Understanding Foreign Ties
All investigators are required to maintain transparency and disclose any foreign ties. The NIH reporting requirements aim to protect federally funded research from foreign influences and to foster openness resulting in research collaboration and innovation at home and abroad.
Research Security Training
All federally funded investigators, must undertake the UMB research security training for threat awareness and identification. UMB uses the four-module training program developed by the National Science Foundation in partnership with the NIH and others.
URL for underlined text: https://www.umaryland.edu/ord/umb-research-security-program/research-security-training/
How to Disclose Foreign Influences
The NIH expects investigators to fully disclosure all foreign ties via a variety of mechanisms, including those listed below. Investigators are responsible for understanding these requirements. For additional information, contact the [add em] Office of Research Affairs.
Biosketch
Disclose all current domestic and foreign positions and appointments, including adjunct, visiting or honorary roles, regardless of monetary value. Also include ongoing and completed research projects for the last three years. For full biosketch instructions, see this NIH webpage.
Other Support
- All current and pending research projects of senior/key personnel, i.e. other NIH grants as well as funding from internal awards, foundations and other federal funders.
- Consulting agreements that might result in a peer-reviewed published paper, reported as estimates of financial compensation.
- In-kind contributions that are uniquely available to key personnel i.e. office/lab space, equipment, supplies, employees, and foreign-entity students as well as high-value materials (biologics, chemicals, model systems, or technology) provided within the past 3 years.
- Supporting documents such as copies of contracts, grants, or agreements specific to the appointment or employment of key personnel active with a foreign institution.
- Electronic signatures on support forms by PIs and key personnel to certify the accuracy of the information.
See this NIH Other Support webpage for more details.
Note: any non-English, foreign-support documentation must be translated into English.
Foreign Components
When a significant scientific element or portion of the research is conducted at an international site, whether or not grants are expended, this is considered a Foreign Component and may include:
- Co-authorship collaborations
- Use of facilities or instrumentation
- Foreign financial support or resources
The investigator is required to submit (a) a unique NOFO that supports a multi-component application and (b) a PF5/UF5 stating the overall objectives and the foreign collaborator's role.
When all the research is conducted in the US with a non-US entity providing support, this is reported under Other Support.
Adding a foreign component after research work has begun, requires NIH prior approval.
Financial Conflict of Interest
A Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) exists when UMB determines an investigator's financial interest could affect the design, conduct, or reporting of Public Health Service-sponsored research.
Disclose a Financial Conflict of Interest to UMB annually, regardless of whether it is also reported on the Other Support page. A new FCOI must be disclosed to UMB's COI officer within 30 days if a conflict develops in between annual disclosures.
FCOI training is required every four years. See the UMB policy for further details.
Need More Information?
For further information about foreign influences, contact:
Grace Zhang, PhD
Research Administrator
410.706.2330
mzhang@som.umaryland.edu