Most federal sponsors require senior/key personnel to provide biographical information and disclose resources made available to them. This information is provided on the Biosketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support documents. Many federal agencies have switched to the Common Form for both these documents and require their use for all application dates and Just-In-Time (JIT), Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR), and Prior Approval submissions.
SciENcv
Many sponsors require or allow the use of the Common Forms completed in SciENcv (Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae) account to create the Biosketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support document. Senior/key personnel should create an account in SciENcv to be used to generate the required documents. Upon completion, documents should be certified by the PI, downloaded as a PDF, and added to the RMS record.
What to Include in the Biosketch
Always follow the sponsor’s most recent disclosure requirements. Generally:
- Include all education and training preparing the individual for the role
- Include all academic, professional, and/or institutional appointments
- Provide products related to the project and promote the individual’s contributions to science
Information is split into four sections:
Identifying Information
- Information should auto-populate from a SciENcv profile
- ORCID ID should be included and linked to the individual’s eRA Commons profile
- Do not submit any personal information
Professional Preparation
- Include any education and training including postdoctoral positions and fellowships
- Must be in reverse chronological order by start date
Appointments and Positions
- Include all academic, professional, and institutional appointments and positions
- Must be in reverse chronological order, beginning with the current appointment
Products
- Split into two sections
- Products closely related to the proposed project (up to five)
- Other significant products highlighting the individual’s Contributions to Science (up to five)
- Products must be citable and accessible. Examples:
- Publications, conference papers, and presentations
- Websites
- Technologies or techniques
- Inventions, patents, patent applications, and/or licenses
- Data, databases, or datasets
- Educational aids or curricula
What to Disclose on Current and Pending (Other) Support
The Current and Pending (Other) Support Disclosure training addresses what is generally required on the document. Always follow the sponsor’s most recent requirements.
- Disclose all resources made available or expected to be made available in support of and/or related to research or development
- Regardless of whether they have monetary value
- Regardless of whether they are based at WashU
- Include all foreign and domestic activities/support
- Include all WashU and non-WashU activities
- Include support provided directly to the individual and support received through WashU
Resources are typically split into two main sections:
Proposals and Active Projects
- Include any financial support for research activities either received through WashU, individually, or third-party
- For the amount, include direct and indirect costs for the entire project period
- Separate support into Active and Pending
Examples
- Active grants or awards
- Pending proposals
- Gifts in support of research
- Research activities paid for by a foreign entity
- Startup packages from organization other than WashU
- Pending foreign support or collaborations
- Personal consulting activities where you are involved in the design, conduct, or reporting of research
In-Kind Contributions
- Include non-financial contributions not intended for use on the project/proposal
- Provide a summary of the in-kind contribution and an estimated dollar value
Examples
- Office or laboratory space
- Equipment or supplies
- Materials that are not freely available (data, biologics, chemicals, model systems, technology, etc.)
- Visitors, employees, postdocs, or students not fully supported by WashU and/or supported by an outside source
- Travel supported/paid by an external entity to perform research activities with an associated time commitment
Gifts (resources provided where there is no expectation of any research activities) are not required to be disclosed. However, some sponsors have a very narrow definition of a gift. Review How to Distinguish Between Financial Support and a Gift.
WashU developed guidance and FAQs for more specific situations and questions for disclosing to the NIH and other sponsors.
COGR provides a helpful reference Matrix of Laws, Regulations, and Policies Regarding Science and Security.
Sponsor-Specific Guidance
DOE
The Department of Energy requires the use of the Common Forms for Biosketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support documents. For applicants, recipients, and subrecipients required to submit transparency of foreign connections disclosures, the DOE provides a sample Transparency of Foreign Connections Disclosure and Certification.
- DOE: Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form Usage Requirements in Financial Assistance [FAL 2026-02]
- DOE: Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) Requirements [FAL 2026-01]
NASA
NASA uses the Common Forms in SciENcv
- NASA Grant Operations Management – Regulations, Guidance, and Forms
- SciENcv is Live; Required for Grant and CA Proposals
NIH
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires use of the Common Forms in SciENcv for the Biosketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support.
- NIH: Biographical Sketch Common Form
- NIH: Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form
- NIH: FAQs
- NIH: Disclosure Table
NSF
The National Science Foundation (NSF) requires use of the Common Forms in SciENcv for the Biosketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support.
USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires the Common Forms in SciENcv for Current and Pending (Other) Support and the Biosketch.
Other Sponsors
Follow sponsor’s guidance for disclosure requirements, formatting, and timing.