NIH Biosketches
NIH Biosketch Guidelines
Biographical sketches (biosketches) are required for all key personnel (and mentors for training awards). This includes all PIs and Co-Investigators but, in some instances, may also include consultants, advisory board members, community members, and patients. Required components for an NIH biosketch include name, eRA Commons user name (for all senior/key personnel), position title, education and training, and the following sections:
A. Personal Statement (citing up to four publications)
B. Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honors (all items should be in reverse chronological order, beginning with most recent)
C. Contribution to Science (up to five) (citing up to four publications per contribution)
D. As of January 25, 2022, Section D should no longer appear on non-fellowship biosketches. Instead, you may highlight research from the past three years in your Personal Statement (Section A). For more information, see this NIH notice.
As of January 25, 2022, all senior key personnel must have an eRA Commons ID.
An entire NIH biosketch cannot be more than five pages, with no figures, graphics, or attached files. Biosketches for other agencies, such as PCORI, NSF and DOD, have different requirements. These forms often change with the funding cycle, so be sure to check the funding announcement for details.
Page Limit: 5 pages per biosketch.
Resources:
- Notice of Biosketch Changes for Applications Due on or after May 25, 2021 (NOT-OD-21-073). (Amended notice here, moving required date to January 25, 2022; NOT-OD-21-110)
- Expanding Requirement for eRA Commons IDs to All Senior/Key Personnel (NOT-OD-21-109)
- GSU Biosketch Guidelines (NEW; Word Doc)
- NIH Biosketch Templates
- NIH Guidelines on Biosketches from SF 424 FORMS H
- NIH Biosketch FAQs
- Access SciENcv and/or My Bibliography through NCBI
- 2016 Notice of Changes to Policy, Instructions and Forms
- 2017 Font Guideline Changes
Non-NIH Biosketch Resources
- DOD Biosketch Template (Word Doc)
- NSF Biosketch Guidelines (New for 2020)