NIH Provides Additional Clarifications to Biosketch and Other Support Policies

Although not required by NIH until January 2022, more and more applicants and recipients are following the advice from NIH and transitioning now to the updated formats and instructions for biosketch and other support documents.  As a result, NIH has received a number of requests for additional clarification to their policies. They’ve updated and added FAQs, posted clarified instructions, and adjusted their other support sample document in response. All of these improved resources are accessible from both their biosketch and other support pages.

Here’s a sample of new/updated NIH FAQs:

• NIH does not allow electronic signatures on attachments in electronic applications. Will electronic signatures be accepted on Other Support submissions?
• Do outside consulting activities have to be reported in Other Support?
• Does NIH require disclosure of recently completed support in Other Support?
• The Biosketch instructions state that all positions and scientific appointments must be provided. Does this refer to active positions and appointments, or all positions a researcher has ever held?

Look for the UPDATED and NEW stickers in the NIH biosketch FAQs and other support FAQs for additional clarifications.

If you’ve checked out their resources and still have questions, please email nihosbiosketch@nih.gov.