What is NIH’s definition of a foreign component ? The performance of any significant scientific element or segment of a project outside of the United States, either by the recipient or by a researcher employed by a foreign organization, whether or not grant funds are expended. Activities that would meet this definition include, but are not limited to: The involvement of human subjects or animals Extensive foreign travel by recipient project staff for the purpose of data collection, surveying, sampling, and similar activities, or Any activity of the recipient that may have an impact on U.S