NSF Adopts SciENcv Format for Biosketches
In accordance with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 20-1), a biographical sketch (limited to two pages) is required for each individual senior personnel identified on a proposal, and a separate biographical sketch PDF file, or other NSF-approved format, must be uploaded in FastLane for each designated individual (see PAPPG Chapter II.C.2.f.). The biographical sketch and file format requirements also apply to NSF proposals submitted through Research.gov and Grants.gov.
The revised NSF PAPPG (NSF 20-1) will be effective for proposals submitted on or after June 1, 2020. NSF strongly encourages the immediate use of SciENcv for the generation of Biosketches. Beginning October 1, 2020, NSF will only accept PDFs for biographical sketches generated in an NSF-approved format.
Approved formats for creating biographical sketches
- Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv) is Available now! NSF is partnering with the NIH to use SciENcv as an NSF-approved format for use in preparation of the biographical sketch section of an NSF proposal.
- SciENcv will produce an NSF-compliant PDF version of the biographical sketch. Proposers must save these documents and submit them as part of their proposals via FastLane or Research.gov.
- NSF fillable PDF Biographical Sketch form. Download and complete the form, then upload it as part of a proposal in either FastLane or Research.gov.
Using an NSF-approved format reduces administrative burden and provides the benefits:
- Adoption of a single, common researcher profile system for Federal grants reduces administrative burden for researchers.
- Provides proposers with a compliant and reusable process to maintain information
- Allows proposers to leverage maintained information for subsequent proposal NSF submissions
- Ensure the information is submitted in a searchable composition
Please visit the following websites for information regarding preparing a biographical sketch using the SciENcv format:
FAQs on using SciENcv to prepare a Biographical Sketch
YouTube Video: SciENcv for NSF Biographical Sketch