Check Out the Latest How to Apply – Application Guide

January 16, 2026

NIH updated the How to Apply – Application Guide in December 2025 to reflect recent policy and procedure updates. 

Find details on all of the major changes and revisions since the last major release at Significant Changes. Here are a few highlights of updated or new instructions: 

  • Foreign justification attachments.
  • ORCID iD requirements.
  • Biographical Sketch Common Form.   
  • NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement.
  • Current and Pending (Other) Support (CPOS) Common Form. 

Learn more about the topics above in our Extramural Nexus article on foreign justification, eRA ORCID iD, and the Forms Directory. 

Use the Application Guide along with the guidance in your chosen funding opportunity to submit grant applications.  

Before you apply, we encourage you to Get Advice from NIH Program Contacts to discuss whether your plans are a good fit for the program and funding opportunity. Learn more about the NIH Grants Process, including guidance and advice when you Plan to Apply and Write an Application. 

Categories: New Resources

Related News

What Is the Difference Between an NIH Institute, Center, or Office’s Highlighted Topic and General Interest Area?

NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) communicate their research priorities through a variety of channels. For example, general interest areas may be discussed on an ICOs’ profile page or they may be expressed through a specific Highlighted Topic. In any case, the ICO may fund research in a wide range of scientific areas within their mission, whether or not they are explicitly identified as a particular Highlighted Topic.

You Ask, We Answer

Acknowledging Foreign Components throughout NIH Application and Award Processes

NIH supports international scientific collaboration when conducted transparently and in accordance with NIH requirements. The key expectation is timely and accurate disclosure of foreign components and related activities. Here we share reminders about how to properly acknowledge foreign components in NIH grant applications, progress reports, and manuscripts resulting from NIH awards.

Top Stories
For technical issues E-mail OER Webmaster