Grant Writing Resources
NIH Common Forms, SciENcv, and ORCiD
Starting January 25, 2026, the Common Forms versions for Biographical Sketches, Biographical Sketch Supplements, and Current and Pending (Other) Support will be required. The goal of these forms is to achieve greater standardization across federal agencies. Failure to use the correct forms will cause NIH to withdraw your application from consideration.
- Senior/Key Personnel will be required to use Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv) to complete Common Forms. SciENcv is a researcher profile system for all individuals who apply for, receive, or are associated with research investments from federal agencies. ScIENcv will produce digitally certified PDF(s) for use in application submissions.
- NIH will require all Senior/Key Personnel to enter their ORCID ID into SciENcv in the Persistent Identifier (PID) section of the Common Forms. ORCID is a free, unique, persistent identifier (PID) for individuals to use as they engage in research, scholarship, and innovation activities.
- NIH will require all Senior/Key Personnel to link their ORCID ID to their eRA Commons Personal Profile. See the ORCID ID topic in eRA Commons for information on linking your ORCID ID to your eRA Commons Personal Profile.
Guidance on SciENcv for Creating a Biosketch & Other Support (with gratitude to Duke University School of Medicine’s Office of Research Development)
(posted 12/5/2025)
Looking for examples of NIH grants?
These applications were generously provided by the investigators as examples of good grantsmanship. However, these samples may not reflect the latest NIH guidelines or format. Please work with your PD associate to obtain the most recent guidelines for your funding opportunity!
- NIAID: Several investigators have graciously agreed to share their exceptional applications and summary statements as samples to help the research community. Sample grants include: research grants (R01, R03, R15, R21, R21/R33), small business grants (R41, R42, R43, R44), and training and career awards (K01, K08, F31). NIAID also provides sample forms, plans, letters, emails, and more. For more information, visit niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/sample-applications.
- NCI: Several investigators and their organizations agreed to let specific study sections post excerpts of their grant applications online. Find examples of funded R01, R03, and R21 grants below.
- BU Proposal Library (Kerberos)
You can also search for current research awards from other Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine principal investigators. We encourage you to search the database and reach out to PIs to ask for advice on applying to specific funding mechanisms.
Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Research Awards Dashboard offers a global view of research awards at the school.
Sample Templates
Tools for Helping Match Program Officers (POs) and Study Sections
- Matchmaker
- How to use the NIH RePORTER Matchmaker extension
- Recommended use: Input your Specific Aims to find similarly funded projects and contacts for POs.
- Assisted Referral Tool (ART): Developed by CSR to recommend potentially appropriate study sections. Access roster lists.
- Guide for using ART
- Recommended use: If you are trying to target a different study section, refine your Abstract/Specific Aims and subsequently use ART to gauge whether your adjustments increase potential relevance to your desired study section.
NIH Simplified Review Framework
Center for Scientific Review (CSR)
- Information for Applicants: Find information on the application process, planning and writing, and other FAQs about applying.
- What Happens to Your NIH Grant Application
- Early Career Reviewer Program: Helps early career scientists become more competitive as grant applicants through first-hand experience with peer review and to enrich CSR’s pool of trained reviewers.