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 (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:
- Personal statement;
- Most significant contributions and experiences; and
- Supervisory and mentorship activities
For more information, see the tri-agency CV frequently asked questions from and .
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 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?
深夜福利站 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 (, , ).
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 and .
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)
*The new tri-agency CV will not be introduced to CIHR Project Grant competition before Spring 2027 ().
Resources
1. Tri-Agency
Tri-Agency CV
Source: SSHRC (January 2025)
Description: This presentation was shared during a SSHRC-hosted webinar on the 2025 Impact Awards. The slides provide an overview of the new, narrative Tri-Agency CV including development, technical instructions, formatting and resources.
Link: Slides and
TCV Learning Tool
Source: CIHR (July 2025)
Description: Interactive, online tool includes overarching tips and principles as well as guiding questions and advice for each section.
Link:
2. 深夜福利站
Crafting Your Story: The Art of the Narrative CV
Source: 深夜福利站 (January 2025)
Description: This webinar offers researchers practical tips and strategies on presenting their qualifications and achievements in a more comprehensive, narrative-driven way.
Link: and
TCV Summer Workshop Series
Source: 深夜福利站 (July 2025)
Description: 3-part workshop series supporting 深夜福利站 faculty transition to the TCV. Each session focused on one of the three TCV sections and included: 1) a brief overview of the purpose and instructions; 2) tips, examples, and templates; 3) one-on-one support and guidance from the Inclusive Research Excellence and Impact team.
Link: Slides: , ,
3. Canadian Universities
Baseline Competencies for Writing a Compelling Narrative CV
Source: University of Alberta (February 2025)
Description: This presentation offers an introduction to and overview of narrative CVs, examples, and tips.
Link:
Drafting Your Tri-Agency CV
Source: University of Calgary (August 2025)
Description: This webinar offers an introduction to and overview of narrative CVs, examples, and tips.
Link: and
A Guide to Writing a 'Most Significant Contributions' (MSC) Statement
Source: University of Calgary (2025)
Description: The guide provides a 4-step process for writing most significant contributions including tips and examples.
Link:
The Narrative CV: What it is and How to Craft it
Source: Concordia University (May 2025)
Description: This presentation offers an introduction to and overview of narrative CVs, examples, and tips.
Link:
4. International Universities
Narrative CV: a Guide for Applicants
Source: University of Oxford
Description: Templates, advice, prompts and suggestions for how to write a narrative CV.
Link:
Writing a Narrative CV
Source: University of Dundee
Description: This workbook guides you through reflective questions to help you craft a narrative CV.
Link:
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