NSF Biographical Sketch Format
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has designated the National Institutes of Health’s SciENcv (Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae) as an NSF-approved format for submission of biographical sketch(es) and is encouraging its use to prepare a biographical sketch for inclusion in proposals to NSF.
In accordance with the current Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 20-1), a biographical sketch (limited to two pages) is required for each individual identified as senior personnel 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.
Use of an NSF-approved format aims to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiencies by providing proposers with a compliant and reusable way to maintain this information for subsequent proposal submissions to NSF, while also ensuring that the information is submitted in a searchable composition.
The requirement to use an NSF-approved format for preparation and submission of the biographical sketch goes into effect for new proposals submitted or due on or after October 5, 2020.
Multiple training resources are available on the SciENcv website. The following websites have resources that may be of assistance to proposers preparing a biographical sketch using the new SciENcv format:
We encourage you to share this information with your colleagues. If you have IT system-related questions, please contact the NSF Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or @email. Policy-related questions should be directed to @email.