Basic Guidelines For Investigators

These guidelines were created for individuals interested in leading a research project. There are two objectives for these guidelines. One objective is to provide the basic information required to pursue a research project in a single source. The other is to present the information in an easy to follow format that allows for proceeding through the process with minimal assistance.

There are many sources where information is provided on the requirements for becoming an investigator of a research project. These should serve as additional resources for investigators. To meet the first objective for this guidance, information was extracted from various policies and procedure manuals, web sites, guidance documents, etc. The information is presented with web site links where additional and more detailed guidance can be accessed. Presenting the information in this manner along with providing corresponding checklists with web links to forms, should meet the second objective, i.e., allowing the individual to proceed with minimal assistance. Mentoring, however is a proven method for obtaining skills in a new area and the identification of one or more mentor and experienced investigators is also recommended to supplement the guidance given here.

These guidelines consist of 6 modules. Each module has an associated checklist. Click here for the Modules index.