Within the main funding agencies, what are the policies/restrictions on researchers signing off as PIs?
In general, the funding agencies are relatively positive regarding researchers signing off as PIs. The following is a summary of the various responses received from the main funding agencies. IRCHSS A letter of support is required from the host institution and a reference from the Doctoral Supervisor; a formal statement of invitation from the Head of School/Dept is also required as is the support of a mentor. IRCSET There is a requirement for a formal agreement by a research leader/PI/mentor to host the applying research fellow. SFI A researcher who has >3yrs post-doctoral experience can apply for some grants in his/her own name; institutional endorsement is required, and is essentially an undertaking to provide desk/office space to the researcher for the duration of the contract. The applicant can be either an existing contract researcher or a contract researcher awaiting appointment. EI Again host institution endorsement is required but a researcher can apply as PI. HEA No answer. EP
