Implementation of New Initiatives and Policies
Starting January 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) implemented several changes to the submission and review of NIH grant applications. This page provides a central hub for learning about the status of changes with links to NIH pages offering further details.
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.
Upcoming Changes
Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support
NIH plans to adopt the Biographical Sketch Common Form and the Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form.
Recent Changes
Implemented for due dates on or after January 25, 2025.
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 revised the fellowship review criteria used to evaluate fellowship applications and modified the PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form to align with the restructured review criteria.
Updates to NIH Institutional Training Grant Applications
NIH Training Program application instructions and data table forms were updated.
Updates to Reference Letter Instructions for Referees
NIH updated the instructions for reference letters to provide more structure so letters will better assist reviewers in understanding the candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential to pursue a productive career in biomedical science.
Updated Application Forms and Instructions (FORMS-I)
NIH updated application forms to support current NIH requirements. Updated (FORMS-I) application forms are posted with active funding opportunities, and updated instructions are available on the How to Apply – Application Guide.
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
