Creating an NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan

As of January 25, 2023, the NIH has implemented an updated Data Management and Sharing Policy that applies to all NIH-funded research that generates scientific data, regardless of funding mechanism. Compliance with this policy requires submission of a Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) with the funding application, outlining the plan for managing, preserving, and sharing project data. This guide provides recommendations for creating a compliant DMSP.

For questions or a consultation, please contact ResearchData@northwestern.edu

NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy and supplemental guidance links:

• NOT-OD-21-013: The Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing
  • Plan writing supplement: Elements of an NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan
  • Cost-defining supplement: Allowable Costs for Data Management and Sharing
  • Repository selection supplement: Selecting a Repository for Data Resulting from NIH-Supported Research

See also:

• NIH's website on data sharing, https://sharing.nih.gov/, for all the latest updates and links
• NIH's FAQs for the NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing (DMS Policy)
• NIH's Implementation Details for the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy
• NIH's DMP Format Page (a sample template for creating a Data Management and Sharing Plan)
• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)'s Data Management and Sharing Website

Consult the sections of this guide for section-by-section guidance on creating an NIH Data Management Plan.

What data should be shared?

• Sufficient data to validate and replicate study findings
• Data produced through the study but not necessarily resulting in a publication
• Null findings on which no publication will be made

Which data are not eligible to be shared?

• Laboratory notebooks
• Preliminary analyses
• Completed case report forms
• Drafts of scientific papers
• Plans for future research
• Peer reviews
• Communications with colleagues
• Physical objects, such as lab specimens

Above adapted from: Federer, Lisa. Introduction to the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy. National Library of Medicine, Office of Strategic Initiatives.