Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Biosketches and SciENcv

Aug 31, 2026

Upload by Sage

NIH biosketch FAQs explain the required NIH biosketch format and how recent updates affect preparation for applications and Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) submitted on or after May 25, 2021. Guidance covers page limits, where compliant sample biosketches are found, and how to present ongoing and recently completed projects after Section D: Research Support was removed. Additional answers describe SciENcv as a supportive interagency system, clarify that SciENcv is not required, and outline citation requirements related to DOI, PMID, and PMCID under NIH public access policy.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResumes

FormatDOCX

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

I. General

What biosketch format is used for NIH biosketches?

Did the updates change the page limit for the biosketch?

Where can I find sample biosketches?

How should applicants address ongoing and recently completed projects?

For fellowship applications, is Scholastic Performance still required?

Can I update a biosketch post-submission?

II. SciENcv

Is there a tool that can help prepare an NIH biosketch?

Is the use of SciENcv required?

III. Citations

Are DOI, PMID, and PMCID required with each reference in the biosketch?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Biosketches HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=alphaHeader4026" I. General [Expand/Collapse Questions] HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=question54244" 1. What biosketch format is used for NIH biosketches? UPDATED See HYPERLINK "http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm" Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples for details on the required biosketch format, which has been updated effective for applications and Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) submitted on or after May 25, 2021 ( HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-21-073.html" NOT-OD-21-073). The required format applies to all programs (e.g., research, training, fellowship) and all types of applications (e.g., new, resubmission, revision, renewal, progress reports). HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=question56174" 2. Did the updates to the Biosketch outlined in NOT-OD-21-073 change the page limit for the biosketch? NEW No, the page limit for the biosketch remains 5 pages. HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=question54245" 3. Where can I find sample biosketches? The HYPERLINK "http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm" samples provided are simply examples of compliant biosketches. Applicants must follow HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm" application guide instructions for pdf attachments (font, paper size, margins, etc.), as well as, the biosketch instructions themselves. Biosketches created using SciENcv conform to all the application guide instructions and format requirements, though there are slight differences from the provided samples. HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=question56175" 4. The biosketch format announced in NOT-OD-21-073 no longer has ‘Research Support’ in section D. Can applicants still provide information on their ongoing and recently completed projects for reviewers to consider? NEW While Section D: Research Support, has been removed from the biosketch format, applicants should provide details related to ongoing and recently completed projects that they want to draw attention to within the personal statement, Section A. This information is included in the updated HYPERLINK "http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm" Biosketch Instructions. HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=question56176" 5. For fellowship applications, Section D requires Scholastic Performance (i.e. undergrad and grad classes) to be included. Is that changing with the removal of Section D: Research Support? NEW No, this is not changing. Fellowship applicants will continue to provide Scholastic Performance information in Section D of the Fellowship biosketch format page. HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=question54246" 6. Can I update a biosketch post-submission to include new articles just accepted for publication or non-traditional application materials not previously available? UPDATED No. A new biosketch attachment is only allowed post-submission if it is related to a change in senior/key personnel due to the hiring, replacement, or loss of an investigator. When allowed, the new format must be used on/after May 25, 2021. Under some circumstances, news of a late-breaking article can be submitted following the guidelines in the Post-Submission Application Materials policy (see HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-19-083.html" NOT-OD-19-083). HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=alphaHeader4027" II. SciENcv [Expand/Collapse Questions] HYPERLINK "https://grants.nih.gov/faqs" \l "/biosketches.htm?anchor=question54247" 1. Is there a tool that can help me prepare my biosketch in the NIH format? UPDATED The Scienc

FAQs

What biosketch format is used for NIH biosketches, and when did it update?

NIH uses a required biosketch format that was updated effective for applications and RPPRs submitted on or after May 25, 2021. The same required format applies across program types and application types.

Did the NOT-OD-21-073 update change the biosketch page limit?

No. The biosketch page limit remains 5 pages after the update.

Is SciENcv required to prepare an NIH biosketch?

No. SciENcv supports creating NIH-format biosketches, but applicants may use other programs and then convert the result to PDF format on their own.

Aug 31, 2026

Upload by Sage