NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Requirements

What is “Scientific Data?”

“Scientific data” is defined as data commonly accepted in the scientific community of sufficient quality to validate and replicate research findings, regardless of whether the data are used to support scholarly publications. 

• Includes: any data needed to validate and replicate research findings
• Does not include: laboratory notebooks, preliminary analyses, completed case report forms, drafts of scientific papers, plans for future research, peer reviews, communications with colleagues, or physical objects such as laboratory specimens

2023 Data Sharing Policy NOT-OD-21-013

• Applies to all research, funded or conducted in whole or in part by NIH, that results in the generation of scientific data.
• Includes: research projects, some career development awards (Ks), small business and research centers
• Does not include: training (Ts), fellowships (Fs), construction (C06), conference grants (R13), resource (Gs), research-related infrastructure programs (e.g., S06)
• Effective for applications submitted on/after January 25, 2023 
• Data Management and Sharing (DMS) plan is part of award terms and conditions
• NIH encourages scientific data to be shared as soon as possible, and no later than the time of an associated publication or end of the performance period, whichever comes first
• Applications submitted on or after October 1, 2003, but before January 25, 2023 will continue to follow the 2003 Data Sharing Policy NOT-OD-03-032

Resources

• HMH Webinar on NIH Data Management and Sharing
• Sample Plans and Templates 
• Slides from NIH Data Management and Sharing 2-part Webinar
• NIH Data Management and Sharing Website
• Allowable Costs for Data Management and Sharing (NIH)