Principal Investigator

Short Definition

Principal Investigator is the lead researcher on a grant-funded research project, responsible for overseeing the project and reporting to the funding agency.

In-depth Overview

Principal Investigator

Long definition: A Principal Investigator (PI) is a senior researcher, faculty member or scientist who assumes primary responsibility for the planning, execution and oversight of a research project or grant-funded study. The PI is typically the lead figure in a research team and plays a crucial role in defining research objectives, securing funding, conducting experiments and reporting findings.

Etymology: The term "Principal Investigator" is derived from "principal", meaning primary or chief and "investigator", referring to someone who conducts investigations or research. It underscores the central and leadership role of the individual in a research endeavor.

Synonyms or related academic terms:

• Lead Investigator
• Project Leader
• Research Director

Examples of Use:

• Dr. Smith serves as the Principal Investigator on a groundbreaking study investigating the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
• The Principal Investigator secured a substantial research grant to support the exploration of new cancer treatments.
• As the Project Leader, Professor Davis oversees a team of researchers examining the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare outcomes.

Translations:
Spanish: Investigador Principal
French: Chercheur Principal
German: Hauptforscher
Italian: Investigatore Principale
Portuguese: Investigador Principal
Japanese: 主任研究者 (Shunin Kenkyūsha)
Chinese (Simplified): 主要研究员 (Zhǔyào Yánjiūyuán)
Hindi: मुख्य अन्वेषक (Mukhya Anveshak)

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Wikipedia Article

Principal Investigator

unirank Glossary Classification

Miscellaneous higher education terms > University roles and job titles