Transparency is a critical element of the academic research enterprise. Federal sponsors depend on accurate and fulsome disclosures of non-US support—such as foreign-origin funding, research conducted abroad, appointments (paid or unpaid) at institutions outside the US, or participation in problematic talent programs—to ensure that award decisions are fair and fully informed. Omitting the necessary information from project applications or reports can introduce distortions into the research funding process and violate applicable agency rules and regulations.
Specific requirements and expectations vary by agency. If you have any questions, contact your grant administrator in Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) or consult the following University web resources:
- UMN Guidance: Foreign Influence
- NIH Guidance: Foreign Influence
- Other Government Agencies’ Guidance: Foreign Influence (DoE, DoD, NSF)