On September 12, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released Notice NOT-OD-25-155 and updated their website with an announcement outlining a significant change in how international collaborations will be handled at both the proposal and award stage. NIH will no longer accept applications that include foreign components through the traditional subaward or consortium structure. Instead, NIH is introducing a new multi-component application framework using the PF5 and UF5 activity codes.
This shift has direct implications for how USC researchers prepare proposals and manage awards involving foreign collaborators.
To help researchers understand this new process and its impact on proposal and award processes for international collaborations, the Department of Contracts and Grants has produced a concise microlearning video that walks you through the information contained in NOT-OD-25-155 and explains the changes in simple, actionable terms.
Understanding the New NIH Structure for International Collaborations
Questions?
For any questions, please contact your DCG Officer.