NIH Most Recent Changes

Biographical Sketch and Other Support (Common Forms)

Update (04/21/2026): Per NOT-OD-26-079, use of the Common Forms for the Biographical Sketch, Current and Pending (Other) Support and NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement will be required for application due dates and all JIT, RPPR, and Prior Approval submissions on or after May 8, 2026. 

NIH is adopting the Biographical Sketch Common Form and the Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form. 

What This Means for Senior/Key Personnel on NIH Proposals

• NIH will require the use of SciENcv to complete Common Forms (i.e., Biographical Sketch, Current and Pending (Other) Support) and the NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement to produce digitally certified PDF(s).
• All individuals required to submit one of the above forms must obtain an ORCID iD and link this to their eRA Commons account.
• NIH will require certification from each individual on their Biosketch in SciENcv, acknowledging 1) the provided information is current, accurate, and complete; 2) at time of submission, they are not a party to a malign foreign talent recruitment program; and 3) at time of submission, have completed the requisite research security training with 12 months prior to proposal submission.

For additional details, tips, and reminders, please consult NOT-OD-26-018 and NOT-OD-26-079.

Data Management and Sharing Plan

Update (04/21/2026): The 2026 DMS Plan format page template and related instructions are now available on the Data Management and Sharing Plan Format Page. Use of the new, simplified 2026 DMS Plan format is required for proposals with due dates on or after May 25, 2026. 

The updated format aims to reduce administrative burden and promote more consistent, reviewable plans. The 2023 Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy remains unchanged—researchers must still maximize appropriate data sharing while accounting for ethical, legal, and technical considerations.

Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program Prohibition

Effective January 25, 2026, individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP) are not eligible to serve as a senior/key person on an NIH grant or cooperative agreement. NIH will require MFTRP certifications from applicants and individuals identified as senior/key personnel with its implementation of the Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current/Pending (Other) Support.

Source: NOT-OD-26-018