It is not the responsibility of an oversight committee to judge the scientific merit of the proposed research, only to verify that the research being conducted poses minimal health and safety risks. Projects which use animals or humans as subjects, use University students as research subjects, involve a biohazardous agent or radioactive material, or use a radioactive isotope on a human subject must have the approval of one of the University's oversight committees. A principal investigator is responsible for directing the research and for insuring that all terms and conditions of a sponsored agreement are met. Some agencies require that proposals are submitted on preprinted forms while others have no specific format. The majority of restricted funding is given in the form of research support for faculty members at the University.
Supplemental funding increases the award and extends the award period.