Project Summary/Abstract and Project Narrative: What’s the Difference and What to Include
When writing an NIH grant application, applicants are asked to develop a Project Summary/Abstract and a Project Narrative, two sections that, if funded, are made available on NIH RePORTER to help the public understand the value of NIH-funded research. Check out the table below to see how they compare and what to include.
| Project Summary/Abstract | Project Narrative |
| A succinct and accurate description of the proposed work | Communicates the public health relevance of the project to the public |
| 30 lines of text or less | No more than 2-3 sentences |
| Use plain language understandable by a general audience | Use plain language understandable by a general audience |
| Include: the project’s broad, long-term objectives and specific aims, and a description of the research design and methods. Do not include: proprietary or confidential information, or descriptions of past accomplishments. | Describe how, in the short or long term, the research would contribute to: the fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems, and/or the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. |
| If the application is funded, the summary/abstract will be available on RePORTER | If the application is funded, the narrative will be available on RePORTER |
For more guidance, see the Application Guide for Project Summary/Abstract and Project Narrative.