Common CV for Applications to all CIHR Programs
We strongly advise you to read the instructions below before completing your Common CV for CIHR. Once you have finished reading the instructions, if you are a first time user of the Common CV, you need to register with the Common CV network. If you are already registered, you can logon to complete or update your Common CV.
Guidelines for Completing your Canadian Common CV
Page by page guidelines for creating and updating your Canadian Common CV for CIHR, including guidelines for fields specific to CIHR, can be found on the Canadian Common CV website.
Once you have logged onto the Canadian Common CV Network, there are several areas where guidelines are located. A Common CV User Guide and Frequently Asked Questions page can be accessed via links that are located on the right hand side of the “Home-My CV” page.
Guidelines specific to each screen can be found in the ‘Section Help’ sections at the top right hand side of each screen, and guidelines pertaining to a specific field on a screen can be accessed by clicking on the “?” icon next to the field.
Validating your Common CV
Please note that, in order to validate your Common CV for CIHR, you must have a valid and active CIHR PIN.
Printing your Common CV
Warning: Do not send printouts generated by the “Preview/Print my CV” function to CIHR. These printouts have the word ‘draft’ on them, and are therefore not admissible for a registration or application. Instead, use the “Finalize and Submit” option to preview and upload your final copy.
Finalizing your Common CV
Please note that the “Finalize and Submit” button does not submit your registration/application to CIHR automatically. You must upload your Common CV on ResearchNet as part of the ResearchNet E-Submission process.
To upload, first generate the final PDF and save a copy to your hard drive by clicking on the "diskette" icon in the Adobe menu or by clicking on "File" and selecting "Save As". Then return to your ResearchNet registration/application and upload your PDF (you will find additional instructions in ResearchNet).
Abridged CV and Expert CV Options
CIHR currently does not use the “Abridged CV” or “Expert CV” options that are listed on the “Home-My CV” page. If you are applying to a funding opportunity that requires a short-form CV at the letter of intent stage, do not use these options. Instead, follow the instructions listed for the specific competition.
Acceptable Application Module Formats
Only the latest version of the Common CV will be accepted. Version dates can be found at the bottom left corner of each page of the PDF or printed report. Note that enhancements are made to the Common CV each year. Please visit the Common CV Website for the most up-to-date version of the Common CV.
The Canadian Common CV site stores data in a secure and private database that you can access at any time, and from any computer. The Common CV does not display data on a single screen: it breaks down the data into specific sections so that you can complete and save sections at your convenience.
Using the Common CV reduces the amount of time needed for CIHR to process applications, and helps simplify the work of peer review committees. Also, since data can be reused for future submissions, it reduces the workload needed to submit a registration or application. Drop down menus and pre-populated lists are other features of the Common CV that simplify the registration and application process, as they reduce the amount of typing required.
Mandatory file attachments can be prepared using the word processing software package of your choice. Attachments should be uploaded to ResearchNet and submitted with the your application.
It is critical that you adhere to the guidelines when completing your file attachments. Guidelines for file attachments can be found in the CIHR-specific sections of the “Funding” and “Contributions-Details” screens. Unless you are applying to a competition where it is expressly stated that a Common CV validated for CIHR is not required, failure to follow the proper guidelines may result in the administrative withdrawal of your letter of intent, registration or application.
For further information, please direct your inquiries by e-mail to
