While both sections are important, they serve very different purposes in an NIH grant application. Here’s what you need to know:

Project Summary/Abstract:

Think of this as a quick snapshot of your research. You’re giving reviewers a broad overview: what you’re studying, how you’ll do it, and why it matters. Keep it concise (about 30 lines), and make sure it’s understandable to both scientists and non-specialists. The goal is to summarize your research’s potential impact and innovation. Tip: Highlight your methodology, research goals, and the anticipated outcomes. It’s also included in databases like RePORTER, so anyone can look it up!

Project Narrative:

This section is all about public health relevance. While the abstract gives the science details, the project narrative is your chance to say why your research matters to a general audience. Use simple, straightforward language, avoiding jargon. You’ll want to explain how your research could improve health outcomes or prevent disease, speaking directly to the importance of your work in broader terms.

Key Differences:

• The Project Summary/Abstract focuses on the science—what and how you’re doing it.
• The Project Narrative explains the why—how it impacts public health and benefits society.

By keeping these distinctions in mind, you can craft clear, compelling sections that satisfy both technical reviewers and broader NIH goals. Need more tips on how to perfect these sections? Feel free to reach out!