SciENcv and ORCID Resources

SciENcv integrates the Common Forms templates related to NIH notice NOT-OD-24-163.  NIH has adopted the Common Forms for certain grant documents in order to ensure compliance with “Guidance for Implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum 33.”

NIH has a timeline for this requirement to be used in upcoming submissions.  Additional information about timeline will be available on the NIH website. NIH Commons Form Biosketches will be required for May 2026 submissions. A “leniency period” will be active during that time, per NOT-OD-26-033. Commons forms will be required for all NIH grant submissions, including those for mentors affiliated with proposed T32 Training Grants.

UW-Madison hosted a webinar for staff on the Common Forms changes.  Materials from that session are available on our KnowledgeBase.

• The  SciENcv forms can be accessed through MyNCBI.
• Per NOT-OD-26-033, SciENcv will be required for NIH biosketches for May 2026 proposals (though a leniency period is available).
• Before previewing the forms, NIH recommends associating ORCID ID account and eRA Commons account with SciENcv.
• “Delegate Access” may be granted for administrative colleagues to develop drafts of the biosketches and/or Current & Pending Support Forms.
• The NIH Biographical Sketch Common Form and NIH Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form are active.
  • PDF previews are available to be downloaded.
  • These PDF previews are NOT able to be submitted.
• Biosketches and Current & Pending forms will need to be “Certified” and those PDFs used for uploading. This cannot be done by any administrative delegates that may have been assigned.
  • The current NIH Biosketch and Other Support Format Pages must be used for all submissions to NIH until the official implementation of the Common Forms, which is anticipated in November 2025.

If you or a researcher that you work with do not have an ORCID ID, or if you do not know if they have an ORCID ID,  we have provided some introductory videos below.  However, UW-Madison Libraries has information available on their site.

Quick Tips on Starting a SciENcv NIH Biosketch Common Form:
NIH Biosketch Commons Form

• When creating a new document, select “NIH Biographical Sketch Common Form” from the dropdown menu.
• In Section A, “Professional Preparation,” the system will distinguish between “Degree” experiences and “Training” experiences. Examples of “Training” will be postdocs, residencies, and similar.
• In Section B, “Appointments and Positions,” one position will need to be identified as the “Primary” position.
• Section C, “Products,” publications will be added through myNCBI. Publication identification will look very different when compared to previous NIH biosketch iterations.
  • Five publications closely related to the Proposed Project
  • Five further significant publications
  • There will NOT be opportunity to add publications in relation to the “Significant Contributions to Science” section

NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement

• In Section A, “Personal Statement,” there is a character limit. Especially for T32 biosketches, include a mentoring statement, involvement with developing the next generation of scientists, and work done to create a safe working environment.
• In Section B, “Honors,” one needs to have at least one listed and is limited to fifteen.
• In Section C, “Contributions to Science,” one is limited to five examples of 1,500(?) characters. Publications cannot be added.

Remember, while the instructions and prompts have the feel of previous NIH biosketches, the end result is going to look very different. Do not be alarmed.

This listing is not a step-by-step representation of all that is to be done. A form with more detailed instructions is in development by OTGS.