Principal Investigator (PI) Effort

Introduction

As a Principal Investigator (PI) or a research administrator, you play a crucial role in leading and supporting your project. To reflect this, PIs need to dedicate at least 1% of their time to the project during one reporting period, regardless of whether their salary is an allowable cost.

UNC’s Operating Standards & Procedures

The following excerpt is taken directly from UNC’s Operating Standards & Procedures, specifically 600.5 – Effort Reporting:

“Principal Investigators (PIs) must commit and expend at least 1% effort during at least one effort reporting period of performance to accurately reflect their leadership of the project and meet this requirement.”

Key Points

• Effort Commitment: As a PI, you need to commit a certain amount of effort to your project. This commitment is expressed as a percentage of your total university effort. As a research administrator, you should ensure that this commitment is met.
• Effort Reporting: PIs need to report their effort accurately to reflect their leadership in the project and meet project requirements. Research administrators should assist in this process to ensure accuracy.
• Minimum Requirement: PIs need to commit and expend at least 1% effort during at least one effort reporting period, even if their salary is not an allowable cost.

Conclusion

Remember, your commitment and support are vital to the success of your project. Make sure to accurately report effort and meet the project requirements.