Explainer · Plain-language
What is a narrative CV?
A narrative CV is a researcher's curriculum vitae written as a structured narrative — describing contributions in terms of impact, context, and broader value rather than as a chronological list of publications and grants. UKRI made the R4RI narrative-CV format mandatory for its fellowships from January 2024.
Why narrative CVs
The traditional CV — chronological publication list + grant list — rewards productivity and journal-prestige but fails to capture broader research contributions: mentoring, community service, methodological development, knowledge mobilisation. Narrative CVs address this by asking researchers to write about their contributions in context. Aligned with DORA + CoARA responsible-assessment principles.
The four common modules
Most narrative-CV formats use a 4-module structure: (1) Contributions to the generation of knowledge / ideas / tools; (2) Contributions to the development of people; (3) Contributions to the wider research community; (4) Contributions to broader society and impact.
UKRI R4RI specifically
The Resume for Research and Innovation (R4RI) is the UKRI-mandated format for fellowship applications from January 2024. Four modules as above; ≤4 pages total typical; narrative throughout rather than lists.
What it is not
A narrative CV is not a replacement for ORCID (which captures all outputs) or for traditional CVs in industry contexts. It's specifically for academic-funder applications that want to assess wider contribution.
Key facts
At a glance
- Mandatory: UKRI fellowships (Jan 2024-); Royal Society (some); Wellcome (most fellowships)
- Format: Narrative across 4 modules
- Length: Typically ≤4 pages
- Aligned: DORA, CoARA, responsible-assessment principles
- Tooling: Word templates; ORCID for underlying publication list
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: A narrative CV is just a longer personal statement.
Actually: No — it's a structured format with explicit modules. Module weights vary by funder but the structure is consistent.
Often heard: Narrative CVs replace publication lists entirely.
Actually: Not quite — your ORCID record + publication list remain. The narrative CV reframes them in context.
Going deeper
