G.120 - Significant Changes

The Application Instructions are updated and released 2-3 times per year as needed. Additionally, minor revisions may be made outside of these releases.

This section details all significant changes and revisions made to the instructions since the last major release.

Indicates Changes Within the instructions, new instructions will be marked with this symbol.

In the web version, use your mouse to hover over the icon to read an explanation of the change.

In a PDF version, this symbol will be visible but will not display hover text. For more information, see the explanation in the Significant Changes section below.

Release Notes - November, 2024

How to Use the Application Instructions

  • Minor text updates throughout to align with terminology in 2 CFR 200.

SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) Form Changes

Senior Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form

  • Removed instructions for D. Scholastic Performance in the "Instructions for a Biographical Sketch."

Forms-I Changes

FORMS-I application packages incorporate the latest versions of the PHS forms managed by NIH (OMB Number: 0925-0001 and 0925-0770, Expiration Date: 01/31/2026). OMB approval for FORMS-I changes are underway and the updated expiration dates will be provided and incorporated once they are finalized.

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement Form

  • Updated "Change of Investigator/Change of Organization" Section label.

PHS 398 Research Training Plan Form

  • Added new item 3. Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity in the "Training Program Plan" Section. Moved instructions for the Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity from the 2. Program Plan to the new item 3. Updated instructions for the 2. Program Plan throughout.
  • Updated instructions for the "Program Overview" section of the 7. Progress Report (for Renewal Applications) and added instructions for Renewal Applications to the 5. Plan for Instruction in Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility.
  • Renumbered form fields.

PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form

  • Renamed "Candidate Section" (formerly "Fellowship Applicant Section") and item 2. Goals, Preparedness, and Potential (formerly 2. Applicant's Background and Goals for Fellowship Training). Updated instructions. Renamed "Candidate Section" (formerly "Fellowship Applicant Section") and item 2. Goals, Preparedness, and Potential (formerly 2. Applicant's Background and Goals for Fellowship Training). Updated instructions.
  • Streamlined and Consolidated items in the "Research Training Plan" Section and removed the former 5. Respective Contributions and 6. Selection of Sponsor and Organization. Relabeled items within section and updated instructions as follows:
    • Training Activities and Timeline
    • Research Training Project Specific Aims
    • Research Training Project Strategy
  • Streamlined and Consolidated items in the former "Sponsor(s), Collaborator(s), and Consultant(s) Section" and "Organizational Environment and Commitment to Training Section" and combined under the "Commitment to Candidate, Mentoring, and Training Environment" Section and removed the former 9. Sponsor and Co-Sponsor Statements and 11. Description of Organizational Environment and Commitment to Training. Relabeled items within section and updated instructions as follows: 
    • Sponsor(s) Commitment
    • Letters of Support from Collaborators, Contributors and Consultants
    • Description of Candidate's Contribution to Program Goals.
  • Updated 26, Childcare Costs to reflect changes in amount of childcare cost support available and new eligibility for F99 awards.
  • Renumbered form fields

PHS Assignment Request Form

  • Reduced data entry redundancy on the form by removing the "Funding Opportunity Number" and "Funding Opportunity Title" fields.
  • Reordered "List individuals who should not review your application and why" and "Identify scientific areas of expertise needed to review your application" fields.

Form Screenshots

  • Updated form screenshots.