Research Data Services at UK: NIH Data Management and Sharing Plans

The NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy in Brief

The NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy, which went into effect in January 2023, requires investigators to share the scientific data resulting from NIH-funded research with the public or with the scientific community.

"Scientific data" refers to "the recorded factual material 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." Examples may include:

• Tabular data files
• Image files
• Survey instruments and responses
• Code for conducting data analysis
• Protocols or operating procedures documenting data collection processes

Researchers applying for awards must include a two-page data management and sharing plan detailing:

• What data they will be generating
• How their data will be documented and organized while research is ongoing
• How their data will be made available to others
• Any factors that may limit their ability to share data

Resources for Writing Your DMS Plan

Some helpful resources from the NIH on developing your data management and sharing plan include:

• Data Management and Sharing Policy Overview from the NIH
  • You can also write your plan using DMPTool.
• Word Document Version of the Recommended DMS Plan Template
• Guidance on Budgeting for Data Management and Sharing from the NIH
• NIH-Supported Repositories for Sharing Your Data
  • For more information on data repository options, see the Share page of this guide.
• NIH DMS Policy FAQ

NIH Data Management and Sharing Support from UK Libraries

University of Kentucky Libraries offers a DMS Plan review service. Use the button below to email your draft or completed plan to Research Data Librarian Isaac Wink:

When emailing your plan, please include the following information:

• A draft version of the Specific Aims of your grant. (You will not receive feedback on this document, but it is helpful context when reviewing your plan).
• The institute or center that will be receiving your grant.
• The date by which you need to receive feedback. Note: Please allow up to one week for your plan to be reviewed.