NIH Staff 
Write Your Application
Learn how to write a strong application that demonstrates the high quality of personnel, available resources, and institutional support. Explore various sections of your application and why each is important. Gain insight into the criteria used by reviewers and staff to evaluate the science and merit of your proposal. Get tips for New Investigators, Early Stage Investigators and foreign applicants.
Develop Your Budget
Learn about cost considerations, the difference between allowable direct and indirect costs, available budget formats (modular vs. detailed budgets), how to handle out years, and more.
Format Attachments
Your specific aims, research strategy, facilities, equipment, resource sharing plan, and other narrative portions of your application are prepared as separate documents, converted to PDF format, and attached to your application. Learn the ins and outs of formatting these attachments. Choosing an appropriate filename and understanding font and margin guidelines are among the topics covered.
Page Limits
Many narrative sections of your application have defined page limits. Exceeding these page limits can result in your application being removed from consideration. Discover the page limits for specific programs and activity codes (fellowship, individual career development, institutional training, R01, R03, R21 and others).
Data Tables
Most institutional research training grant applications require a set of data tables. The specific tables needed vary by type of application (new, renewal, revision) and the type of trainees (undergraduate, postdoctoral). Select the appropriate blank tables, instructions and samples for your application.
Reference Letters
Some types of programs, such as fellowships and mentored career development awards, require the submission of reference letters that are linked to your application. Find referee selection tips, referee instructions, and reference letter submission process information.
Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples
Biosketches are required in both competing applications and progress reports. Find instructions, blank format pages, sample biosketches and related resources.
