This page provides tools for researchers applying to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for research funding. To begin, review the NIH grants website. Please use the additional resources below to help you design, write, and meet the requirements for proposals to the NIH.
Proposal Support by Funding Type
The checklist and templates found in the SharePoint links below represent all documents that might be required for a research grant or fellowship to the National Institutes of Health. Always also refer to the SF424 Research Instructions and the specific Funding Opportunity Announcement for details on the requirements for your particular solicitation to ensure you have the proper documents for your application.
Use the templates to begin writing each element, and use the checklist to keep track of timing and what parties at UO are responsible for various pieces of an application. Please reach out to Research Development Services if you need checklists and/or templates for other NIH programs.
Remember: Hyperlinks and URLs are only allowed when specifically noted in funding opportunity announcement and form field instructions. The use of hyperlinks is typically limited to citing relevant publications in biosketches and publication lists.
Guidance & Resources
Targeted Support for Proposal Components
Ways to Improve Proposal-Writing Skills
Specialized Proposal Prep Resources
Research Development Services Training Videos
- How to Write a Specific Aims Page for the NIH - 2022 video (20 min): Watch this video to learn the art of writing the specific aims document for NIH grants, the most important component of your application. (Overview - How to Write Specific Aims Video)
- Preparing Your First NIH Proposal - 2022 video (17 min): This video covers resources available through RDS and the NIH and essential grant writing tips for the NIH. (Overview - Preparing Your First NIH Proposal Video)
NIH Resources
The NIH has produced significant content on various elements of the agency, proposal preparation, and merit review.
2023 NIH Conference Resources found on the NIH resource page
Examples of Materials:
- Grant Writing for Success
- Let's Take a Look at Peer Review
- NIH Grant Basics and Need-to-Know Resources
- NIH Peer Review: “Live” Mock Study Section with Extended Q&A
- Understanding NIH Programs
Brief Tutorials
- eRA Commons Overview (4 min): An overview of eRA Commons, the IT infrastructure for managing NIH grants. All applicants must have an eRA account before proposal submission.
- How to Get a User ID for eRA Commons (2 min): Highlights the steps an institutional official takes to create your account in eRA Commons.
- NIH RePORTER Tool (5 min): Learn RePORTER database is a repository of all grant-funded projects funded by the NIH. (5 min)
- NIH Matchmaker (3 min): Learn about Matchmaker, an extension of the NIH RePorter system that makes it easy to find which Centers and Institutes have funded similar work to your proposed project and find the right program officers to contact before submitting your application. (3 min)
- A Walk-through of the PHS Human Subjects & Clinical Trials Information Form (6 min): A walk-through filling out the PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials form, which is used to collect detailed study-level information for the protocols including in NIH applications. (6 min)