Key Project Roles

A research project will often involve different people and entities working together. To successfully carry out a project from start to finish, it is important that everyone has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Grant Administration​

The Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI)​

At Fanshawe College, CRI provides access to funding sources, including government grants and industry partnerships, to support various research initiatives. ​

At times, CRI will assist in the drafting of a proposal and/or submit an application on behalf of an affiliate researcher ​(in the case of an institutional grant, for instance).​

When an application is successful, the research funds are administered by CRI. This includes the hiring of project participants and ensuring (with the PI) fiscal, legal, and ethical compliance. ​

The Research Team​

Principal Investigator​ (PI)

The Principal Investigator is the project lead. The PI has the subject and/or technical expertise to execute​ the project and guide all research activities and participants to project completion. ​

CRI may hire a college researcher to work on a specific project with an industry partner. Alternatively, a ​college researcher may approach CRI with a project idea and potential partner in order to explore funding prospects. ​

At Fanshawe, for HR and Budget purposes, a PI is hired as a “Research Associate”.​

Co-Investigator​

Some grants allow for one or more Co-Investigators. While the PI will serve as the key contact on the​ application, Co-Investigators share in the responsibility of executing all tasks and ensuring project success. ​

Partner​

The public, private sector, or community organization that is driving the need for the research project. ​It is typically expected that the owner and/or staff members will actively collaborate on the project with ​the college and researchers. As well, a partner is expected to cover at least a portion (25%, 50%, or more) of ​project costs, such as faculty course release, student wages, technical and/or support staff wages, equipment, ​supplies, travel, and overhead costs. Sometimes, an “in kind” contribution is sufficient. ​

Collaborator​

This is usually an optional role. A Collaborator is someone who contributes to the intellectual direction ​of the project and actively engages in specific research activities. A Collaborator typically does not have ​access to grant funds and may be engaged for a finite period of time. ​

Research Assistant​

At Fanshawe, students are typically hired to serve as Research Assistants. For HR and Budget purposes, different pay bands are assigned depending on the nature of the project work, the research environment, and the ability to work independently. (Additional information on RA Rights and Responsibilities is available in Module 4.)