General conditions for making changes within the research team

The principal investigator may, if the need arises, make a change in the research team, provided that they comply with the following:

1. The rules set out in the articles of this guide.
2. The approved project budget, without increase.
3. The approved project objectives.

Withdrawal or replacement of the principal investigator:

If the principal investigator wishes to relinquish the work on the project before it is completed, or to relinquish carrying out the duties of the principal investigator for any reason whatsoever, they must do the following:

1. The principal investigator submits a request in accordance with form NSTIP-3 to the Unit, including:
   • The justifications for the withdrawal or the replacement.
   • Filing a technical and financial report for the period elapsed of the project.
   • Nominating a replacement principal investigator.
   • Submitting written approval from the replacement nominee, attached to it a curriculum vitae and a written undertaking to comply with all the responsibilities arising from that.
   • Submitting written approval from the research team to continue the work under the leadership of the new principal investigator.
   • Obtaining written approval from the Unit and a clearance for the former principal investigator.
2. In the event that none of the researchers in the research team wishes to assume the responsibility of principal investigator, the Unit may nominate a principal investigator from outside the research team.
3. The Unit informs the General Secretariat of its decision officially.
4. The financial and technical responsibility falls on the deputy principal investigator in the event that the principal investigator relinquishes the research for reasons beyond their control, as assessed by the Unit.
5. If the principal investigator has completed no less than 75% of their task, their name remains in the research as principal investigator; they are considered a participant if they have completed no less than 55% to 74% of the research duties and burdens assigned to them; while their name is not included in the research if they complete less than 55% of the duties and burdens assigned to them, and in this case the principal investigator must prepare a letter waiving their financial and intellectual rights in this project.

Transfer of the principal investigator:

In the event that the principal investigator of the project transfers from the entity through which the project was submitted to another entity, whether before implementation begins or after implementation begins, the following rules apply:

1. Supervision and follow-up of the project continues with the entity from which it was submitted, and the principal investigator may continue to follow up the project.
2. The principal investigator may withdraw from the project or exchange roles with one of the co-investigators, in accordance with what is stated in the preceding clause

Withdrawal or replacement of one of the research team members:

If one of the research team members is unable to continue on the project, the principal investigator must notify the Unit officially using form NSTIP_2 to the Unit, including:

1. Attaching the letter of apology of the withdrawing member, setting out the reasons for the withdrawal.
2. The Unit undertakes to study the withdrawal request and its justifications and to compensate the member in accordance with the approved financial rules.
3. In the event that the principal investigator wishes to appoint a replacement for the withdrawing member, the same form NSTIP-2 is used, including:
   • The name of the replacement researcher and their curriculum vitae.
   • Submitting a letter signed by the replacement researcher acknowledging their commitment to assume all the duties of the withdrawing researcher.
   • Obtaining the Unit’s approval.