PI/Project Director Determination Flowchart

To determine your status for the Current Period, follow these three questions:

1. Do you have independent responsibility?

Do you have the primary authority for accomplishing the objectives of a research project or sponsored program?

  • NO: You likely do not meet this definition.
  • YES: Proceed to Question 2.
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2. Are you responsible for the “Design, Conduct, or Reporting” of research?

Regardless of your official job title or position, are you a lead individual responsible for how the research is designed, how the data is collected/conducted, or how the results are reported to a sponsor or the public?

  • NO: You likely do not meet this definition.
  • YES: Proceed to Question 3.
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3. Does your responsibility remain “Regardless of Title or Position”?

Even if you are not a tenured faculty member, such as a staff scientist, post-doc or administrator, do you exercise the independent control described above?

  • NO: You do not meet this definition.
  • YES: You are a PI / Project Director.

What does this mean for your COI Form?

If you answered YES to the questions above, you are an Interested Person. This triggers specific reporting requirements:

  • Mandatory Disclosure: You must disclose any Business Transaction, such as an investment of at least $5,000, in any entity that provides goods or services to the University or is negotiating to do so.
  • Material Interest: You must report any position, such as officer, director or employee, or payment of $10,000 or more from an entity related to your research.
  • Research Integrity: Your disclosures may be reviewed by the Research Integrity Officer (RIO) to ensure compliance with standards regarding fabrication, falsification and plagiarism.
  • Family Interests: You must also disclose if a Family Member, such as a spouse, child or sibling, has a Material Interest in an entity that could be affected by your research.