International Collaborations

What is an International Collaboration?

"International Collaborations" can be defined as - activities (such as research, training, and/or education) involving open and reciprocal exchanges of scientific information aimed at advancing international scientific understanding, with one or more international/foreign entities, occurring either domestically or internationally.

Will you be conducting research internationally or working as a part of an International Collaboration?

Before engaging in an international collaboration, VUMC needs to determine if export controls are applicable and to verify that the foreign individual and/or organization are not blocked or sanctioned entities.

  • Typically, collaborations between VUMC personnel and researchers/scholars at foreign institutions or organizations do not require export licenses unless they involve export-controlled or restricted research or take place in/with sanctioned countries.

The survey below is used to assist with an export compliance analysis. Please complete the survey as early in the process/collaboration as possible.

  • International Collaboration Review Survey REDCap survey

    All export compliance forms are required to be completed and submitted by a supervisor, manager, admin, or investigator of the VUMC department involved in the collaboration and never directly by a foreign entity.

** Important Notes:

  • If your collaboration, research, or international activity will be formalized and managed by OSP/OCM, you do not need to complete this form.**
  • For record retention, keep all documentation related to the collaboration for ten (10) years past the last date of recorded activity.

What policies affect International Collaborations?

Please review the Participation in Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs research policy (39911) in PolicyTech to assist in a broad understanding of the types of acceptable international collaboration activities.

The VUMC Office of Research has additional guidance and information found here.

Export Restricted, Blocked, Embargoed and Sanctioned Countries

Depending on each country's embargoed or sanctioned program, different activities may or may not be prohibited without a specific government authorization or license. Please see our Countries of Concern page for further details about export restricted, blocked, embargoed or sanctioned nations.

Know Your Partner(s)

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) provides very helpful guidance when considering who to do business/collaborate with:

  1. Know your customer/collaborator.
  2. Look for Red Flags that can help you recognize potentially illegal transactions.
  3. Request a Restricted Party Screening from the export compliance office.
  4. Report illegal transactions or any encouragement by internal or external parties to violate international laws immediately.

Review Supplement 3 to 15 CFR 732 for guidance from the U.S. Department of Commerce.