Definition: Key Personnel

Key Personnel include the Project Director(s) / Principal Investigator(s) and other individuals who contribute to the scientific development or execution of a project in a substantive, measurable way, whether or not they receive salaries or compensation under the grant. Typically these individuals have doctoral or other professional degrees, although individuals at the masters or baccalaureate level may be considered senior/key personnel if their involvement meets this definition. Consultants and those with a postdoctoral role also may be considered senior/key personnel if they meet this definition. "Senior/key personnel must devote measurable effort to the project whether or not salaries or compensation are requested." "Zero percent" effort or "as needed" are not acceptable levels of involvement for those designated as Senior/Key Personnel.