Are you guilty of using active links and hypertext in NIH grant proposals?

So much of our daily lives include links, looking up information, and hopping between websites.  Clicking on active links in documents makes things seamless and fast.  Like other aspects of grant applications (human subjects attachments, anyone?), links have unfortunately been abused by some applicants who are seeking to circumvent the rules. In an effort to level the playing field, NIH created a policy that expressly prohibits hyperlinks in grant applications.  The policy can be found in the Grant Application Guide.  It states, in part:

Hyperlinks and URLs are only allowed when specifically noted in funding opportunities and/or form field instructions. It is highly unusual for a funding opportunity to allow links in Specific Aims, Research Strategy, and other page-limited attachments.

Hyperlinks and URLs may not be used to provide information necessary to application review. Applications must be self-contained and reflect the information available at time of review. 

Reviewers are not obligated to view linked sites and are cautioned that they should not directly access a website (unless the link to the site was specifically requested in application instructions) as it could compromise their anonymity.

When allowed, you must hyperlink the actual URL text so it appears on the page rather than hiding the URL behind a specific word or phrase (hypertext).

Since applicants were either unaware or routinely ignored this policy, NOT-OD-20-174 was released as a reminder. Although this policy has been in existence for years, there are many who continue to attempt to include hyperlinks in the text. The notice "serves to remind the applicant community about existing guidance that restricts use of hypertext (e.g., hyperlinks and URLs) in NIH applications".  It also lists multiple concerns related to the use of hypertext in grant applications, including overstuffing of applications, reviewer confidentiality, and use of malware.

In summary, keep the hyperlinks out of your entire proposal.  Allow enough time to review your complete application and remove any hypertext. Do not take a chance that your proposal will be withdrawn due to noncompliance!