NIH Applications and Peer Review 2025 - Grant Support and Resources

Implementation of New Initiatives and Policies

Starting January 25, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) implemented several changes to the submission and review of NIH grant applications. While each initiative has specific goals, all aim to simplify, clarify, and promote fairness, ensuring a more level playing field for applicants throughout the application and review process. This page provides a central hub for learning about the status of changes with links to NIH pages offering further details.

Implementation of New Initiatives and Policies

NIH Grants and Funding Information Status

NIH grants and funding policies and processes are evolving as NIH aligns with new agency priorities. Keep on top of the latest status of changes impacting NIH grants administration and funding.

Simplified Review Framework for Most Research Project Grants (RPGs)

NIH has implemented a simplified framework for the peer review of most research project grant (RPG) applications. This framework aims to help reviewers focus on the scientific and technical merit of proposed research projects.

Revisions to the NIH Fellowship Application and Review Process

NIH has revised the application and review criteria for fellowship applications. The goal is to improve the identification of the most promising fellowship candidates.

Updates to NIH Institutional Training Grant Applications

NIH has made changes to training grant applications including three key changes: the PHS 398 Research Training Program Plan Form is updated, mentor training expectations are clearly defined in the T32 NOFO, and data tables are revised to streamline information collection.

Updates to Reference Letter Instructions for Referees

NIH has updated reference letter instructions to provide more structure, helping reviewers assess candidates’ strengths, weaknesses, and career potential. Updated instructions are available on the NIH Grants page for Reference Letters.

Updated Application Forms and Instructions (FORMS-I)

NIH has updated application forms to align with new policies and terminology. These new forms provide the needed form fields to efficiently implement policy updates and align form instructions and field labels with current terminology. Updated instructions are available on the How to Apply – Application Guide.

Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support

NIH’s adoption of the Common Form for Biographical Sketch and a new Biographical Sketch Supplement originally scheduled for May 25, 2025 is postponed. Continue to use NIH-specific format pages until further notice.

Key Resources Addressing Change Areas

(Compiled Fall 2024)

Plugging Into NIH: Conversations and Connections -Overview of Grant Application and Review Changes [24:02, YouTube]

This video provides an overview of application and peer review changes impacting grant applications submitted for due dates on or after January 25, 2025.

Updates to NIH Institutional Training Grant Applications [59:17, YouTube]

This video provides an overview of updates to the NIH training grant applications.

Revisions to the Fellowship Application and Review Process [56:58, YouTube]

This video provides an overview of revisions to the NIH fellowship application and review process. It covers the background and motivation for these changes, as well as guidance on preparing for their implementation, ensuring a smooth transition for applicants and reviewers.

Perfecting your NIH biosketch: A SciENcv workshop [58:51, YouTube].

This video provides the basics of creating a Biosketch, how using the NCBI tools My Bibliography and SciENcv can save time and effort, and get an inside look at how biosketches are reviewed by the UMass Chan Office of Sponsored Programs

Create a Biosketch with SciENcv [31:55, YouTube]

This webinar details how to use SciENcv to maintain your scientific record and generate the new NIH Biosketch.

Implementation of Simplified Review Framework for Research Project Grants [58:16, YouTube]

This webinar provides an overview and answers questions regarding the simplified review framework for the review of most research project grant (RPG) applications.

SciENcv: Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae

Presented by UMN Libraries, this video is an overview of SciENcv for creating NIH biosketches and any changes or updates since 2021.

Using SciENcv Frequently Asked Questions