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Description
The NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement collects three required NIH specific data elements (i.e., Personal Statement, Contributions to Science, and Honors) in accordance with NIH’s Peer Review Regulations at 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 52h. This information is used to assess qualifications and documents an individual's qualifications and experience for a specific role in a project.
Use of the Common Forms for Biographical Sketch, Current and Pending (Other) Support and NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement will be required for application due dates and all Just-in-Time, Research Performance Progress Reports, and Prior Approval submissions on or after January 25, 2026.
Note: NIH will enforce the use of the Common Forms via eRA system validations immediately as a warning when the wrong form is used. By February 6, 2026, the warning will be elevated into an error preventing submission of the incorrect or uncertified forms. Failure to utilize the correct forms during the timeframes specified as specified in NOT-OD-26-018 will cause NIH to withdraw your application from consideration.
How to Access
SciENcv must be used to prepare the form along with the Biographical Sketch Common Form. Completed forms downloaded from SciENcv can then be attached to applications and progress reports.
Instructions
Instructions for Biographical Sketch Supplement (PDF, 214 KB)
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-26-018: 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