Using SciENcv to Create an NIH Biosketch and Other Support Documents

Data goes into your SciENcv in multiple potential ways:

• You can add it manually
• You can import the data from one of your external sources linked to your NCBI account
• You can import the data from another SciENcv document

Sometimes when you import data from an external account, it will be incomplete or inaccurate, so be sure to check the information and edit it as necessary.

A note of caution on importing data from ORCiD:
When you create a sketch using ORCiD as your external data source, there may be errors in your Professional Preparation section and possibly in other sections. When you try to edit this information, SciENcv may give you an error message. The NCBI has fixed this "bug" for the most part, but if you try to edit a section and receive an error message, try editing the source information in your ORCiD profile first, then try again.

Identifying Information, Organization and Location

The top section of the sketch holds your basic information, including your name, ORCiD as your persistent identifier (which will be required by the NIH beginning in 2026), your organization, location and position title. Also in this section is the name of the document you gave it when you created it, and a last updated date.

You can edit most of this data as necessary if you imported it from an external source or from an existing SciENcv document. Click the pencil icon EDIT link to edit, then SAVE.

Reminder: Do not edit the name of the document if you have already certified it. This will corrupt the metadata for the document. You can edit any fields before certification, but after certification, you should not edit the document. (Note: the Download PDF / Certification functionality is disabled in the PREVIEW version of the sketch.)

Section A is formatted as a table of your training and education, ordered in reverse chronological order by start date.

Include all your education and training going back to your baccalaureate, including post doctoral or fellowship training. You can also choose to add any special training or certificates you have received. However, you should not list all your continuing medical education (CME) courses or activities.

This table may be pre-populated if you started the sketch using an external source (like eRA Commons or ORCiD) or if you used a previous SciENcv document, like an older format NIH biosketch. in most cases, you can edit imported data. HOWEVER, data imported from your ORCiD profile into Professional Preparation may produce an error if you try to edit and save it. If this happens, delete the entry and add it manually, or go to your ORCiD profile and edit the source data, and try again (as mentioned above in the "note of caution").

• Click on the pencil icon to edit an entry.

• You can completely delete an entry by clicking on the trash can icon, if you cannot edit and save the information.
• To add an entry manually, click the + ADD PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION link located above the table. Fill out all required fields (indicated by an asterisk *).
• After editing or creating a new entry, click SAVE or SAVE AND ADD ANOTHER ENTRY in the entry form.

Similar to section A, section B is formatted as a table, with your appointments and positions listed in reverse chronological order, beginning with your current appointment. Adding and editing entries is the same as in the previous section.

• Add entries manually using the + ADD APPOINTMENT/POSITION link
• Edit current entries by clicking on the pencil icon. Edit and save
  • Appointments imported from ORCiD profiles can be edited without error, unlike section A
• Be sure to click the checkbox next to Primary appointment or position, so the table will show "Yes" in the Current column
  • Note: if you have dual current appointments, you can, unfortunately, only select ONE as your primary position. Select the position that most appropriately describes your primary role at the institution. 
• Click SAVE or SAVE AND ADD ANOTHER APPOINTMENT when you are done