Proposal Development

NIH Application Changes

The National Institutes of Health has released a new application format that affects both current PIs and those seeking new funding in 2010. NIH Notice OD-09-149: Restructured Application Forms and Instructions for Submissions for FY2011 Funding .

NOTE: the new bio sketch format is required for all noncompeting continuation progress reports as of October 1, 2009.

The new format is mandated for all applications, including resubmissions , due on or after Jan. 25, 2010.

Major Format changes

NIH has reorganized proposal components, reduced page numbers, and reformatted bio sketches.

• Three sections of the current Research Plan (Background and Significance, Preliminary Studies/Progress Report, Research Design and Methods) are now combined into a single section called "Research Strategy." This new section is comprised of three parts: Significance, Innovation, and Approach.

• Page limits for the new Research Strategy section are 6 or 12 pages (unless otherwise indicated by funding opportunity announcement.) Specific Aims are one additional page, and for most resubmissions or revisions, the Introduction is limited to one additional page.
• Biographical sketches now include a Personal Statement. Selected peer-reviewed publications are limited to no more than 15. Publications should be selected "on the basis of recency, importance to the field, and relevance to the proposed research."

Additional NIH Guidance

NIH Restructured Applications website includes a section Details of Application Changes . NIH Table of Page Limits summarizes how many pages are allowed per section.

Effective October 1, 2009, the new biographical sketch format is required for all PHS 2590 Noncompeting Continuation Progress Reports (ref NOT-OD-09-139 ).

Check SF424 (R&R) Application and Electronic Submission Information or PHS 398 fillable forms pages for an updated biographical sketch template prior to submitting an NIH progress report due on or following October 1.

As always, the OSU Office of Proposal Development is here to help you comply with these new regulations. Please contact Nani Pybus at x3660.