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Narrative CVs

Transitioning from a traditional academic CV to a narrative CV can feel like a daunting task. The information and resources below will guide you through the process.

What is a narrative CV?

The Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) defines narrative CV as “a structured description of a researcher’s contributions and achievements that reflect a broader range of skills and experiences beyond publications and funding record.” 

The tri-agency CV (TCV) uses a narrative-style CV template aimed at capturing relevant information from applicants. It is composed of three sections:

1. Personal statement;
2. Most significant contributions and experiences; and
3. Supervisory and mentorship activities

For more information, see the tri-agency CV frequently asked questions from CIHR and SSHRC.

Why do I need a narrative CV now? 

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) announced that they will be transition from the Canadian Common CV to a new narrative-style CV for funding competitions, beginning in 2025.

“The new CV will prioritize written descriptions of an applicant’s research contributions, allowing users to highlight a wide range of research outputs and to describe their career trajectories in more detail. This format values societal research outcomes, such as influence on policy or mentorship, alongside more traditional research outputs like publications.”

How do I create a Tri-Agency narrative CV?

Western Research expects a final tri-agency CV template to be rolled out along with the Tri-Angecy Grants Management Solution (date TBD). In the meantime, you may refer to the existing template, instructions, and formatting guidelines for each agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC).

A few key highlights:

• Sections: Personal statement, Most significant contributions and experience, and Supervisory and mentorship activities. 
• Page Limit: 5 pages (6 pages for CVs written in French) 
• Formatting: 12 pt font, single line spacing, standard character spacing, PDF format etc. *formatting varies by agency

How will the TCV be evaluated?

Reviewers are asked to refer to the specific funding opportunity/program evaluation criteria in assessing the TCV. There are five categories of recommendations for reviewers: 1) Preparation, 2) Quality and impact, 3) Lived and living experience and non-linear career paths, 4) Limited opportunities for student and postdoctoral researcher training, and 5) Self-contained information. The guidelines for reviewing the TCV are available from CIHR and SSHRC.

What funding opportunities require the TCV?

Applicants must use the tri-agency CV if specified in the funding opportunity description. See the funding opportunity description for specific instructions for completing the tri-agency CV. (Updated August 8, 2025)

• CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grants
• CIHR Operating Grants
• CIHR Indigenous Centres for STBBI Research
• CIHR Team Grant - Pan-Canadian Network: Emerging LHS in Perinatal Mental Health
• CIHR Team Grant - Strengthening Resilient and Equitable Public Health Systems
• CIHR Canadian Council on Animal Care
• CIHR Partnering for Impact
• SSHRC Impact Awards
• SSHRC Policy Innovation Partnership Grants
• Indigenous Science and the Impacts of Plastic Pollution
• Indigenous Capacity and Leadership Connection Grant
• NSERC Discovery Horizons (pilot)
• Destination Horizon Grants
• 2026 Canada Excellence Research Chairs Competition

*The new tri-agency CV will not be used for the Fall 2025 CIHR Project Grant competition (read more).

Resources

1. Tri-Agency Resources

Tri-Agency CV (webinar)

TCV Learning Tool