Include a biographical sketch for every person who plays a substantive role in your research. That includes consultants and technical staff, even if they are not paid a salary from the grant.

Get the form and examples at NIH Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples. Attach the biographical sketches to the Senior/Key Person Profile form.

How Reviewers Use Biographical Sketches

Reviewers check carefully to see whether the PI and others have enough experience with the techniques to execute the Research Plan. The personal statement and contributions to science can be big factors in how you rate on the Investigator review criterion.

Reviewers will check that you have asked for an appropriate number of people, amount of time, and level of expertise to conduct the research.

How to Create a Strong Biographical Sketch

Make Your Personal Statement Shine

Don't skimp on this key section of the biosketch. Your personal statement can be a big factor in how you the PI rate on the Investigator review criterion.

All key personnel's biosketches have a personal statement too, which must explicitly state how their experience qualifies them for their role on your project, including relevant education, expertise, and accomplishments.

Imminent Promotion?

Are you slated for an important promotion, for example, to assistant professor? Include the date it is scheduled to happen in the personal statement of your biosketch. While NIH does not require any particular title, your status may affect how reviewers view your qualifications.

After submitting, you can inform the scientific review officer that the promotion took place up to 30 days before the meeting.

Carefully Choose Publications

Highlight your team's expertise by listing publications or manuscripts in press for each member.