In October 2020, the NIH released their Final Policy for Data Management and Sharing which requires NIH-funded researchers to proactively plan for how scientific data will be preserved and shared through submission of a Data Management and Sharing Plan.
Additional supplementary information released in concert with the policy addresses:
- Elements of a Data Management and Sharing Plan
- Allowable costs for Data Management and Sharing
- Selecting a data repository for data resulting from NIH-supported research
Some important highlights of the policy include:
- Effective date: January 25, 2023.
- The submitted plan should be two pages or less and updated during the course of the award/support period to reflect any changes in the management and sharing of scientific data.
- The policy will replace the 2003 NIH Data Sharing Policy, which requires applications with direct costs greater than $500,000 in any single year to address data sharing in their application.
- For extramural grants: submission of the plan is at application (original policy draft proposed submission of plans at Just-in-Time).
- The policy applies to all research, funded or conducted in whole or in part by NIH that results in the generation of scientific data. This includes research funded or conducted by extramural grants, contracts, intramural research projects, or other funding agreements.
- The assessment of the plans’ merits will be conducted by NIH Program Staff, however peer reviewers may comment on the proposed budget for data management and sharing. These comments will not impact the overall score.
- For extramural awards: The plan will become a Term and Condition of the Notice of Award. Failure to comply with the Terms and Conditions may result in an enforcement action, including additional special terms and conditions or termination of the award, and may affect future funding decisions.
HSLS Data Services can offer a review or consultation to help you and your team write a data management plan, whether to meet these requirements or those of other funders. In addition, as the effective date nears, watch for specialized trainings and further HSLS Update articles related to this new policy.
~Melissa Ratajeski