Principal Investigator (PI) Handbook
A Training Manual for All Investigators
The role of a Principle Investigator (PI) carries significant responsibility in ensuring the success of sponsored research and compliance with university, state, and federal requirements. This handbook is designed as a practical guide to help faculty and research understand their responsibilities from the moment an award is received through the completion and closeout of the project.
As a PI, you are not only responsible for advancing the scientific and academic goals of your project but also for safeguarding the financial, ethical, and administrative integrity of the award. This includes proper stewardship of sponsor funds, adherence to regulations, ethical conduct of research, and effective oversight of project personnel and resources.
This training manual provides clear guidance on:
- Roles and responsibilities in grant and contract management
- Financial accountability and allowable costs
- Hiring, payroll, and effort reporting requirements
- Procurement, travel, and participant support processes
- Reporting obligations and project closeout procedures
- Compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies
The goal of this handbook is to empower investigators with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their projects successfully avoid compliance pitfalls, and focus on achieving research and scholarly outcomes.
This training outline ensures that investigators are knowledgeable about, and have resources for, the critical steps in the grant life cycle from identifying the right funding opportunity, developing a compliant proposal, submitting a proposal, managing the award (in compliance with 2 CFR 200 guidelines), to closing out the project properly. By following this framework, investigators will be well-prepared to comply with all federal regulations, sponsor-specific policies, and institutional requirements, ultimately supporting high-quality research and safeguarding the institution’s compliance reputation.