NAPLES, Fla. -- A free weekly ezine for principal investigators (PIs) in all fields of research has debuted. Titled P.I. e-Alert, the periodical devotes each issue to one “Reader Question” concerning a managerial or administrative dilemma frequently faced by PIs. A national expert provides constructive advice on the challenge posed.

The premier issue covers a common dilemma faced by PIs in writing grant applications: In addition to describing encouraging preliminary data, should the PI mention some negative or contradictory results which were obtained?

Expert recommendations on handling this strategic decision are provided by Professor William Gerin, of Pennsylvania State University, the author of the book “Writing the NIH Grant Proposal: A Step-by-Step Guide.” (Sage, 2006) This exchange may be viewed at www.PrincipalInvestigators.org/news.php.

Next week’s question concerns the propriety of a PI and his graduate students accepting an invitation for a free fancy dinner while attending their national research convention — if their host is to be the sales manager of the company from which they have bought extensive laboratory equipment. Expert advice will be given by Kristin West, JD, Director of the Office of Research Compliance, Emory University.

Questions already on hand for future issues concern making pets of lab animals, relevance of export controls to foreign grad students in a lab, what differentiates “simple mistake” from “research fraud”, etc. Readers are also invited to submit their own tough questions.

To enter a free subscription to the weekly ezine, go to www.PrincipalInvestigators.org/free_e_alert.php.

The Principal Investigators Association, formed in August, is completely independent and not-for-profit. It is the first and only organization devoted to assisting leading research scientists in all fields of research, with their non-science administrative and managerial challenges. For 2010 the group is launching a monthly newsletter (Principal Investigator Advisor), a series of monthly audio conferences, and a national meeting in the Fall. PIs from all scientific disciplines are invited to join. Others interested may become Associate Members.

www.PrincipalInvestigators.org

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