US Medical Term · clinical
Principal Investigator
Investigador Principal
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Principal Investigator |
| Spanish (Español) | Investigador Principal |
| Chinese (中文) | 首席研究员 |
| Korean (한국어) | 수석 연구원 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nhà nghiên cứu Chính |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pangunahing Mananaliksik |
| Portuguese (Português) | Investigador Principal |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | นักวิจัยหลัก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 主任研究者 |
What it means
A principal investigator (PI) is the lead scientist or physician responsible for designing and overseeing a clinical trial or research study. The PI ensures participant safety, protocol compliance, data integrity, and timely regulatory reporting. Before any study begins, the PI submits the research plan to an Institutional Review Board for ethical review and approval. As a trial participant, you can ask who the PI is and how to reach them. The PI is your primary point of contact if you experience an adverse event you believe is related to the study.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
PRIN-suh-pul in-VES-tuh-GAY-ter
investigador principal
Abbreviated as PI in research documents
Abreviado como PI en documentos de investigación
Consent forms list: 'Contact Dr. [Name], PI, at [phone]'
'Los formularios de consentimiento listan: contacte al Dr. [Nombre], PI, al [teléfono]'
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026