Reminder: NIH’s Multiple Principal Investigator (MPI) model allows two or more investigators to share scientific leadership and accountability for a single award. The model can be valuable when leadership is genuinely shared, but it is not required for collaborative or team science and does not provide a competitive advantage during peer review.
MPI applications have grown considerably, representing more than 31% of competing NIH applications in FY 2025. However, success rates were nearly identical: 14.0% for MPI applications and 14.3% for single-PD/PI applications.
Before choosing the MPI model, investigators should consider:
1. Shared Responsibility
Each PD/PI must play a substantive leadership role and share responsibility for the project’s scientific success.
2. Leadership Plan
Applications must clearly define roles, decision-making authority, communication practices, and conflict-resolution procedures.
3. Contact PI
One investigator serves as the Contact PI and communicates with NIH. The Contact PI’s institution generally serves as the prime recipient.
4. Early-Stage Investigator Status
An application receives ESI consideration only when all PD/PIs qualify. Receiving certain substantial awards as a PD/PI may also end an investigator’s ESI status.
5. No Review Advantage
Adding PD/PIs does not make an application more competitive. The structure should follow the project’s scientific and leadership needs.
6. International Collaborations:
Projects involving foreign organizations may be subject to NIH’s specialized international collaboration requirements.
Learn more: NIH Multiple Principal Investigators | NIH MPI FAQs | NIH Grants Policy Statement