Rules and Policies
Sponsored research operates within University policy, federal regulation, and each sponsor’s requirements. This section explains the framework so you can plan a compliant project from the start.
- Procedures and Guidelines - how rules and regulations apply to sponsored projects, including PI responsibilities, Syracuse University policy, and federal rules and regulations.
- Fundamental Principles - the core principles guiding sponsored programs, including academic freedom, publication rights, student participation, intellectual property, and data use.
- Sponsor Guidance - agency-specific expectations and updates, including NSF and NIH, and how to use the OMB Uniform Guidance.
Personnel Eligibility and Compliance
Before you invest in proposal development, make sure that everyone proposed as key or senior personnel — co-PIs, co-investigators, and other investigators — is eligible and meets University requirements. Every proposal is reviewed to confirm that named personnel are eligible and compliant, so confirm the items below early.
- Principal Investigator (PI) Eligibility — which faculty and staff titles may serve as PI or co-PI, how eligibility is confirmed, what applies if someone has not yet joined Syracuse University, and the waiver process. Includes guidance for multiple PIs and co-PIs.
- Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) — the University policy, required by federal sponsors, that keeps research free from bias. Includes guidance for completing the Significant Financial Interest disclosure form.
- Research Security Training — federally required training related to research security and disclosure.
- Intellectual Property — the Intellectual Property Agreement and related obligations.
Office of Research staff can help you work through these requirements as you plan your proposal. To understand how much lead time to allow, see Plan Your Timeline on the Submit a Proposal page.