NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent PF5 Clinical Trial Optional)
About
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) seeks to advance its mission by maintaining strong, productive, and secure international research collaborations in support of the NIH mission. The NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent Announcement) supports international research collaborations. This opportunity specifically implements an award structure of prime domestic awards with independent foreign awards that are linked to the prime. This structure provides NIH with oversight capacity for international collaborations, and allows NIH to track international funding, as identified in NOT-OD-25-104. This funding opportunity is specifically designed for NIH to support funded international collaborations between a domestic prime organization and foreign organizations. This NOFO should not be used for foreign consultants, purchasing unique equipment or supplies from foreign vendors, foreign collaborations that do not involve NIH funding or any other foreign component that would not result in a foreign subaward. All collaborative international research project applications must include at least 1 international subproject. The proposed project must be related to the programmatic interests of one or more of the participating NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices (ICOs) based on their scientific missions. The application will be evaluated as a whole, and the international subproject(s) will be evaluated on whether the project presents special opportunities for furthering r.
The NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent PF5 Clinical Trial Optional) is designed for U.S.-based research organizations seeking to establish or expand international research collaborations with foreign partners. This grant program supports domestic institutions in leading collaborative research efforts that align with the scientific missions of NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs). The funding structure awards prime grants to domestic organizations with linked independent foreign awards, ensuring NIH oversight of international collaboration activities while enabling researchers to leverage global expertise and resources. This program is ideal for academic medical centers, research universities, and established research institutions that have the capacity to manage international partnerships and conduct research of national importance. Eligible applicants must propose projects with at least one international subproject that demonstrates special opportunities for advancing biomedical research. The program explicitly supports international collaboration through subawards to foreign entities, distinguishing it from arrangements involving only foreign consultants or equipment purchases. Researchers should note that the program includes a clinical trial optional component, making it suitable for both observational and interventional research designs with international dimensions. Organizations interested in strengthening U.S. biomedical research competitiveness through international partnerships should consider this opportunity.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
May 7, 2029
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by research scope and institute
Deadline
2029-05-07
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual with rolling review cycles
Best For
U.S. research institutions, academic medical centers, and universities with international research capabilities and partnerships
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility. Foreign Organizations/International CollaborationsNon-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organization) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.One o
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent PF5 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Domestic (U.S.-based) organizations and institutions are eligible to apply as prime applicants. Foreign organizations and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations cannot apply directly. However, foreign organizations may participate as subcontractors through linked independent foreign awards. Applicants must have the capacity to manage international collaborations and must propose research aligned with the scientific missions of participating NIH Institutes, Centers, or Offices. For complete eligibility requirements, refer to Section III of the official Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO).
How much funding does NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent PF5 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
Specific funding amounts are not designated in the current program information. Award amounts typically vary by research scope, project duration, and NIH institute participation. Applicants should consult the official NIH NOFO and contact the relevant NIH IC program officer for details on expected funding levels for their research area.
How do I apply for NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent PF5 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH grants application system. Prospective applicants should review the complete Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) for specific submission requirements, formatting guidelines, and required documentation. The application must clearly describe the domestic prime project and all international subprojects, demonstrating how the collaboration advances NIH's mission. Organizations should contact their institutional grants office and the relevant NIH Institute or Center program officer early in the planning process. Visit the official NIH grants website for current submission deadlines and detailed application instructions.
What can NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent PF5 Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
Funding supports collaborative international research projects involving linked prime domestic and foreign subawards. Allowable uses include research activities conducted by the domestic prime organization and its foreign partners, as aligned with NIH IC scientific missions. The program explicitly does not support foreign consultants only, purchasing unique equipment or supplies from foreign vendors, or foreign collaborations without NIH funding. All projects must include at least one substantive international subproject. Clinical trial components are optional. Consult the NOFO for detailed allowable and unallowable costs.
Last updated: July 5, 2026