ºù«Ӱҵ

What is a Narrative CV?

A narrative CV provides a structured, reflective, and personalised way to present your achievements and contributions, typically in four key areas: to research and the creation of new ideas, outputs and/or knowledge; to collaboration, teaching and the development of others; to your research and knowledge communities; and contributions to communicating your work and/or translating it for the wider benefit of society. Unlike traditional CVs that emphasize metrics, such as publication citations and awarded grants, narrative CVs focus on the broader context and impact of your work, providing a more holistic view of your contributions, supported with examples as evidence.

Why were Narrative CVs introduced?

The introduction of narrative CVs in the UK research funding environment reflects a growing commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and recognising diverse contributions to research. Traditional evaluation methods often prioritise narrow metrics that can undervalue important activities such as mentoring, effective team working, committee work , and public engagement.

To address this, major UK research funders, including UKRI and the Wellcome Trust, have adopted narrative CVs as part of a shift toward more comprehensive and equitable assessment practices. This change aligns with broader efforts to foster research cultures that value diversity, collaboration, and societal impact alongside academic excellence.

Through the narrative CV format, researchers can highlight their contributions across four key areas:

1. Contributions to Knowledge – Reflecting on how your research has advanced understanding and knowledge in your field.
2. Contributions to the development of others and to effective working relationships, for example through mentorship, teaching and training; leadership; and the management or supervision of others.
3. Contributions to the Research Community – Providing an opportunity to highlight activities such as peer review; organising, or presenting at, events, conferences and seminars; involvement in societal, research integrity and/or EDI committees; and editorial board membership.
4. Contributions to Broader Society – Including the different ways in which you communicate, and demonstrate,  the societal benefits and/or real-world applications of your work, for example through public engagement, school outreach or via the commercialisation of intellectual property or through industrial partnerships.

Best practice for writing a Narrative CV 

A narrative CV should present a holistic view of your achievements, contributions, and impact, going beyond the traditional focus on publications and grant income. Based on the programme of training we have undertaken, we have developed the following best practices for crafting an effective narrative CV.

Understand the Purpose -  A narrative CV allows you to tell the story of your academic and professional journey and to draw on a wide range of skills, experience, activities and capabilities to evidence your contributions. It should focus on demonstrating how your contributions align with the values and goals of your field, institution, or funding body. And on demonstrating your capability to deliver on the proposed project and in accordance with any specific funding guidance.

Follow a Clear Structure - Each module should highlight selected examples that provide the strongest evidence  to demonstrate your contributions (or your team members’ contributions for team-based CVs), for each module, as well as their impact and your professional development.

Be Specific and Evidence-Based - Avoid generalities. For each module, provide concrete examples that showcase your achievements. Use evidence (e.g., metrics, outcomes, feedback, collaborations) to substantiate your claims. For example, rather than saying "I mentored students," you could write, "I mentored 10 PhD students, helping three to secure competitive postdoctoral positions."

Be Reflective and Analytical - A key aspect of the narrative CV is reflecting on your work. Don't just list achievements—explain how they fit into your broader career trajectory and/or equip you with the skills and experience to deliver on a particular project. Consider previous challenges you might have  faced and how you overcame them. This reflection shows the depth of your engagement and critical thinking.

Use Clear, Accessible Language - Ensure your CV is readable by a wide audience, including those who may not be specialists in your field. Avoid using jargon or overly technical language unless necessary, and provide explanations where needed.

Highlight Your Impact and Broader Contributions - Demonstrate how your work has had a tangible impact beyond academia. This could include contributions to industry, public engagement, policy, environmental sustainability and/or societal well-being. Make the case for the value of your work to society.

Keep It Concise and Focused - While a narrative CV allows for more detail than a traditional CV, it’s important to maintain focus. Each section should be concise and impactful. Aim for clarity, avoiding long-winded explanations or irrelevant information.

Incorporate Feedback and Iteration - A narrative CV is a living document. Continuously update it as you progress in your career and gather new evidence, and be prepared to tailor it for specific funding applications. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, senior colleagues and/or assessors to refine your CV over time.