Federal sponsoring agencies require, at a minimum, advance notification if the PD/PI is absent or relinquishes active direction of a project for a period of three continuous months or longer, plans a significant change in effort, or plans to transfer to another institution. Repeated absences of less than 90 continuous days during a year represent a significant change in effort.
The awarding agency must approve a replacement PD/PI who is requested by the awardee institution; departing PD/PIs often suggest or recommend such replacements. Agencies reserve the right to terminate a grant if approval for a leave of absence has not been sought or if the replacement PD/PI is not acceptable.
Schools, Labs and Departments must notify OSP when PD/PIs arrange to terminate their employment, take a leave of absence, or are absent for medical or family leave. To initiate a change, the PD/PI or, if unavailable, the School or Lab should inform OSP of the request for a change in PD/PI status on a project. The PD/PI’s School or Lab must concur in the recommendation of a new PD/PI. OSP will submit the request to the sponsor, if required, and will update the contract file after approval has been obtained. The curriculum vitae of the replacement PD/PI should accompany the request. In the event a sponsor objects to the nominated replacement, OSP will contact the requesting campus department.
Non-employees are not generally eligible to serve as a PD/PI on sponsored projects. Adjunct faculty must be employees of Georgia Tech. Requests for exceptions for a non-employee to serve as PD/PI on a specific project for a limited time may be directed to the Senior Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. A without-compensation appointment and associated agreements regarding intellectual property, liability insurance, compliance with Institute polices and procedures, and related matters will be required.