Narrative CV Support
Knowledge to Impact
Narrative CVs
Jump To: TCV Guide | MSC Statements
The three major federal funding agencies (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) will be gradually transitioning to a new narrative-style CV for competitions (See: Tri-Agency CV, Guidelines for Reviewing the Tri-Agency CV). This is part of their commitment to a more inclusive, diverse and holistic approach to excellence in research funding as signatories to the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).
Narrative CVs 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.
The Tri-Agency CV (TCV) and its component parts are being piloted in select funding competitions. This page will be updated when the official transition date has been announced.
Tri-Agency CV (TCV) Guide
The KI team has built an interactive Guide to support faculty, staff, students, and partners drafting a new narrative-style CV for funding competitions. This Guide offers practical guidance on drafting your TCV, aligned with tri-agency requirements.
This Guide can be used by researchers and others who are:
- applying to tri-agency funding opportunities that require a TCV;
- preparing for upcoming transitions to narrative CV formats;
- seeking to understand how to communicate research contributions, impact, and mentorship in a narrative, evidence-based format aligned with responsible research assessment principles
Jump Right In - Quick Start Guides
Get pragn1atic advice, access a drafting checklist, and explore our 4-step frame\vork to start your TCV immediately vvith our online and pdf Quick Start guides:
TCV Quick Start Guide (Web Version) I TCV Quick Start Guide (PDF eng)
For our recorded webinar providing an overview and tips for drafting a full narrative TCV visit:
UCalgary TCV Webinar (2025)
Book a Consultation
Tri-Agency/Narrative CV 'Office Hours'
The Knowledge to Impact team offers 1:1 'office hours'-style consultation appointments to support narrative CV conceptualization, drafting, and revisions.
Spaces are Limited. View and book available dates/times here:
Book a Consultation with KI
Most Significant Contributions (MSC) Statements
‘Most Significant Contributions’ (MSC) statements allow researchers to communicate and contextualize their achievements and impact for any number of opportunities including funding and award applications, career advancement, and other profile-building opportunities. A well-written MSC allows you to tell a unique story about the value and impact of your research.
An MSC may be a standalone document, or may be one component of a larger narrative CV, such as the
Tri-Agency CV. With its emphasis on context, a mix of qualitative and quantitative evidence, and a broad range of contributions, it is a DORA-aligned evidence-based account of your key research achievements, tailored to the audience(s) evaluating it.
Learn More: MSC Statements