Glossary of key personnel roles

Key personnel are individuals who contribute to the scientific development or execution of the project in a substantive, measurable way, whether or not they receive salaries or compensation under the grant. This document provides guidance on the types of roles that could be associated with key personnel.

PI: An individual designated by the grantee organization responsible for the scientific or technical aspects of the funded project or activity and for its management . The PI and the grantee organization are both responsible for ensuring compliance with the financial and administrative aspects of the award. The PI must work closely with other grantee organization officials to create and maintain necessary documentation, including both technical and administrative reports; prepare justifications; appropriately acknowledge CIRM support of research findings in publications, announcements, news programs, and other media; and ensure compliance with CIRM, federal, state, and organizational requirements. The PI must have a formal written agreement with the grantee organization that specifies an official relationship between them even if the relationship does not involve a salary or other form of remuneration. To be eligible to serve as a PI on a CIRM grant supported project or activity, the individual must at a minimum possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, unless otherwise noted in an RFA.

Co-PI: An individual designated by the grantee organization to work jointly with the PI to direct the scientific development and execution of the funded project or activity. The co-PI does not have administrative responsibilities to CIRM, but may be responsible to the grantee organization for ensuring compliance with the financial and administrative aspects of the award. The co-PI may be employed by, or be affiliated with, the grantee organization or another organization participating in the project through a formal collaboration or agreement. To be eligible to serve as a co-PI on a CIRM grant supported project or activity, the individual must at a minimum possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, unless otherwise noted in an RFA.

Co-Investigator: An individual, generally possessing an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, who is collaborating with the PI or co-PI in the scientific development and execution of the funded project or activity. The co-investigator may be employed by, or be affiliated with, the grantee organization or another organization participating in the project through a formal collaboration or agreement.

Research Associate: An individual who is working under the supervision of the PI, co-PI or co-Investigator and participating in the scientific development and execution of the funded project or activity.

Technical Associate: An individual who is who is working under the supervision of the PI, co-PI or co-Investigator and providing technical assistance in the execution of the funded project or activity.

Consultant: An individual who provides professional advice or services related to the proposed project in exchange for a fee.