NIH Data Management and Sharing Pilot

Purpose

In October 2020, NIH issued a new Policy for Data Management and Sharing, effective January 25, 2023. This new policy requires a Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMS Plan) for ALL NIH-funded projects, an expansion from the 2003 policy requirement for projects over $500K in annual direct costs to include a data sharing plan.

Proper data management and sharing are critical research practices to accelerate scientific advancement and support scientific integrity. However, significant variation in ICO-specific requirements will place substantial administrative burden on researchers to first navigate the varying requirements before they can even begin developing their DMS Plan.

Current Activities (Phase I)

•  NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Template Pilot
  • Test the effectiveness and usability of two DMS Plan templates developed in collaboration with representatives from participating ICs:
    • Alpha is a prescriptive template designed to limit the need for free text entry
    • Bravo aims to provide detailed prompts as well as more options to include free text responses as necessary.
  • Gather data from the researcher/faculty perspective as well as the NIH program perspective
  • Refine template(s) based on pilot data

Future Activities (Phase II)

• Cost Policies
  • Establish common cost principles
  • Identify types of costs required
  • Determine how to identify additional/unforeseen costs that may be required to meet the spirit of the data sharing policy