Per the NIH's Grant Policy Statement and Reminder on Foreign Components, a Foreign Component is "the performance of any significant scientific element or segment of a project outside of the United States, either by the recipient or by a researcher employed by a foreign organization, whether or not grant funds are expended. 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:
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collaborations with investigators at a foreign site anticipated to result in co-authorship;
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use of facilities or instrumentation at a foreign site; or
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receipt of financial support or resources from a foreign entity.
Foreign travel for consultation is not considered a foreign component."