What is it?
The Principal Investigator (PI) is the lead researcher on a University research project and the associated Fund.
Why is it important?
The PI is the primary financial approval authority on a research Fund, and is normally a faculty member or an adjunct research professor. As such, s/he is responsible for the research elements of the project as well as monitoring the financial health of project and reviewing/ approving all transactions. The PI may delegate financial approval authority to another individual provided that s/he signs a Delegation of Authority form (click here for the form).
Graduate students may not be a PI on a Fund. If a graduate student has externally sourced research funding it must be managed through a Fund for which their graduate supervisor is the PI.
Where do I find more information?
Primary Investigators should contact Research Accounting for questions or concerns around their financial roles and responsibilities.