How do I address the new NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) requirements?

In January of 2023, the Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing was released after several years of development. The goal of this policy is "to promote the management and sharing of scientific data generated from NIH-funded or conducted research". A Data Management and Sharing Plan attachment (also called DMSP and DMS Plan) is now required for submission as part of most NIH research grant proposal mechanisms (e.g. R01, R21, R03) and not currently for training grants or fellowships. If you are not sure whether your proposal is required to comply with the policy, NIH has created a helpful page.

The Data Management and Sharing Policy requires investigators and institutions to: 

1. Plan and budget for the managing and sharing of data
2. Submit a Data Management and Sharing Plan for review when applying for funding
3. Comply with the approved Data Management and Sharing plan

What does this mean for your grant proposal? First, you will need to write a Data Management and Sharing Plan that includes the specified information. A blank format page that can be used to create the document is located here. 

You will also need to consider whether the data sharing activities proposed in your application will incur any costs. These costs can be budgeted as a separate line item provided they fall into one of the allowable categories. It is important to work closely with a pre-award research administration professional at your institution to ensure these costs are budgeted appropriately and in line with any institutional requirements.

One important note: the Data Management and Sharing Plan does not replace the Resource Sharing Plan. You may still need to include both with your application.

For more information, hear directly from NIH program staff in the video below: