Is Your NIH Biosketch in the New Required Format?

 The National Institutes of Health have introduced a series of changes to their biosketch format.  These changes will allow researchers more freedom to describe the importance of their research.  The new biosketches must be submitted with all grant applications on or after May 25, 2015. 

There are three major changes to the biosketch.  These changes are:

1. The page limit has increased to five pages.
2. Section C is now set aside to describe up to five of the applicant’s most significant contributions to science.  Descriptions can include impact, context and role of the applicant.  The importance of each contribution can be supported by up to four peer-reviewed publications, videos, patents, databases or other products.
3. A URL to the applicant’s publicly available bibliography is recommended.

NIH has created the Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitea (SciENcv) to generate biosketches faster and in the right format.  A YouTube video is available with instructions. 

Besides SciENcv, NIH has provided many other resources to assist with the development of a new biosketch.  Below are some helpful links.
NIH Notice on New Biosketch Format
Biosketch instructions and sample
MyBibliography
SciENcv
FAQ