Can there be a Lead PI within the multiple-PD/PI model?
All PD/PIs have equal responsibility and accountability for leading and directing the project. The structure and interaction of the PD/PI team will be left up to the PD/PIs and the applicant institution. All PD/PIs must be qualified to serve as PD/PIs and will share responsibility for the project. Although the PD/PIs may identify a leader of the project or a coordinator of the overall team, that is not a role that NIH formally acknowledges. Smaller teams composed of PD/PIs of equal rank within the institution may function best in an equal partnership without an identified coordinator. If any team believes it necessary to identify a spokesperson or coordinator responsible for organizing the leadership team of a particular project, that role and rationale should be explained in the Leadership Plan.
