Biosketches

A biosketch is a common proposal element used to asses one’s professional background in relation to the project. The biosketch depicts, in brief, chronological form, the researcher’s professional accomplishments.

The biosketch tells the story of an individual’s expertise to carry out the specific project. Sponsors typically require that PIs highlight only experiences most relevant to the proposal. Bios of all senior/key personnel involved in the project are typically required elements.

Biosketches for Other Agencies

Department of Defense (DOD)

• Check individual solicitation requirements.
  • Biosketches are typically required for Principal Investigators/Project Directors, and optional, but desired for all Senior Personnel. Content requirements typically include:
    • Education and Training.
    • Research and Professional Experience.
    • Collaborations and Affiliations (for conflict of interest).
    • Publications and Synergistic Activities.
  • Foreign affiliation disclosure requirements also apply to DOD applications. Biosketches should list outside Appointments, both paid and unpaid. (Example: DARPA Countering Foreign Influence Policy: “Senior/Key Personnel Foreign Influence Risk Rubric” and CFIP FAQs.)

Department of Energy (DOE)

• Requires the use of a format required by the National Science Foundation for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support is mandatory, either through SciENcv or the NSF fillable PDF template.
  • Foreign affiliation disclosure is required per DOE Order 486.1.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• See NASA Proposers Guidebook. (Includes guidelines on disclosure of foreign affiliations)
  • PIs, Co-PIs, and any Co-I serving in one of the three special Co-I categories and (if the person is known) graduate student participant/trainees shall include a biographical sketch that includes:
    • their professional experiences, positions.
    • a bibliography of publications, especially those relevant to the proposed effort.
    • a description of scientific, technical, and management experience on relevant prior efforts.
  • Co-Is who are proposing to spend 10% or more of their time (in any given year) to the proposed effort are limited to a one-page sketch.
  • PIs, Co-PIs, and any Co-Is who are serving in one of the three special Co-I categories are permitted two pages each for their CV.
  • No biographical sketches are required for Co-Is or other team members who are spending less than 10% of their time in any given year on the proposed work unless specified in the NOFO.