MIT policy defines Investigators as those individuals who are independently responsible for the design, conduct and reporting of research. The Principal Investigator (PI) is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the project. Faculty, Senior Research Scientists/ Engineers/ Associates and Principal Research Scientists/Engineers/Associates are given PI status in accordance with MIT Policies and Procedures.
PI, Co-PI and Investigator status for research scientists/engineers/associates, instructors, postdoctoral scholars, visiting scientists/engineers or others not grant PI status by virtue of their appointment requires the approval of the Department Head/Lab Director and the Vice President for Research. Requests are considered by the Vice President for Research on a case-by-case basis in a limited set of circumstances. Requests are generally made to provide special career or professional development opportunities for junior researchers or because the researcher’s unique qualifications make the individual essential to the project.