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How to Write a Biosketch

How to write a biosketch, what is a biographical sketch.

BioSketches are a great tool to document an individual's qualifications, professional experience, and academic journey. Think of your BioSketch as a response to the question: “Tell me about yourself?” 

Below are general tips on how to write your BioSketch, as well as step-by-step guides and examples of BioSketches for students ranging from first year students, transfer students, and students preparing to graduate. For additional help with your BioSketch or general questions, email us at [email protected] .

General Tips

• Write in the third person. This means that instead of using “I” statements, use “he/she/they” statements. 
• The information you include in your BioSketch is unique to you and your circumstances. While your BioSketch may look different from the examples below, be sure to include the important general information outlined in the paragraph bullet points that fit you best.
• Be sure to check your BioSketch for spelling, grammar, and sentence flow.

Step-By-Step

Paragraph 1:

• Where are you from? Where/when did you graduate high school?
• Did you earn any titles/awards or participate in extracurricular activities?
• What did you do after high school? Did you go straight to college or enter the work field?

Paragraph 2: 

• What are you studying at OSU? Did you transfer from another university? Do you hold any degrees? What special achievements or awards have you earned in college?

Step-By-Step Continued 

Paragraph 3: 

• What work/volunteer experience have you been a part of?
• What skills did you develop from these experiences?
• Have you participated in internships or research/lab work?

Paragraph 4: 

• When are you expected to graduate? What are your education and career interests? 

BioSketch Examples

Benny Beaver is from Corvallis, Oregon. They graduated from Corvallis High School in 2021 with high honors and served as an officer on the school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) where they assisted in various leadership activities like fundraising, public speaking and community outreach. 

Benny started attending Oregon State University in the fall of 2021, and earned the Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship upon enrollment. They are currently in the University Exploratory Studies Program (UESP) where they are taking a variety of courses and exploring all options before declaring a major.

Benny served as a lifeguard for two years, where they received valuable trainings in CPR/AED, basic water rescue, and first aid. Benny developed a passion for the water, as well as an interest in teaching by instructing weekly swim lessons. Working a part-time job while attending high school also taught them skills in communication, time management, and balancing responsibilities.

Benny is expected to graduate in June 2025. They are exploring learning opportunities and careers in education, oceanography, and sports therapy. 

Bernice Beaver is from New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She graduated from New Westminster Secondary School in 2018 with a Dogwood Diploma and has a Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique, meaning she is fluent in French. Bernice was named the Career Female Athlete of the Year upon graduation from high school.

Bernice earned an Athletic Scholarship to Oregon State University where she competes for the Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams. She is majoring in Sociology and currently works for the university’s Global Community Kitchen as an Event Support Staff where she serves to assist in planning food service for future Experiential Learning & Activities campus events during weekly team meetings.

Bernice completed the URSA Engage program during her second year at Oregon State University where she conducted research to define the barriers faculty face while facilitating undergraduate research experiences. She presented her research at two university-wide undergraduate research symposiums in 2020 and has since been published in Experiential Learning & Teaching in Higher Education. 

Bernice is expected to graduate in June 2022 with a B.A in Sociology. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school and complete the Master’s of College Student Service Administration Program at Oregon State University. She has a particular interest in the fields of university student affairs and athletics.

Bo Beaver is from Los Angeles, California. They graduated from Venice High School in 2014 as salutatorian and participated in the school’s marching band, where they acted as drum major for two years. After high school, Bo entered the United States Marine Corps (USMC) where they served for four years. 

Prior to attending Oregon State University, Bo attended Central Oregon Community College from September 2020 until June 2022. During this time, they earned an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science with high honors. Bo transferred to OSU-Cascades in September 2022 and is majoring in Computer Science with an option in Software Engineering.

Bo’s service in the USMC taught them important skills and attributes including confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. Since enrolling at OSU-Cascades, Bo has joined the university’s Tech Club where they hope to network and gain professional skills in the field of computer science among like-minded individuals. Bo has also been accepted into the 2022-2023 URSA Engage program, where they will be engaging in web applications research with Professor X. 

Bo is expected to graduate in June 2024 with a B.S in Computer Science with an option in software engineering. They plan on attending graduate school and pursuing a career in software development.

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Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples

A biographical sketch (also referred to as biosketch) documents an individual's qualifications and experience for a specific role in a project.  NIH requires submission of a biosketch for each proposed senior/key personnel and other significant contributor on a grant application. Some funding opportunities or programs may also request biosketches for additional personnel (e.g., Participating Faculty Biosketch attachment for institutional training awards).  Applicants and recipients are required to submit biosketches

• in competing applications for all types of grant programs,
• in progress reports when new senior/key personnel or other significant contributors are identified, and
• to support prior approval requests for changes in senior/key personnel status and changes of recipient organization.

Direct specific biosketch and other support related questions to [email protected]

This page last updated on: May 6, 2021

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Biosketches and Other Support Templates and Examples

National institutes of health (nih).

All senior/key personnel and other significant contributors must include biosketches. Biosketches are required in both competing applications and progress reports. Figures, tables (other than those included in the provided format pages), or graphics are not allowed in the biosketch. Do not embed or attach files (e.g. video, graphics, sound, data). The biosketch may not exceed five pages per person. 

NIH Biosketch Instructions and Formatting

NIH Biosketch Template

NIH Biosketch Example

Current and Pending Support

Note: the terms “current and pending support,” “other support,” and “active and pending support” are used interchangeably.

Information on Current and Pending Support is required for all applications that are to receive grant awards, except Program Directors, training faculty and other individuals involved in the oversight of training grants. Other Support includes all financial resources; however, training awards, prizes, or gifts do not need to be included.  There is no “form page” for reporting Current and Pending Support. Information collected should include: Project number, Contact Principal Investigator, source of support, title of project/subproject, dates of approved/proposed project and person months.

NIH Current and Pending Instructions and Formatting

NIH Current and Pending Template

NIH Current and Pending Example

National Science Foundation (NSF)

A biosketch is required for each individual identified as senior personnel. You may elect to use third-party solutions, such as NIH’s SciENcv; however, you are still responsible for ensuring that biographical sketches created using third-party solutions are compliant with NSF proposal preparation requirements. Each NSF biosketch is limited to two pages.

NSF Biosketch Instructions and Formatting

NSF Biosketch Example

NSF Current and Pending Template

Collaborators and Other Affiliations

Information regarding collaborators and other affiliations (COA) must be separately provided for each individual identified as senior project personnel. The COA information must be provided through use of the COA template attached below.

NSF Collaborators and Other Affiliations Template and Instructions

Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Provide a biographical sketch for the Principal Investigator, each co-Principal Investigator, and other key personnel. Each sketch should include information sufficient to demonstrate that key personnel possess training and expertise commensurate with their specified duties on the proposed project (e.g., publications, grants, and relevant research experience). If you’d like, you may also include biographical sketches for consultants (you may have up to 40 biographical sketches in total).

It is recommended that each Biographical Sketch be no more than five pages, which includes Current and Pending Support. 

Provide a list of current and pending grants for the Principal Investigator, each co-Principal Investigator, and other key personnel, along with the proportion of his/her time, expressed as percent effort over a 12-month calendar year, allocated to each project.

You may use either SciENcv to create the current and pending support or you may use your own format to provide this information in a separate table (see the link below). 

IES Current and Pending Template

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How to Write a Biographical Sketch: Format & Examples

Are you struggling to write a compelling biographical sketch? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a captivating biographical sketch. Whether you’re a college student, a professional, or simply someone interested in learning more about this genre of writing, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need. From understanding the format to crafting engaging content, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!

What is a Biographical Sketch?

A biographical sketch, also known as a bio-sketch, is a concise yet informative description of a person’s life, highlighting their achievements, background, and significant contributions. It provides readers with a snapshot of a person’s life, capturing the essence of who they are and what they have accomplished. Biographical sketches are often used in various contexts, such as academic assignments, professional profiles, or introductions for public figures. The key to a successful biographical sketch lies in its ability to engage readers while providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the person being described.

Format of a Biographical Sketch

To create an effective biographical sketch, it is essential to follow a proper format. Here are the guidelines to help you structure your sketch:

• Introduction : Start with a brief introduction that captures the reader’s attention and provides essential background information about the person.
• Early Life : Describe the person’s early life, including details about their birthplace, family background, and upbringing. This section sets the foundation for understanding their journey.
• Education : Provide information about the person’s educational background, including any notable institutions they attended and degrees they obtained. Highlight any academic achievements or areas of specialization.
• Career and Achievements : Discuss the person’s professional journey, highlighting significant milestones, achievements, and contributions they have made in their field. Include awards, honors, and notable projects they were involved in.
• Personal Life : Share some insights into the person’s personal life, such as their interests, hobbies, and values. This helps create a more well-rounded picture of their character.
• Impact on Society : Discuss the person’s impact on society, whether through their work, advocacy, or philanthropy. Highlight any initiatives they have undertaken or positive changes they have brought about.
• Legacy : Explore the person’s lasting legacy and their influence on future generations. Discuss how their work or ideas continue to resonate and shape the world today.
• Conclusion : Wrap up the biographical sketch with a concluding paragraph that summarizes the person’s key accomplishments and highlights their significance.

Tips for Writing a Biographical Sketch

To make your biographical sketch stand out, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:

• Be Concise : Biographical sketches are meant to be brief and to the point. Focus on the most important aspects of the person’s life and avoid unnecessary details.
• Highlight Positive Aspects : Emphasize the person’s positive qualities, achievements, and contributions. Omit any unpleasant or irrelevant information that may detract from their story.
• Research Thoroughly : Conduct in-depth research to gather accurate and reliable information about the person you are writing about. Verify facts and cross-reference multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
• Craft Engaging Content : Use vivid language and storytelling techniques to make the sketch engaging and captivating. Incorporate anecdotes, quotes, or interesting facts to bring the person’s story to life.
• Tailor the Sketch to the Audience : Consider the context in which the biographical sketch will be presented. Adapt the tone, language, and level of detail to suit the intended audience, whether it’s a scholarly paper or a professional bio.
• Proofread and Edit : Before finalizing your biographical sketch, carefully proofread and edit it for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. A polished and error-free sketch enhances your credibility as a writer.

Examples of Biographical Sketches

To illustrate the format and structure of a biographical sketch, let’s explore some examples:

• A.R. Rahman : A renowned Indian composer, A.R. Rahman was born as Dileep Kumar in Chennai in 1966. Despite losing his father at a young age, he was greatly influenced by his mother. Rahman received training under Master Dhanraj and Illaiyaraja and graduated in Western classical music from Trinity College of Music. He established a recording studio in 1992, marking the beginning of his successful film career. Rahman’s music has garnered numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. He is considered a national icon in India.
• Mahatma Gandhi : Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader of the Indian Freedom Movement. After studying law in England, he went to South Africa, where he protested against British apartheid policies. Gandhi returned to India and led the fight for freedom using non-violence and truth as his guiding principles. He advocated for equality and was against untouchability and partition. Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, but his legacy as a champion of democracy and advocate for change lives on.
• Florence Nightingale : Florence Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy, is widely regarded as the founder of trained nursing as a profession. She received education mainly from her father and became an expert on public health and hospitals. During the Crimean War from 1854 to 1856, Nightingale worked tirelessly as the head of nursing, overcoming shortages and difficult conditions. She dedicated her life to caring for the sick and made significant contributions to healthcare. Nightingale’s efforts were recognized when she was conferred the Order of Merit in 1907.
• Aruna Asif Ali : A revolutionary freedom fighter of India, Aruna Asif Ali was born in 1909 in a Bengali family. Educated in Nainital, she married the renowned lawyer Asif Ali. Aruna gained prominence when she fearlessly hoisted the Tricolour in Mumbai in 1942, defying police threats. She remained active in politics, serving as the President of the Delhi Congress Committee and the Mayor of the Delhi Municipal Corporation. Aruna Asif Ali received several prestigious awards, including the Lenin Peace Prize and the Indira Gandhi Award. She passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication.
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam : Known as the “Missile Man” of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he pursued a career in aeronautical engineering. Dr. Kalam played a significant role in India’s space and defense programs, leading the development of successful missiles. His contributions to science and technology earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna. Dr. Kalam’s vision for a technologically advanced India and his dedication to education continue to inspire generations.

Crafting a compelling biographical sketch requires careful research, organization, and attention to detail. By following the proper format and incorporating engaging content, you can create a captivating sketch that effectively portrays a person’s life and achievements. Remember to tailor your sketch to the intended audience and proofread it thoroughly before presenting it.

With the guidelines and examples provided in this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to write an impressive biographical sketch. So, go ahead and tell the extraordinary stories of extraordinary individuals through the art of biographical sketch writing!

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How to Write a Professional Biosketch

A guide for people in university, health care, government, and nonprofit work..

Posted May 22, 2019 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

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As someone who reviews a lot of grant applications, conference submissions, and internship applications, I read a lot of “ biosketches ” (brief descriptions of professional identity ) from people at all career stages.

Unfortunately, many people do not put their best foot forward and sometimes don’t even seem to recognize their key professional strengths. Even distinguished senior professionals sometimes use very dated biosketches that do not communicate their status in the field.

Biosketches are yet another of the many “soft” professional skills that do not get taught in school, but are important for professional success. When you search the internet for guidance on writing a biosketch, the hits mostly take you to very business-oriented examples. Those are fine for corporate settings, but the culture in psychology and related human and social services is different. People who work in anything related to education , health, government, or social justice-oriented nonprofits need a biosketch that fits those professional cultures. If you work—or hope to work—in one of those settings, read on.

What Is a Professional Biosketch?

A biosketch (or sometimes shortened to just “bio”) is a one-paragraph description of your professional identity. It is generally no more than half a page long (single-spaced), and usually ranges from 50 to 300 words.

The main purpose of a professional biosketch is to identify the professional community to which you belong, and to briefly describe the steps you have taken to join that community. As you develop professionally, it also becomes important to describe the ways that your work has been recognized by your professional colleagues.

How Do Biosketches Compare to Other Professional Documents?

Professional biosketches are just one of several different types of personal descriptions that you might come across in human and social services: In addition to biosketches, there are also resumés , “ curriculum vitae ” (usually shortened to “cv”), and reflexivity statements (also called in positionality statements).

Biosketches are different from resumés or “ curriculum vitae ,” which are both more detailed descriptions of your work history and professional accomplishments, with dates and locations and other specifics. People in psychology and related fields say “cv” more than resumé, and cvs are usually much longer. My current cv, for example, is 22 pages long, and even at that length omits a lot of details from earlier in my career.

[Note: the National Institutes of Health has a short cv form that they also, unfortunately, call a biosketch, so you’ll sometimes hear people refer to an NIH biosketch. Those are four- to five-page versions of people’s full cvs. Although they look more like resumés or cvs, what they have in common with other biosketches is that they focus on highlights of your work, in this case those most relevant to the grant proposal. If you apply for federal grants, you can learn more about completing those here, including seeing a sample here .]

Reflexivity statements are also more detailed than biosketches, but focus on how your other personal, social, and historical characteristics can “situate” your work—exploring how your experiences growing up, or as a parent, or someone with a particular health history, for example, change the way you approach scientific questions. They are still work documents, unlike autobiographies, because the goal is to make you a better scholar or therapist.

When Do You Use Biosketches?

Some common places you will see biosketches:

1. Websites for universities, medical schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations. Most university departments have individual pages for each faculty member, and these often include biosketches. For other organizations, you’ll often see an “About Us” page that provides a brief description of key personnel.

2. Conference submissions and other presentations . If you are a student, researcher, or professional trainer, it is increasingly common that you will need to provide a brief biosketch as part of a conference or workshop submission. Many agencies that certify continuing education credits are now required to collect this information, to show that the people delivering the content have the appropriate education and training to do so.

More advanced professionals will also need a biosketch for such things as giving an invited speech or joining an advisory board. I have more than one version of my biosketch, adapted for whether the audience is more research-focused or provider-focused, and also versions for different topics I speak on. For example, sometimes I give talks that are more focused on resilience and other talks are more focused on violence or a specific type of violence, and I’ll adapt my biosketch to emphasize my experience that is most closely related to the topic I’m speaking on. You can see examples of a couple of different versions of my biosketch here and here . The first emphasizes my scientific credentials, the second my writing experience.

3. Grant applications . One of the most important parts of any grant proposal is the “why us” pitch , and there is always a section to describe the key personnel or team who will conduct the project. Each person will need a one-paragraph description of why they are well-suited for their role. This includes federal grants that also require the five-page biosketch form—you will still need to put a brief description of your credentials and why you are a good person to conduct this study in the text of the grant application (do it whether they explicitly ask for that or not).

What Goes in a Biosketch?

For most people, the biggest challenge in writing a biosketch is getting comfortable with what I call “the fine art of blowing your own horn.” I totally get that—my family’s roots are in rural Appalachia, where puttin’ on airs is just about the worst social crime you can commit. I still have to work at graciously accepting compliments—I don’t know if I will ever get over that ingrained discomfort. Nonetheless, the only way for people to find you and recognize that you’d be good for their job or conference or whatever is for you to tell them something about you. I have found that putting it in writing is easier than dealing with the same challenge in a face-to-face setting, so it can be good practice and can give you some lines you can use in interviews or similar situations.

Opening. The opening should introduce you and situate you professionally, by giving your name, degree(s), and current institutional affiliation. Stick to your main affiliations, but it is OK to list more than one (I do). Usually the wording is in the third person. For example (hypothetical made up example), “Maria Vasquez, M.A., is a graduate student in clinical psychology at Awesome University.”

Where You Fit in the Professional Universe. The next couple of sentences should identify your main areas of focus. If you are a senior person, you should communicate that experience. So for example, for me, I emphasize that the major focus of my work is on violence and that I have addressed this problem in multiple roles over the years (researcher, therapist, activist).

If you are a more junior person starting out, then it would be good to get a little more specific about the nature of your interests. For example, “My research interests focus on the impact of childhood neglect on academic achievement.”

If you are a more senior person, then you should stop saying what your research interests are and start describing your research accomplishments. You might think that this seems obvious, but it is probably the single most common mistake I see in professional biosketches—that some distinguished person still sounds like they haven’t finished their first research project. A lot of people will use the convention of saying what they are “best known for,” such as “Dr. Brown is best known for his work in preventing adolescent substance abuse ” or “Dr. Han is best known for creating a school-based curriculum in social-emotional learning.” [Again these examples are made up.]

The first half of your biosketch is also a good place to note any accomplishments regarding these topics, especially if you were the first person to develop a program or pass a law or study an issue. If you are an experienced person, then it is good to say that you “have more than 10 years’ experience providing expert testimony” or “Dr. Brown has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications on substance abuse.”

Your Relationships With Professional Organizations. The second half of your biosketch is a good place to describe some of the ways that you have interacted with or been recognized by professional organizations.

The organizations you emphasize depends somewhat on the purpose of your biosketch (and probably one of the main places that it might make sense to have different versions for different purposes).

If you are applying for a grant or submitting to a research-oriented conference or, for whatever reason, trying to impress university professors or other people in academia.

In these cases, it is good to mention sources of grant (aka “external”) funding that you have received, especially for research. If you are a student or junior professional, these can include funded fellowships or assistantships as well as small grants from your own university. If you are mid-career or senior person, then it is best to emphasize larger research grants from Federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health or from large nonprofit foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This is also a good place to mention any awards.

People often ask me about how far to go back on awards, and a good rule of thumb is to go back no more than one role or career/developmental stage. So, for graduate school applications, yes, put down undergraduate accomplishments, but most high school accomplishments should roll off both your biosketch and your cv or resumé. Once you have a college degree, no one wants to know that you were president of the chess club in high school. The only exception would be if you have some extraordinary high school accomplishment, such as being an Olympic gymnast.

If you have a graduate degree and are looking for a professional position such as professor or therapist, then most of your undergraduate accomplishments should roll off both your biosketch and cv. Again, unless they are exceptional. For the rest of us, it’s better to emphasize your more recent accomplishments.

If you don’t have any awards (yet), this section can still be a good place to note professional affiliations, professional licenses, or involvement with national organizations, such as chairing a committee or something like that.

The last type of organization to consider is media organizations. When I am giving talks to audiences that more mostly practitioners, students, or members of the general public, I often mention some of the news outlets where my work has appeared. This can be a way to show that your work is the kind that “breaks through” and gets outside of the ivory tower.

However, this same approach may turn some reviewers off if you are submitting a grant or a conference proposal. Unfortunately, some academics are quite proud of the fact that no one outside academe reads their work and they look down their nose at efforts to communicate science to the general public. They are wrong, of course, but sometimes you have to play the game before you can change the game, so I’d add these references cautiously, especially if you are not sure of the audience.

Playing with the content or pushing the boundaries of how personal to get. More and more, I see people experimenting with the content of biosketches in much the same way that people have re-vamped obituaries so that they are more personal. I think this is a great movement and I support it when I can (you’ll see some of the biosketches from ResilienceCon are anything but stiff). I encourage people to try to push those boundaries so that there is a bit more of our full true selves in our professional personas. However, I personally also recommend a pragmatic approach. If you are working on your first Federal grant, that is probably not the time to play with the traditional format, because you risk looking uninformed instead of revolutionary.

With a little practice, we can all learn how to put our best foot forward.

You can see some examples of professional biosketches here and here . Some of my colleagues' biosketches are here . Click here for examples of biosketches for students and more junior professionals from ResilienceCon scholarship winners.

Sherry Hamby, Ph.D. , is a research professor of psychology at Sewanee, the University of the South.

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The National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) applications require biographical sketches, also known as biosketches, in specific formats, which provide proposals reviewers an overview of your education, employment, accomplishments, and research contributions.

There are two ways to approach creating these documents.

• Applicants to the NIH may use the fillable  biosketch template provided by the agency.  
• First step: Create an ORCID profile. ORCID  (Open Researcher & Contributor ID) is an online service that assigns a unique and persistent identifier for all your research-related items, such as articles and datasets, and is required for all proposals to the National Institutes of Health. Consult this   UO Libraries resource on ORCID for more guidance.  
• Second step: Create a SciENcv account.   SciENcv   (Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae) is a researcher profile system for individuals who apply for or receive research funds from federal agencies.   
• Third step: Integrate your ORCID profile with your SciENcv account. This allows you to create biosketches in formats compliant with the NIH and NSF. This  blog   explains the benefits of integration, and this  video   explains how to do it.

Compliance protocols MUST be approved and linked in SeRA to a SPO project record prior to award acceptance. 

Biosketches

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Most sponsors require investigators and project key personnel to provide a curriculum vitae (CV) or biographical sketch as part of a proposal. Many sponsors request biosketches be provided to them that adhere to the format specified by either the National Institutes of Health, or the National Science Foundation, or a variant of one of these.  Given different sponsors request this information in different formats, it is highly important to always closely review and adhere to each sponsor’s specific CV or biosketch requirements when preparing these.  Below are links to the current NIH and NSF guidance on their biosketch requirements.

The NSF and the NIH/National Library of Medicine hosted a webinar to discuss the revisions to Common Biosketch and Current & Pending (Other) support forms that are being implemented by the NSF for proposals submitted on or after May 20, 2024, as well as provided a demonstration of the revised functionality to create and download these required proposal documents in SciENcv on April 24, 2024. The webinar recording is available at the NSF’s Policy Office Outreach website .

NIH Biosketch

NIH Disclosures - Stanford Guidance

• Implementation Changes to the Biographical Sketch and Other Support Format Page  - Use of the updated format pages specified in NIH  NOT-OD-21-073  is not required until  January 25, 2022   -  Notice NOT-OD-21-110  (Updated 4/28/21)
• NIH Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples

The NIH is implementing the Common Forms (Biosketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support) for all applications and RPPRs submitted on or after May 25, 2025.   Applicants/Recipients will be required to use Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae ( SciENcv ) for completing and certifying the Common Forms.

• SciENcv will generate a digitally certified PDF for use in application submission.
• NIH will have a separate supplement form to collect the three required agency specific data elements (i.e., Personal Statement, Contributions to Science and Honors).
• Reminder: Until the Common Forms are fully adopted by NIH, NIH requests applicants and recipients use the current NIH Biosketch and Other Support formats for applications, Just-in-Time (JIT) Reports, and RPPRs.

NSF Biosketch

NSF Disclosures - Stanford Guidance  

• Effective 10/23/23, use of SciENcv is mandatory for preparation of NSF biosketches.  
• PIs and Senior/Key personnel are required to certify that the information within their NSF biosketch is current, accurate, and complete.   The certification language is included within SciENcv.  SciENcv records an individual’s certification when they download their biosketch from SciENcv.  The certification of NSF biosketches MAY NOT be delegated to administrators.

NSF Implementation of the Common Form for Biographical Sketch -  Effective for proposals submitted or due on or after May 20, 2024  

NSF Proposal & Award Policy and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) NSF 24-1  - Implements required use of the Common Forms for Biosketches) The common disclosure form for the Biographical Sketch is NOW available in SciENcv.  The common Biosketch form has no page limitations and incorporates the following:

• I certify that the information provided is current, accurate, and complete. This includes but is not limited to information related to domestic and foreign appointments and positions.
• I also certify that, at the time of submission, I am not a party in a  malign foreign talent recruitment program .
• Misrepresentations and/or omissions may be subject to prosecution and liability pursuant to, but not limited to, 18 U.S.C. §§ 287, 1001, 1031 and 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733 and 3802.
• The Synergistic Activities section has been removed from the biographical sketch and must now be submitted as a separate senior/key personnel document.
• Common form definitions including, but not limited to what are academic , professional , or institutional positions and appointments as well as what constitutes a malign foreign talent recruitment program .

Additional NSF Biosketch Resources

NSF Biosketch Website

NSF Pre-Award and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biosketch and Current and Pending Support Table - Updated January 2024

• SciENcv Guidance on Creating a NSF Biosketch
• YouTube Video:  SciENcv for NSF Biosketch
• NSF webinars covers use of NSF-Approved formats and other significant changes to PAPPG
• NSF Policy-related questions should be directed to [email protected]

System Status: 

• Sponsored Research Administration
• Solicitation and Sponsor Information
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

NIH Biosketch

Information on NIH Biosketches.

Training Sessions

On March 30, 2021, a Quarterly Contacts Meeting was held where upcoming changes were discussed. Since then, NIH released the above clarification notice that this new form was requested to be used for deadlines on or after May 25, 2021, and that it firmly is required for deadlines on or after January 25, 2022. Additionally, on November 10, 2021, and January 12, 2022, the topic was presented for the campus-wide Research Compliance Hot Topics and Training Program on the upcoming changes. A copy of the presentations and recordings can be found below:

• Quarterly Contracts Meeting, March 30, 2021 (PDF)
• Research Compliance Hot Topics Biosketch Changes, November 2021 (PDF)
• Research Compliance Hot Topics Biosketch Changes, November 2021 (Recording, login)
• Research Compliance Hot Topics Biosketch Changes, January 2022 (PDF)
• Research Compliance Hot Topics Biosketch Changes, January 2022 (Recording, login)
• Biosketch Form Page Overview
•   New Non-Fellowship Form Page (Word)  
•   New Fellowship Form Page (Word)
• Instructions:  New Biosketch Form Page (Word)
• Biosketch  FAQs
• NIH Pre-award and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Other Support (updated 6/8/2022, PDF)
•   Examples of What to Disclose to NIH about Senior/Key Personnel on Applications and Awards Table  

New Biosketch Format Detailed Information, Including a Walk-Through

Non-Fellowship ​Biosketches and/or Fellowship Biosketches are required in both competing applications and progress reports. The   new Non-Fellowship Biosketch form is broken down into four sections : 1. Informational Table, including Education; 2. Personal Statement; 3. Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honors; and 4. Contributions to Sciences; and the new  Fellowship Biosketch form is still broken down into five  sections : 1. Informational  Table, including Education ; 2. Personal Statement; 3. Positions, Scientific Appointments,  and Honors;  4. Contributions to Sciences; and  5. Scholastic Performance. 

All sections combined can be no more than five pages, with 1/2 inch margins and in one of the four   preferred NIH Font types and size . 

As stated above, for Non-Fellowship applications & Fellowship applications, the Information, Education, and Sections A-C are the same. Section D is only for Fellowship Applications. The first section includes a table located at the top of the first page and it contains the name, title, eRA Commons ID, and education/training (including locations) of the person the biosketch is for. 

The next section is the person's   Personal Statement . Here, you briefly describe why this person is well-suited for their role(s) in this project. Relevant factors may include: aspects of their training; their previous experimental work on this specific topic or related topics; their technical expertise; their collaborators or scientific environment; and/or their past performance in this or related fields. Additionally, they may cite up to four publications or research products that highlight their experience and qualifications for this project. Moreover, you now can highlight recently completed or active research support here as well. There is no limit to the number of research support activities you can highlight. Note, in the sample shown here, the aims of the highlighted research does not need to be detailed. Just the basic detailed are highlights. 

After the Personal Statement, you have the updated section on  Positions, Scientific Appointments, a nd   Honors . Here, you list in reverse chronological order ALL CURRENT  positions and scientific appointments, both domestic and foreign , including affiliations with foreign entities or governments . This includes titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received, and whether full-time, part-time, or voluntary (including adjunct, visiting, or honorary).

 In particular:

• Students, post doctorates, and junior faculty should include scholarships, traineeships, fellowships, and development awards, as applicable.
• Clinicians should include information on any clinical licensures and specialty board certifications that they have achieved.

Then, you have the section on   Contributions to Science . All senior/key persons should complete the "Contributions to Science" section except candidates for research supplements to promote diversity in health-related research who are high school students, undergraduates, and post-baccalaureates.

• the historical background that frames the scientific problem;
• the central finding(s);
• the influence of the finding(s) on the progress of science or the application of those finding(s) to health or technology; and
• your specific role in the described work.

For Non-Fellowship Applications, the above Section C. would be the end of the Biosketch, but for Fellowship applications, we would still have the additional section:   D.  Scholastic Performance .  Note the following  instructions for specific subsets of applicants/candidates :

•   High school students   are not required to complete Section D. Additional Information: Research Support and/or Scholastic Performance.
•   C areer development award applicants   should are not Fellowship applications and thus would not use a Fellowship Biosketch and they would skip the D. Scholastic Performance section.
• Applicants for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships
• Applicants to dissertation research grants (e.g., R36)
• Candidates for research supplements to promote diversity in health-related research from the undergraduate through postdoctoral levels

For more information or questions email  [email protected] .

Examples of Biographical Statement and Abstract

Biographical statement.

Once articles have been selected and accepted for publication each year, authors will be asked to submit a biographical statement to be included in the Advocates’ Forum . The biographical statement should include the author(s) full name. In addition, it is also appropriate to discuss your personal history, academic program and/or field placement, and interest in the article’s subject. The biographical statement may not exceed 75 words. Below is an example taken from the 2009 volume of the Advocates’ Forum :

"Kathryn Saclarides is a second-year social administration student at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. She received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and Spanish from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in bioethics from La Universidad Pontificia de Comillas in Madrid, Spain. Her current field placement is with the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC). She is interested in migration patterns, ethnic neighborhoods, and transnational communities."

The abstract should appear on the second page of your manuscript, immediately following the title page. The abstract should briefly summarize the argument advanced in your manuscript, and should be limited to no more than 100 words. For additional guidance on composing abstracts, refer to the  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association . Below is an example taken from an issue of Advocates’ Forum (Charlotte L. Hamilton, “Anti-Drug Legislation and the Rising Incarceration of Women: Recommendations for Future Sentencing Reform,” Advocates’ Forum [2005]: 33-43).

The Anti-Drug Abuse Acts of 1986 and 1988 led to a rapid increase in the number of incarcerated Americans. The rate of female incarceration has risen at a particularly high rate over the past 20 years. This article discusses the evolution of drug sentencing policy since 1986. It looks at characteristics of incarcerated women in order to understand how drug policy has influenced this population. The way women participate in the drug trade interacts with minimum sentencing laws to contribute to the rise in female incarceration. The article concludes with policy recommendations for a more equitable drug sentencing system.

Biographical sketch for students, Format, Solved Examples, Worksheet

Jump ahead to:

Hey, welcome with the new article “Biographical sketch”, it’s no matter in which class/grade/Standard you are 4, 5, 6, 7,8 9, 10, 11, 12, teacher or student, this may this article help you to understand completely what is biographical sketch format, how to write it etc. Here we have Solved Examples and worksheet help you to understand the topic in good way. So without wasting time let’s start.

A bio-sketch or Biographical sketch of a person contains a detailed account of his physical outlook, characteristics, nature, job profile and other relevant personal information as required. The data provided in the question is used to write a bio-sketch or personally compiled by the writer.

What is a biographical sketch?

A bio-sketch or a biographical sketch is a brief write up that to summarize a person’s life, achievements, character, experiences, etc. It is a short description highlighting the main traits of the personality of the chosen subject.

How to write a biographical sketch?

Biography sketch: It is always written by a person other than the one who is being described. The aim of a bio-sketch is large to present a positive picture of the person concerned. It is advisable to present all the information in chronological order while writing a bio-sketch so that the reader can trace the life of the subject from the beginning to the end.

Biographical Sketch Format for students

The main points that need to be incorporated while writing a bio-sketch are:

• Full name, date of birth/age, place of birth
• Major personality traits
• Educational details highlighting any major achievements or awards
• His/Her contribution to society
• Any special interest
• Why is he/she famous or known for?

A biographical sketch is always written in the third person and aims at describing the significant achievements or impressive traits of a person’s personality.

Before writing a bio-sketch, the writer needs to conduct a thorough research about the life of the subject he/she has chosen. This can be done by reading reliable information in journals, books, libraries or online database.

The writer can then prepare a timeline of the person’s life and decide which points he/she wishes to highlight. Since a bio-sketch is a brief description, it describes such qualities, events and achievements .

In short, the writer should be able to paint a pen portrait of the subject and convince the reader that the person was unique and worth reading about.

Biographical sketch Solved example

Given examples are of “essay” biographical sketch solved example , you have to write an essay with the help of given clues.

Here we have two solved examples:

• (Biosketch solved example 1) : In the first example “Write a biographical sketch on Vishwanathan Anand not more than 100-120 words”.
• (Biosketch solved example 2) : In the Second example “Write a biographical sketch on Kailash Satyarthi not more than 100-120 words.

Biosketch solved example 1

Write a biographical sketch of Vishwanathan Anand – Grandmaster, a world Chess Champion in your own words in not more than 100-120 words . Clues have been given.

Biosketch solved example 2

Question: Write a biographical sketch of Kailash Satyarthi , a Nobel Peace Prize Honorary, in your own words in not more than 100-120 words , Clues have been given.

Kailash Satyarthi

Born 11 January 1954, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India-academic qualification-Electrical Engineer-family-married, Two children-a daughter and a son-prize motivation – ‘His struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education’ – awards – Nobel Peace Prize, 2014 (shared with malala Yousafazai) – Defenders of Democracy Award (US), 2009- Alfonso Comin International Award (Spain), 2008 – The Robert. Kennedy Human Rights Award, 1995 – popular child Rights Activist- started a journal ‘The Struggle Shall Continue’ in 1980 (create awareness about child labour) – founder – Bachpan Andolan (BBA), a movement dedicated towards eradication of human trafficking and bonded child labour.

Biographical Solved Example Image

Worksheet for students

Here we have two worksheets read carefully.

• (Worksheet 1): In the first worksheet, you have a paragraph and you have to write a biographical sketch with the help of given hints or Clues in the form of a paragraph .
• (Worksheet 2): In the second worksheet, you have to write a paragraph/biographical sketch with the help of given clues.

Worksheet 1

Write the biographical sketch of Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of RBI, in your own words in not more than 100-120 words. Clues have been given: (biographical sketch example for students)

Former governor-RBI-23rd-born February 3, 1963- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – Tamil family – father was senior bureaucrat – graduate from IIT Delhi in 1985- management degree from IIM- Ahmedabad in 1987-doctoral degree in 1991 from MIT-HKUST (Hongkong University of Science and Technology)-vegetarian-loves swimming, squash, tennis, running-married to Radhika Puri-she is a lecturer of law-at Chicago Law School-he served as the Chief Economic Advisor to Finance Ministry- was the youngest Chief Economist- at IMF in 2003 – prestigious awards- Fischer Black Prize-Best Central bank Governor Award-Deutsche Bank Prize for financial economics

Worksheet 2

Write the biography sketch of Nelson Mandela, the first Black President, in your own words in not more than 100-125 words. Clues have been given.

Also, read:

• Notice writing
• Message writing
• Report writing 

Biographical Sketch PDF

25 thoughts on “biographical sketch for students, format, solved examples, worksheet”.

Hello, can I get clues for Richard Ebright in biography sketch. Please help…Thank you

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Write a biographical sketch of sirivennela seetha Rama sastry

Biographical sketch of sirivennela seetha Rama sastry

Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry (a.k.a. Sirivennela), born on May 20, 1955, in Andhra Pradesh, India, is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist, and songwriter. His lyrical prowess and deep understanding of human emotions have made him a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, particularly in Telugu cinema.

Sirivennela’s journey into the world of poetry and lyrics began during his college days, where he developed a passion for literature and music. His talent soon caught the attention of music directors and filmmakers, and he made his debut as a lyricist with the film “Kokila” in 1980. Since then, Sirivennela has penned thousands of songs for Telugu films, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

Known for his profound lyrics and poetic expressions, Sirivennela has collaborated with some of the most celebrated music composers in the industry, including Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and M. M. Keeravani. His songs often delve into themes of love, life, and human relationships, striking a chord with listeners across generations.

Apart from his work in films, Sirivennela has also published several collections of poetry, further establishing himself as a prolific writer. His contributions to the field of literature and music have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including several Nandi Awards and a National Film Award for Best Lyrics.

Sirivennela’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to touch hearts and evoke emotions through his words. His songs continue to be cherished by millions of fans, making him a beloved figure in the world of Telugu cinema and beyond.

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Thank you for your feedback. Stay tuned for the updates!

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This website is very helpful for the revision of writing skills before the paper.

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You’re welcome! I’m thrilled to hear that the site has helped improve your scores. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy learning!

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Two Ryan Garcia supplements test positive for ostarine

Devin Haney joins "SportsCenter" to respond to reports Ryan Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance ostarine the day before and the day of his upset win. (0:48)

Two supplements listed on doping control forms submitted by star boxer Ryan Garcia before his win over Devin Haney showed the presence of the banned substance ostarine, according to Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory reports released Thursday.

The doping control forms, which were viewed by ESPN, were submitted alongside Garcia's urine-sample collections on April 19 and 20 (the day before and day of the fight), both of which returned adverse findings for ostarine.

The supplements: raspberry-lemonade flavored NutraBio SuperCarb, which showed the presence of ostarine at 70-2200 picograms per gram powder, and Body Health strawberry-flavored amino-acid blend (660-830 picograms). The other supplements Garcia listed on the forms: D3, iron, Thorne elite multivitamins and magnesium glycinate.

Paul Greene, who represented UFC stars Jon Jones and Sean O'Malley in doping cases, told ESPN on Thursday he is hopeful the presence of ostarine in those supplements will lead to a reduced suspension for Garcia from the New York State Athletic Commission.

The commission's doping rules adhere to strict liability, which means the fighter is responsible for any supplements they take. Greene acknowledges that there was still a "negligent component" to Garcia's actions but argues it was an "innocent mindset."

"The World Anti-Doping [Agency] code actually recognizes a declaration of a supplement in advance as proof that the athlete took it, and it allows an athlete to get a reduced sanction in most cases," said Greene, the founding partner of Global Sports Advocates, who is representing Garcia alongside three other attorneys.

"I'm hopeful that [the punishment] will be on the very lowest end of how they determine these cases," he added. "Normally, there's a range of sanction based on degree of fault, and when you have a situation where you have a contaminated supplement where it's not available in an internet search, it's not on a label, there's no way an athlete could have possibly known the banned substance was in there unless they would've sent it to one of the two WADA-accredited laboratories in advance."

Greene said he hopes Garcia can avoid a hearing with the commission and that all sides -- the WBC, NYSAC and the fighter's team -- can come to an agreement on his punishment.

"We understand Ryan's going to get some sanction," Greene said, "but we feel like given this evidence now it should be a light sanction."

He believes "four months or less" would be most appropriate.

Of course, not everyone agrees. Victor Conte, who works with Haney as a sports nutritionist and performance adviser, told ESPN the supplement "test results simply cannot be authenticated because there is no chain of custody." Indeed, the lab reports indicated the supplements submitted were unsealed.

"Why are they testing powders from unsealed supplement containers?" said Conte, the founder of Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative. He served time in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute performance-enhancing drugs before founding SNAC, a sports nutrition company.

"In my opinion, it seems likely that tampering may be involved. Testing of product samples from unsealed containers of the same manufacturing numbers is the place to start if the results are to be considered credible. How can test results from an unsealed container possibly be authenticated? This is not how credible science is conducted."

Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator that attaches to proteins in the body and effectively signals for muscles to grow. It is used to aid performance by helping athletes build muscle mass and enhance their rate of fat loss, as well as to increase stamina and recovery ability.

Ostarine has been on WADA's banned list since 2008 and in 2022 was listed as an anabolic agent by the agency.

"I don't know where [the adverse finding] came from," Garcia, 25, told ESPN earlier this month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hours before he was ringside for Oleksandr Usyk's heavyweight title win over Tyson Fury. "Honestly, bro, I don't. I was taking ashwagandha, D-3, Omega-3, just normal s---. I don't know what the f--- [ostarine] is. ... I have seriously no idea. I would tell everybody the truth.

"My whole thing is I'd rather tell the truth than try to fabricate it with a lie. Because lies don't stand. So if I really did take it, I would be like, honestly, I was going through a weird situation. I wasn't really that confident. I chose to take it. I'm sorry. And that's it. But I didn't, and I hate cheating. ... All I can say is legal team, help me figure this out."

Garcia floored Haney three times in the majority decision win but was ineligible to win the WBC junior welterweight title after he was 3.2 pounds overweight.

Ostarine has been used in boxing before. Lucian Bute tested positive for it in 2016 following a draw with Badou Jack in their WBC super middleweight title fight. The result was changed to a DQ win for Jack. Amir Khan was handed a two-year ban by UK Anti-Doping after he tested positive for ostarine following his sixth-round TKO loss to Kell Brook in 2022.