As narrative CVs become more widely adopted by funders and institutions, researchers are being asked to rethink how they present their careers. Unlike traditional CVs, which rely heavily on lists of publications, grants and metrics, a narrative CV offers a more holistic and inclusive way to showcase a researcher’s contributions. This format allows individuals to tell the story of their research journey, highlighting the breadth of their impact – on people, knowledge and society.
At Heriot-Watt University, we’ve developed and refined a training programme to help researchers write a compelling narrative CV. Drawing on our experience of delivering workshops to more than 200 participants across disciplines and career stages, here are practical insights into what a narrative CV is, how to write one and how to adapt it for different purposes.
What is a narrative CV?
A narrative CV is a structured document that allows researchers to describe their achievements in a qualitative, story-based format. It was introduced to the UK through the Royal Society’s Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI) flexible template and is now required by major funders such as UKRI, the Wellcome Trust and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The format is designed to move away from narrow metrics and instead recognise a broader range of contributions.
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The UKRI template, for example, includes four key sections: contributions to the generation of knowledge; development of others; contributions to the wider research community; and broader societal impact. This structure encourages researchers to reflect on their work in a more meaningful way, making visible the often-invisible aspects of academic life, such as mentoring, collaboration and public engagement.
What to include – and what to avoid
When writing a narrative CV, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your impact. Rather than listing publications or grants, describe how your work has contributed to new ideas, supported colleagues or influenced policy or practice. Use plain language and avoid jargon, especially if your CV will be read by reviewers outside your discipline.
Avoid relying on metrics or generic statements. Instead, aim to tell a story that reflects your values, your development as a researcher and your unique contributions. Think about what makes your journey distinctive – what is the “invisible” work that you have done that wouldn’t normally appear in metrics? For example, mentoring early career researchers, conducting peer reviews, organising academic conferences.
Tips for researchers for writing and formatting a narrative CV
Before you begin writing your narrative CV, check the funder requirements; UKRI, for example, only allows two pages. Start early and seek feedback from colleagues or mentors. Use the funder’s template and keep your language clear and concise. While the tone should be professional, it can also be personal. This is your opportunity to explain who you are as a researcher and why your work matters. It is more challenging that creating a traditional CV because thought needs to go into writing your story. So, writing a narrative CV takes time and reflection.
Structure your CV with clear headings and short paragraphs to aid readability. Use the first person (”I contributed to…”) where appropriate, and focus on outcomes and impact rather than activities alone. For example, instead of saying that you “organised a conference”, explain how the event fostered collaboration or led to new partnerships.
Adapting for different contexts
Narrative CVs can be tailored to suit specific purposes. For funding applications, highlight how your experience aligns with the project goals and the funder’s priorities. For job applications, focus on leadership, teaching and institutional fit. Team narrative CVs, which are increasingly used in collaborative bids, should reflect the collective strengths of the group while also clarifying individual roles.
At Heriot-Watt, we’ve begun to use a similar template for internal processes such as promotions and secondary appointments, recognising their value in capturing the full scope of academic contributions.
Lessons from our training programme
Since 2023, we’ve delivered a series of interactive workshops to support researchers in writing narrative CVs. These sessions include presentations on the UKRI template, discussions of individual and team documents, and breakout groups where participants can share drafts and receive feedback. Preparation begins a month in advance, with participants encouraged to draft their CVs using publicly available resources and templates.
One of the most valuable aspects of the training has been the creation of a community of practice. Participants are added to a shared Teams site where they can access example CVs, guidance documents and peer support. This community has helped foster collegiality, build confidence and promote a culture of openness and collaboration.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have said the training helped them reflect on their career path, articulate their impact more clearly, and feel more prepared for future applications. Several have gone on to become facilitators themselves, further strengthening the community and embedding the practice across the university.
A shift in how research is valued and assessed
Narrative CVs are not a silver bullet but they are a powerful tool for shifting how we value and assess research. They encourage a more inclusive and reflective approach, allowing researchers to present a fuller picture of their work and its impact. At Heriot-Watt, we’ve seen how narrative CVs can support equity, foster collaboration and drive culture change. As a research community we are still learning and adapting to writing, using and reviewing narrative CVs, which is more time-consuming for both writers and reviewers. But the payoff is worth it. Your experiences, values and contributions matter – and a narrative CV is your chance to make them visible.
If you’re new to narrative CVs, start by drafting one section and asking a colleague for feedback. Use the templates and resources that are available, for example, through UKRI and other UK universities such as Glasgow and Oxford, and don’t be afraid to tell your story.
Jemina Napier is associate principal for research culture and people; Catalina Bastidas is researcher development consultant for research culture and people; Craig Landt is head of research operations and strategic projects; Suzanne Fitzpatrick is director of the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-Sphere); Mehreen Gul is assistant professor of architectural engineering; Michela Ottobre is professor of mathematics; and Lee Picken is researcher development coordinator, all at Heriot-Watt University. All were involved in various capacities in developing, delivering, reviewing and supporting the narrative CV training programme.
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