Payback Agreement Form NIH: Understanding the Basics
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a variety of research and training funding opportunities for eligible individuals and institutions. However, receiving such financial support comes with certain obligations and restrictions, including the requirement to comply with the NIH Payback Agreement.
What is the Payback Agreement?
The Payback Agreement is a legal contract between NIH and a recipient of research or training support, which outlines the terms and conditions for the recipient’s obligation to repay the NIH for a specified period of time, typically one year for each year of support received.
The purpose of the Payback Agreement is to ensure that the federal government receives a return on its investment in biomedical and behavioral research by requiring recipients to engage in scientific research, teaching, or other specified activities in the United States after completion of their NIH-funded training or research experience.
Who Needs to Sign the Payback Agreement?
The NIH Payback Agreement is required for individuals who receive research or training support from NIH through various programs, including research grants, fellowships, career development awards, and training grants. This includes not only U.S. citizens but also foreign nationals and permanent residents.
When Do You Need to Sign the Payback Agreement?
The Payback Agreement is signed at the time of award acceptance and is a condition of receiving NIH funding. Recipients are required to sign and return the Payback Agreement within 30 days of receipt.
What are the Payback Options?
The Payback Agreement provides several options for fulfilling the payback requirement, including engaging in scientific research, teaching, or other specified scientific activities in the United States; repaying the entire amount of the award with interest; or a combination of both.
For example, a researcher who received a five-year NIH grant and completed four years of research could fulfill his or her payback requirement by engaging in scientific research or teaching in the United States for four years, or by repaying the remaining one year of funding with interest.
What Happens if You Do Not Fulfill the Payback Agreement?
Failure to fulfill the Payback Agreement can have serious consequences, including legal action and ineligibility for future NIH funding. Recipients who fail to comply with the payback requirement may be required to repay the full amount of the award with interest and may be subject to penalties, fines, and other legal action.
Conclusion
The NIH Payback Agreement is an essential component of receiving research or training support from NIH. Understanding the terms and conditions of the Payback Agreement is crucial to ensure compliance with the legal contract and avoid potential consequences. If you have questions about the Payback Agreement, contact the NIH or a legal professional.