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What Are the Components of a Collaborative International Research Project (PF5) Application and What Should Be Included?
March 19, 2026
If you are preparing a Collaborative International Research Project (PF5) application, understanding what belongs in each required and optional component can help ensure your submission is complete, responsive, and clearly structured for review.
Below are some items to consider:
| Component | Required? | Page Limit | What to Include | Budget Scope | Review Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Required | 12-page Research Strategy | • Scientific rationale and overall need for the project • Explanation of why international collaboration is necessary • Description of how the collaboration will function • Required dispute resolution plan | No budget in this section | Scored as part of peer review |
| Research Project | At least 1 required (more optional) | 12-page Research Strategy (each) | • Scientific and technical direction of the project • May describe both domestic and international technical activities | Budget limited to domestic scope only | Scored as part of peer review |
| Core(s) | Optional (appropriate if multiple research projects) | 6-page Research Strategy (each) | • Shared activities or resources supporting multiple components • Description of efficiencies and synergies enabled by the core | Budget limited to domestic scope only | Not individually scored; reviewers designate 'Recommended' or 'Not Recommended' |
| Institutional Career Development & Training | Optional (if substantial training activities are proposed) | 25-page Training Program Plan | • Description of training environment and mentoring • Structure and goals of the training program • International Training Data Tables | Budget limited to domestic scope only | Scored as part of peer review |
| International Project | At least 1 required (one per participating international organization) | 6-page Research Strategy (each) | • Scope of work conducted at the international organization • Unique resources, expertise, populations, or capabilities that justify the collaboration • Description of how the international work integrates with the overall project | Budget specific to the international organization | Not individually scored; reviewers designate 'Recommended' or 'Not Recommended' |
More helpful hints and reminders:
- Follow the PF5 NOFO instructions carefully.
- Workaround instructions have been provided in the NOFO for any foreign organization with pending registrations.
- Include an International Project component for each foreign organization.
- Each International Project component must have a Letter of Support from the International organization’s authorized organizational representative that addresses requirements in the NOFO.
- Include a Dispute Resolution Plan in the Overall component.
- Review of the application occurs together as a whole consistent with existing procedures (see NOT-OD-25-104 )
- Contact relevant NIH staff if you are interested in learning more about how this funding opportunity may align with your research ideas.
Resources:
Categories: Tips Before You Submit