Upcoming NIH Common Forms Changes and Resources
Starting May 25, 2025, the NIH will require the use of Common Forms (Biosketch and Other Support documents) for all applications and Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs). See NOT-OD-24-163 for full details. A committee of research administrators, Galter Library staff, and Sponsored Research are actively preparing for these changes and creating resources for the Northwestern community.
Key Changes:
- SciENcv will generate a digitally certified PDF for NIH applications for all Senior/Key Personnel.
- A new NIH Biographical Sketch Supplemental form will capture three required agency-specific data elements: Personal Statement, Contributions to Science, and Honors.
ORCID ID Requirement:
- Senior/Key Personnel must obtain an ORCID ID and enter it in the Persistent Identifier (PID) section of the Common Forms.
- ORCID IDs must also be linked to eRA Commons Personal Profiles.
In the meantime, continue using the current NIH Biosketch and Other Support formats until the Common Forms are fully adopted.
Want to get a head start?
Research Administrators:
- Request an eRA Commons account from Sponsored Research
- Link your ORCID to your eRA Commons Account
- Quick Guide for Research Administrators: Compliance with NIH's Adoption of Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support
Faculty:
- Sign up for or connect your ORCID to your Northwestern NetID
- Delegate appropriate access to the RA(s) in eRA Commons
- Delegate access to RA(s) in SciENcv/MyNCBI (two parts of the same system)
- Quick Guide for Faculty: Compliance with NIH's Adoption of Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support