Recently, NIH issued Notice NOT-OD-26-084 reminding the research community about the definition of a “foreign component” and the importance of appropriate disclosure and prior approval where required. NIH notes that in many circumstances, international collaborations that result in co-authorship or involve work conducted outside the United States may constitute a foreign component requiring sponsor notification or approval.
Even where a sponsor has not yet formally implemented all of these requirements, the overall federal direction is clear: agencies increasingly expect institutions and investigators to maintain strong disclosure, transparency, and research security practices.
We encourage investigators and research administrators to:
- Complete any required research security training before proposal submission. Incomplete training may delay or prevent proposal submission.
- Carefully review disclosure and foreign component requirements during proposal preparation and award management.
- Certify that those listed on the proposal are NOT a party to a malign foreign talent recruitment program, and
- Engage early with campus offices when questions arise regarding international collaborations, foreign components, outside activities, or sponsor disclosure expectations.
Additional guidance and resources are available through Research Sponsored Programs (RSP) and Research Security/Export Controls (RSEC), and we expect federal requirements in this area to continue evolving.
If questions arise regarding international collaborations, foreign components, disclosures, or research security requirements, investigators and research administrators are encouraged to contact RSP or RSEC for assistance. Similarly, if investigators are contacted directly by a sponsor or federal agency regarding these topics, campus offices are available to help provide guidance and support prior to responding.
News and Announcements
Update on university responses to emerging federal issues: Refer to the university’s Federal Relations website as a trusted source for the latest verified information relevant to our community.
- The federal Office of Management and Budget recently released proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance, which is a set of regulations governing federal financial assistance awards and sponsored research programs, including all federal research grants. These proposed changes are broad and have generated significant discussion nationally. Vice Chancellor Dorota Brzezinska notes that UW–Madison leadership is actively engaged and coordinating our institutional response. If you have specific concerns, examples, or suggested comments you would like considered, submit them to UGfeedback@rsp.wisc.edu. Be mindful that contributions should be considered part of the public record.
The William T. Grant Foundation funds rigorous qualitative and mixed-methods studies that examine how and why programs, policies, and practices reduce inequality for young people. In a new blog post, their team highlights recent examples from across funding programs to show the range of research they support and how your work may be a good fit.
The Institute for Research on Poverty and the UW–Madison Division of Extension have partnered on a new virtual sharing series called “Wisconsin Knowledge Boost.” The 1-hour-long virtual sessions provide timely information and discussion on social and health policy changes affecting Wisconsinites. Join the next session on Tuesday, June 30, from noon to 1 p.m. for “What is the State of Child Care in Wisconsin?” Register online. A recording will be made available to registrants after the webinar if you are unable to attend live.
The SoE Research Collaborative Community of Practice (CoP) will meet on Tuesday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to noon on Zoom to continue the Focus Group discussion we began in May. This session features Robin Worth, who has a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition (with an emphasis in pedagogy) and is trained in qualitative classroom research. Robin has been with the Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative (WEC) since its inception in 2015 and part of the WCER community since 2010.
In this session, Robin will discuss:
- Design, including protocol development
- Collecting data
- Analyzing data
- Reporting results
This session will encourage dialogue, so please come prepared with your focus group-related questions.
Events and Learning Opportunities
- June 23, 2026, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.: BIOS Leadership and Coaching Symposium
- June 23, 2026, 11 a.m.–noon: Research Community of Practice
- June 30, 2026, noon–1 p.m.: Wisconsin Knowledge Boost: What is the State of Child Care in Wisconsin?
- July 9–10, 2026: 2026 Play Make Learn Conference
- July 16, 2026, 9 a.m.–noon: Counseling Psychology Summer Institute — Moving With Clarity in Moments of Change
- July 16, 2026, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: SEER Institute FITS Guidebook Workshop
- July 16, 2026, 1–4 p.m.: Counseling Psychology Summer Institute — Same Client, Different Theoretical Lens: How to Apply Three Theories to Your Practice
- July 17, 2026, 9 a.m.–noon: Counseling Psychology Summer Institute — From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Advancing Career Access for Those With Complex Barriers
- July 17, 2026, 1–4 p.m.: Counseling Psychology Summer Institute — Evidence-Informed Resources to Guide Wellness and Skill Development
- July 21, 2026, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: SEER Institute FITS Guidebook Workshop
- Save the Date — July 29, 2026, noon–2:30 p.m.: 2026 Summer Education Research Program Poster Symposium