US funded research

U.S. federal research funders impose detailed compliance rules that apply throughout the entire project lifecycle. These may include:

• Documentation and reporting obligations:
  Requirements for Other Support, Biographical Sketches, Foreign Components, and project updates via systems such as eRA Commons.
• Conflict of interest regulations:
  Many agencies, especially NIH, require disclosure of Financial Conflicts of Interest (FCOI), including international affiliations or financial relationships.
• Rules for project conduct and oversight:
  Training obligations (e.g., Responsible Conduct of Research), human subjects protections (including possible need for Federalwide Assurance), and stringent audit requirements under Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

You are required to comply with SDU’s Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) policy. This page guides you through the mandatory FCOI training and declaration of financial interests and explains what happens after you submit your documentation. 

Collaborations with U.S. universities or research institutions may trigger additional compliance conditions, including:

• Contractual and legal requirements:
  Review of collaboration agreements, subcontracts, Data Use Agreements, or Material Transfer Agreements to ensure alignment with U.S. and Danish regulations.
• Export control considerations:
  Certain research areas, equipment, or data may fall under U.S. export control laws.
• Disclosure expectations:
  Some U.S. institutions require foreign collaborators to provide detailed information about their affiliations, support, or external commitments.

It is important to ensure that agreements and responsibilities are clarified before project work begins.

Projects funded by U.S. federal agencies often require access to specific digital systems for proposal submission, project management, and compliance reporting:

• eRA Commons:
  Used for NIH proposals, grant reporting, and tracking of compliance obligations.
• SAM.gov:
  Required for maintaining the institution’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and eligibility to receive U.S. federal funds.
• ClinicalTrials.gov:
  Mandatory registration and reporting platform for many clinical studies funded by U.S. agencies.

Correct system access and role management are essential for smooth project administration.

When travel is funded by U.S. federal grants, researchers must comply with the Fly America Act, which typically requires:

• Use of U.S. air carriers or approved code‑share partners when available.
• Proper documentation to show compliance or exceptions.
• Adherence to institutional guidelines for travel funded by U.S. grants.