University researchers can now use their GatorLink usernames and passwords to sign on to National Institutes of Health (NIH) web sites.

When you are asked to sign on to an NIH web site, you will be asked to "select Account Type". You should select "Research Organizations". You will then be asked to select your organization. You should select "University of Florida". You will see a checkmark next to the UF selection, indicating that UF participates with the NIH in federated sign-on.

Following your selection of UF, you will be presented with the UF GatorLink sign-on page. Enter your GatorLink username and password. You will then be signed on to the NIH service.

Federated sign-on is safe and secure. Your username and password are verified by the University of Florida. Your password will not be transmitted to or stored at NIH. You do not need to update NIH regarding a changed password. All username and password verification and management are done by the University of Florida.

The underlying technology used by the NIH and the University of Florida to achieve federated sign on is called Shibboleth. You can learn more about Shibboleth at the UF IT Shibboleth service page. More information about federated identity at the NIH can be found at NIH Federated Identity Service page.

Additional federal agencies are expected to move to federated identity in the future.