What is a principal investigator? A principle investigator is an individual who assumes full responsibility for a research project, including the supervision of any research assistants and students. Only one person can be listed as principal investigator on an Application to the Committee on the Use of Human Research Subjects.

Who can serve as principal investigator? See our guidelines for eligibility.

Specifically, what are the responsibilities of a principal investigator?

• Conduct the research as presented in the protocol and approved by the Committee on the Use of Human Research Subjects (the Committee). Useful tracking forms are available;
• Mentor your students in the ethical conduct of human subject research;
• Obtain informed consent. Provide a copy of the signed consent form to each participant unless this is waived by the Committee;
• Present any modifications in the study or recruitment procedures to the Committee for review and approval before making any change;
• Retain records related to the project for 3 years after the termination of the project by the Committee. Records include all documents sent to the Committee, participant consent forms, and protocol approval notices;
• Promptly report to the Committee any unanticipated problems or injuries to participants;
• Promptly report to the Committee any unapproved deviations from the protocol;
• At all phases of the project, follow the ethical principles that guide the University in the conduct of human research; and
• Make sure your IRB mail is forwarded to you when you leave campus for sabbatical or otherwise.