entire project team, including students, staff, and collaborators.
• Ensuring the timely completion of all project deliverables and milestones.
• Disseminating project results in accordance with scholarly and sponsor standards.

Financial Stewardship:

• Authorizing all project expenditures and ensuring they are allowable, allocable, and reasonable under sponsor and KSU guidelines.
• Monitoring the project budget to prevent cost overruns and ensure funds are spent in a timely manner.
• Reviewing and certifying all effort reports for personnel charged to the project.
• Working with the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) to initiate any necessary post-award changes, such as budget revisions or no-cost extensions.

Compliance and Ethical Conduct:

• Adhering to all terms and conditions of the award agreement.
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as all KSU policies. This includes, but is not limited to, policies governing human subjects research (IRB), animal care and use (IACUC), financial conflicts of interest (FCOI), and research safety.
• Promoting the responsible conduct of research and ensuring all project personnel complete required training.

Personnel Management:

• Supervising all project staff, students, and collaborators.