Sponsored Project

A research, training, public service, or other activity that receives funding from an external source through a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.

PROCESS:

A. Standard Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to serve as a PI or Co-PI on a sponsored project, an individual must meet the following criteria at the time of proposal submission:

  • Be a full-time, salaried employee of Kentucky State University.
  • Hold an eligible faculty or administrative title, such as:
  • Tenured or Tenure-Track Faculty (e.g., Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor).
  • Research Faculty with a continuing appointment.
  • Staff in certain extension agent roles, for projects directly aligned with the University's land-grant mission.
  • Have the ability to commit the necessary effort to the project and access to the required institutional resources (e.g., lab space, administrative support).

B. PI Eligibility for Compliance Protocols (IRB/IACUC)

Individuals who meet the standard eligibility criteria above are also eligible to serve as the PI on protocols submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for human subjects research or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Individuals who do not meet standard PI eligibility criteria (e.g., students, postdoctoral fellows) may serve as the "student PI" or lead researcher on an IRB or IACUC protocol; however, an individual who meets standard PI eligibility criteria must be listed as the "Faculty Sponsor" or "PI of Record" and holds ultimate responsibility for the conduct of the study.

C. Exception Process

Individuals in positions not listed above (e.g., adjunct faculty, visiting faculty, postdoctoral researchers, emeritus faculty, staff without faculty appointments) are generally not eligible to serve as Pls but may request an exception. An exception may be granted by the Provost and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs or a designee if it is determined to be in the best interest of KSU.

A request for an exception must be submitted to the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) and include:

  • A written justification outlining the individual's unique qualifications and the compelling programmatic need for them to serve as PI.
  • A letter of support from the relevant Department Chair and Dean, confirming that the individual will be provided with the necessary resources and oversight.