NIH Guidelines: URLs and Hyperlinks

Understanding URLs and Hyperlinks

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a specific webpage or file on the Internet. A hyperlink is a clickable element that directs you to a target, which could be a webpage, document, or other online content. When you move the cursor over a hyperlink, the arrow changes to a small hand pointing at the link.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and Web Browsers: Handling URLs

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and web browsers have specific ways of handling URLs. In Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, the default setting under General Categories / Basic Tools is to have the box checked for “Create links from URLs”. This means that any URL in the document will automatically be converted into a clickable link.

Web browsers also have extensions that convert URLs into clickable hyperlinks for convenience.

NIH Guidelines: Hyperlinks and URLs

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has specific guidelines on the use of hyperlinks and URLs in applications. These are only allowed when specifically noted in the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) and form field instructions. When using a hyperlink, the NIH requires that you hyperlink the actual URL text so it appears on the page rather than hiding the URL behind a specific word or phrase.

Bibliography & References Cited: NIH Application Instructions

In the Bibliography & References Cited section of the NIH Application Instructions, it states that the use of hyperlinks and URLs is not allowed unless specified in the FOA. Citations that are not covered by the Public Access Policy, but are publicly available in a free, online format, may include URLs or PubMed ID (PMID) numbers along with the full reference. Active hyperlinks in this section are not allowed.

Handling URLs in the Bibliography & References Cited Section of NIH Applications

When preparing the “Bibliography & References Cited” section of your NIH application, please consider the following points:

Point 1: If the articles that fall under the Public Access Policy were authored or co-authored by the applicant and arose from NIH support, then you should provide either the NIH Manuscript Submission reference number (e.g., NIHMS97531) or the PubMed Central (PMC) reference number (e.g., PMCID234567). If the PMCID is not yet available because the Journal submits articles directly to PMC on behalf of their authors, indicate “PMC Journal – In Process.”

Point 2: For citations not covered by the Public Access Policy but are publicly available in a free, online format, you may include URLs or PMID numbers along with the full reference.

In summary, if neither Point 1 nor Point 2 are applicable, only then can you use a URL, and it cannot be a hyperlink. However, don’t be too concerned if your URL is converted into a hyperlink when doing your final review of the application. Just remember, it’s important not to hide the URL behind a specific word or phrase.