NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy
NIH has issued the Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy (effective January 25, 2023) to promote the sharing of scientific data. Sharing scientific data accelerates biomedical research discovery, in part, by enabling validation of research results, providing accessibility to high-value datasets, and promoting data reuse for future research studies. Under the DMS Policy, NIH expects that investigators and institutions:
- Plan and budget for the managing and sharing of scientific data
- Submit a DMS Plan for review when applying for funding
- Comply with the approved DMS Plan
- OU Resources and References
Research Covered by the 2023 Data Management & Sharing Policy
The 2023 DMS Policy applies to all research funded or conducted in whole or in part by NIH, that results in the generation of scientific data, including but not limited to Research Projects, some Career Development Awards (Ks), Small Business SBIR/STTR, and Research Centers. Scientific Data is defined as data commonly accepted in the scientific community as of sufficient quality to validate and replicate research findings, regardless of whether the data are used to support scholarly publications. Scientific data includes any data needed to validate and replicate research findings. Scientific data 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.
Planning, Submission, and Implementation of a DMS Plan
If you’ve determined that your research is subject to the DMS Policy, follow the steps below to understand the process for preparing and implementing a DMS plan. Prospectively planning for how scientific data will be managed and ultimately shared is a crucial first step in optimizing the reach of data generated from NIH-funded research. Investigators and institutions are encouraged to consider these crucial elements early in research planning.
- Identify appropriate methods/approaches and repositories for managing and sharing scientific data.
- Develop a Plan for managing and sharing scientific data and submit this Plan within the funding application or proposal. Note that applications subject to both the DMS Policy and the GDS Policy will submit a single Plan.
- Estimate and request funds for data management and sharing activities if not already covered by an institution or other source.
- The following language for element 6, Oversight of Data Management and Sharing, was developed by the Office of Research Administration (ORA) and should be included in your DMS plan: The Principal Investigator (PI) for this project, Dr. ABC, will ensure that this Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan is followed. The PI will be responsible for oversight of compliance with the accepted DMS Plan. Compliance will be evaluated annually during the award period by [insert name and title of the Authorized Official submitting the application] and progress towards the plan’s DMS activities will be included in the annual Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) submitted to the National Institute of XXXX Project Officer. At the project conclusion, the final progress report will summarize how the DMS objectives were fulfilled and provide links to the shared dataset(s).
Submit DMS Plans and budget requests as part of the funding application or proposal. Peer Review will not see or review DMS Plans, but will consider any related budget items. NIH program staff will review the DMS Plan for acceptability and may request modifications prior to award as appropriate.
Implementing DMS Plans
The Proposal PI is required to monitor and manage the DMS plan, with at least yearly examination and oversight of data sharing and storage at the time of the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR), to ensure compliance with NIH DMS guidelines. Recipients are expected to carry out data management and sharing as outlined in approved plans and as a term and condition of award. Manage and share data as described in the approved DMS Plan. Provide updates on data management and sharing activities in annual progress reports. If Plans change over the course of the project, work proactively with NIH Program Officer to obtain review and approval of modifications.
Where to Find Help
ORA Presentation: Understanding the New NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy (October. 26, 2022)
OU Resources
OU IT has provided some resources and guidance on research data storage and costs. Please refer to the documents below.
NIH Resources