The NIH recently released changes to their policies, instructions and forms for grant applications.  The changes will be effective in two phases.  The planned changes focus on: rigor & transparency in research, vertebrate animals, inclusion reporting, data safety monitoring, research training, appendices, font requirements and biosketch clarifications.

Phase 1 changes are effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after January 25, 2016.  This phase implements a subset of policy changes using the existing FORMS-C and updated instructions.

Phase 2 changes are effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after May 25, 2016.  This phase will require the use of new FORMS-D.

Anyone submitting a proposal to the National Institutes of Health for programs with due dates after January 25 and/or May 25, 2016 should review the updated requirements carefully prior to preparation.  Be sure to use the correct application guide when preparing your proposal.  You should plan additional time to make changes from previous submissions.