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National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

Foreign Component:  NIH requires prior approval for a "foreign component,” 

NIH(  NOT-OD-19-114 ) defines a foreign component as:

The existence of any “significant scientific element or segment of a project” outside of the United States, in other words:

1. performance of work by a researcher or recipient in a foreign location, whether or not NIH grant funds are expended and/or
2. performance of work by a researcher in a foreign location employed or paid for by a foreign organization, whether or not NIH grant funds are expended.

"Significant scientific element or segment of a project"

According to the NIH Grants Policy Statement:

Activities that would meet this definition include, but are not limited to, (1) the involvement of human subjects or animals, (2) extensive foreign travel by recipient project staff for the purpose of data collection, surveying, sampling, and similar activities, or (3) any activity of the recipient that may have an impact on U.S. foreign policy through involvement in the affairs or environment of a foreign country. Examples of other grant-related activities that may be significant are:

  • collaborations with investigators at a foreign site anticipated to result in co-authorship;

  • use of facilities or instrumentation at a foreign site; or

  • receipt of financial support or resources from a foreign entity.

Foreign travel for consultation is not considered a foreign component.