NIH Restructures Application Forms and Instructions
September 17, 2009
Recently, NIH announced new, restructured versions of the paper PHS 398 and electronic SF 424 (R&R) application packages and instructions will be available by December 2009. Applicants must download and use the new application packages for submissions with due dates on or after January 25, 2010. Changes include significantly shorter page limits and restructured application packages.
All new or resubmission applications targeting due dates on or after January 25, 2010 (for FY2011 funding consideration) must use the new application forms and instructions, even if the initial submission followed the current application forms and instructions. Applications submitted using incorrect application forms (including applications that have an incorrect mix of old and new forms) will be delayed and may not be reviewed.
The new versions include the following changes to application structure and length:
- Shortened Page Limits
- Alignment of the Application with Peer Review Criteria
- Research Plan
- Resources
- Biographical Sketch
Specific details of these changes are available at http://enhancing-peer-review.nih.gov/docs/application_changes.pdf.
The NIH notice with further information is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-149.html.