The Role of a Principal Investigator
Good research requires an actively engaged PI who ensures studies are conducted safely, ethically, and to protocol. PIs are supported by Research teams but are ultimately accountable. The role offers a meaningful opportunity to advance research knowledge and improve health outcomes.
Watch the video below or click here to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a PI.
Source: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust
How many PIs are needed for a study?
From a both a governance and study management perspective, each study will have just one ELFT PI. Where a study is taking place across multiple geographies or services across the Trust, the PI will collaborate with colleagues from those teams, but remains the single point of contact at ELFT for the study.
Who is an appropriate ELFT PI?
Staff – both clinical and non-clinical – with an ELFT substantive employment contract can act as an ELFT PI. Clinical Academics, whose substantive employer is a university, may be qualified provided that they are meaningfully engaged with an ELFT service beyond the delivery of research. In other words, someone who spends programmed time with ELFT services delivering healthcare.
Support available
There are free courses available to ELFT staff interested in supporting research by becoming a PI, including the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (PI) scheme a six month in-work training opportunity, providing practical experience for healthcare professionals starting their research career.
Interested in learning more?
Contact the Research & Innovation team at elft.researchoffice@nhs.net