Regulation & Compliance
Knowing and understanding the impact of research compliance and regulation.
Top Resources for Regulation & Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer equipment out of the United States?
An export license may be required to ship or hand-carry items or equipment out of the U.S. The need for a license is dependent upon the nature of the equipment, as well as the end-use, recipient, and destination of the equipment. Additionally, even temporary export of equipment to some locations may incur customs tax obligations. Due to complexities of the requirements you should consult the Office of Export Compliance for assistance regarding shipping or traveling with equipment internationally.
Do all federal agencies have defined foreign components?
No, the concept of “Foreign Component” is specific to NIH.
What is the NIH definition of a foreign institution?
NIH defines a foreign institution as an organization located in a country other than the United States and its territories that is subject to the laws of that country, regardless of the citizenship of the proposed Program Director/Principal Investigator.
What is a foreign component?
A foreign component is the performance of a significant scientific element of the NIH-supported project outside of the United States. Once a recipient determines that a portion of the project will be conducted outside of the U.S., the recipient then will need to determine if the activities are considered significant. If both criteria are met, then there is a foreign component.
What are some examples of a ‘significant element of a project’ when making determinations regarding a foreign component?
When making determinations about significance, the element of the project that is being conducted outside of the United States should be evaluated within the context of the project as a whole. Some examples of activities that may be considered a significant element of the project include, but are not limited to:
• Collaborations with investigators at a foreign site anticipated to result in co-authorship
• Use of facilities or instrumentation at a foreign site
• Receipt of financial support or resources from a foreign entity
My research involves human subjects, how do I get approval?
Begin the process by reviewing the information on the Human Research Protections Programs’ website about how to submit a proposal through the online platform HS-ERA.
My research involves the use of animals, how do I get approval?
The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee and the Office of Animal Welfare answer frequently asked questions, including the requirements for submitting a protocol to conduct animal research.
I received an honorary Membership at a foreign Academy of Sciences. Do I have to disclose it?
Yes, all such affiliations must be disclosed in your biosketch submitted as part of a grant application.
As part of a collaboration effort with a colleague at a foreign institution, we are submitting a joint application for funding to a foreign entity. Does this need to be disclosed in my federal grant applications?
Please consult with the Office of Research Services regarding the internal approval process. In addition, you must disclose all such applications in your “Current and Pending” or “Other Support” page.
I am a Principal Investigator on a federal award to a domestic university and have an unpaid appointment at a foreign university. At the foreign site I have access to lab space, research materials, and staff. Should I report this as Other Support?
Yes, this appointment must be reported as Other Support. While monetary compensation is not received, the lab space, materials, and staff are resources provided in support of and/or related to the research efforts. Other payments, such as travel or living expenses must also be reported. NIH, NSF, and DoD require applicants to list all positions and scientific appointments, both domestic and foreign, that are held by senior/key personnel. This includes affiliations with foreign entities or governments, such as titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments, whether or not remuneration is received, and whether full-time, part-time, or voluntary (including adjunct, visiting, or honorary).