Summary of NIH changes (Starting Cycle I, 2010)

NIH Information

• NIH restructured application
• NIH Form B instructions
• NIH FAQ for the restructured applications

Changes to forms

• Some questions have been rearranged on SF 424 (R&R) and the Other Project Information
• Congressional districts and DUNS numbers are now required for each project site.
• Highest degree and year earned required for each key person
• Desgination of new/early investigator no longer required.

See form by form instructions

Changes to Narratives

Resources

• In addition to a summary of existing resources, all grants must include text that explicitly states how that resource will support the proposed grant.
• All PIs with Early Investigator Status must explain what existing resources are available to help them with career development.

See an example of how the resources should look.

Changes to Biosketches

• All biosketches will contain a new section "personal statement" that will explain why the key person's experience and expertise
• Publications are limited to 15 most relevant. (Qualifying publications will require PMCID numbers.)

See an example of the new biosketch.

Changes to research plan

• Specific aims is limited to one page.
• Background and Significance, Preliminary Studies, and Research Design and Methods will be replaced by a new section: Research Strategy.
• The new research strategy section will be limited to 12 pages for R01 and K awards, 6 pages for R03 and R21 awards.

See guidelines that will be used to review new applications.

See our Writing tips page.

Changes to scoring

• NIH will continue the new scoring system that was started in cycle II of 2009.

See an explanation of NIH's new scoring system.