Roles Defined: Who is Who in a Research Study

Principal Investigator (PI)

The Principal Investigator is the head of the research team. These individuals are the creator and holder of the research protocol. Although Principal Investigator's may have other members of the research team to to assist them with the management of the protocol, the ultimate responsibility for the management of the research rests with the PI.

 Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)

The Co-PI is a member of the team that conducts research with the PI. These individuals are not involved in the IRB application process; however, they are significant members of the research team. A Co-PI can access the PI’s protocol in the Mentor system, but cannot make changes to the protocol.

External PI   

An External PI is a member of the team who conducts research with the PI but is not a member of Fordham University. These individuals are not involved in the IRB application process; however, they are significant members of the research team. An External PI does not have access to the Mentor protocol.

Research Coordinator (RC)
The Research Coordinator is a member of the research team that works closely with the PI and other research members, and is involved with the IRB application process. The RC can access the PI’s protocol in the Mentor system and make changes to the protocol. The RC has the same access as the PI.

Research Associate (RA)

The Research Associate is a member of the research team that is involved in research, but is not involved with the IRB process. An RA does not have any access to the Mentor protocol.  However, they are listed on the protocol because they are involved with the research in some way and/or interact with the subject population.

Please remember that every member of the research team in any role – internal or external - must complete the CITI Human Subjects Research Training.