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Description
The Biographical Sketch Common Form is a standardized document used to summarize the qualifications, experience, and relevant contributions of key personnel for federally funded research projects.
It ensures consistency, transparency, and compliance with federal disclosure requirements, particularly those outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum - 33 regarding foreign government-sponsored programs and talent recruitment activities.
NIH uses the Biographical Sketch Common Form together with the NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement.
How to Access
- SciENcv provides a single interface to complete both the Biographical Sketch Common form and the NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement and produces a combined PDF document to include in applications and progress reports.
- Investigators who transfer information from an existing SciENcv document (e.g., National Science Foundation Biographical Sketch, NIH Biosketch in different format) to the NIH Biographical Sketch Common Form format must carefully review the resulting document for accuracy and completeness
- Find additional tips about SciENcv in NOT-OD-26-018.
Instructions
Instructions for Biographical Sketch Common Form (PDF, 161KB)
Additional Information
- Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Reminder: Applicants are required to have an ORCID ID and link it with their eRA Commons profiles.
Related Guide Notices
- NOT-OD-26-079: Announcement of Upcoming System Enforcement of Common Forms and End of NIH’s Leniency Period
- NOT-OD-26-033: Adjusted Timeline for NIH’s Implementation of Common Forms
- NOT-OD-26-018: NIH’s Implementation of Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2026
- NOT-OD-25-152: Preview of NIH Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support Coming Soon in SciENcv
- NOT-OD-25-133: NIH Announces a New Policy Requirement to Train Senior/Key Personnel on Other Support Disclosure Requirements