NIH Update: new biosketch not required until 5/25/15

NIH has pushed back the requirement to use the new biosketch format from January to May, although they "encourage" people to start using it for applications due on or after January 25th. The new deadline for mandatory use of the new format is for applications due on or after May 25, as detailed in notice NOT-OD-15-032. They also state in this notice that they have made "adjustments to improve [the] usability" of the new forms.

New biosketch format for NIH applications starting 1/25/15

Applications submitted to the NIH on or after January 25, 2015 will need to use one of the new biosketch formats: standard or Fellowship-specific. These have been in pilot-testing for a few months. (Until that time you may choose to use either the old or new formats.) The new formats and an explanation for the change are found in NIH notice number NOT-OD-15-024; more information can be found on their FAQ's page.

NIH recommends the use of SciENcv for help with creating different biosketch formats. It's also available through My NCBI which you will be familiar with from managing your publications associated with NIH grants.

Fastlane unavailable 10/10 to 10/14

Because the NSF is transitioning to a new financial system, they are taking Fastlane offline from 8pm on Friday, October 10, to 6am on Tuesday, October 14. Please plan accordingly.

NIH operating under a continuing resolution through 12/11/14

The NIH announced on October 1st, the first day of their new fiscal year, that it is operating under a continuing resolution "at 99.9 percent of the FY 2014 enacted level." As a result, they will be issuing non-competing continuations below the level indicated on the most recent Notice of Award, "generally up to 90%". See the complete notice at NOT-OD-15-001.

Individual Development Plans - Introducing myIDP

Back in August we posted about NIH encouraging institutions to create Individual Development Plans with their graduate students and postdocs supported by NIH awards beginning on October 1, 2014. To assist in this process, respected journal Science has created myIDP, an in-depth and interactive website that helps grad students and postdocs explore their skills, strengths and interests, learn more about recommended careers in science, and discuss and share information with their mentors. They can also download their summary IDP as well as a certificate upon completing the website.

As of now, NIH PIs will be required to complete a section within their progress reports discussing the use of IDPs with any graduate students or postdocs included in the "List of Participants". The actual IDPs themselves need not be included in the report. The Office of Sponsored Programs suggests the use of myIDP to assist you in your reporting.

image from myIDP site

Fordham Professor wins NIH Peer Review Challenge!

NIH's Center for Scientific Review issued a challenge to Maximize Fairness in NIH Peer Review when a study revealed that black applicants do not fare as well as white applicants. Challenge #1 was "New Methods to Detect Bias in Peer Review", and the winner for that category is David Budescu from the Psychology Department. Congratulations to David! David and his colleague will receive a $10,000 award.

Click here for the announcement: The NIH Peer Review Challenge
Click here for more information about the winners: Learn More about the Winning Ideas

NSF distinguished lectures in mathematical and physical sciences

The National Science Foundation announces the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences distinguished lecture series 2014-2015 beginning on September 30th. All lectures take place at NSF headquarters in Arlington, VA. For a list of speakers/topics, see Media Advisory 14-017.