The NIH has intensified scrutiny of international research partnerships, particularly in regard to foreign talent recruitment programs, undisclosed financial support, and data/material sharing with foreign entities. To remain compliant:
- Disclose All Foreign Relationships: Ensure that all affiliations, in-kind contributions (e.g., data access, lab space), and financial relationships with foreign institutions or individuals are fully disclosed in your Other Support and Biosketch documents.
- Do Not Include Foreign Subcontractors on outgoing proposals: NIH will no longer issue awards to domestic or foreign entities that include subawards to foreign entities. NIH is implementing a new method for directly funding foreign collaborators, expected to be in place by September 30, 2025. See Guide Notice NOT-OD-25-104 for details.
- Avoid Informal or Unfunded Foreign Collaborations: These may be viewed with suspicion if not disclosed or if they involve technology transfer or publication agreements.
- Use MOUs and MTAs: Formalize collaborations with Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) vetted by the Office of Sponsored Programs to clearly define roles and responsibilities.
- Coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of Compliance: Before initiating or continuing work with a foreign collaborator—especially in sensitive fields or with institutions in countries of concern—please consult the Office of Compliance for review.