NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy: Overview

This guide is intended to assist researchers with data management planning and implementation required for grant applications.

NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a new policy for data management and sharing to promote the management and sharing of scientific data generated from NIH-funded or conducted research. This policy goes into effect on January 25, 2023 and replaces the 2003 NIH Data Sharing Policy.

The NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy has two core requirements for researchers:

Submit a data management and sharing plan with the application for NIH funding. Funded research includes: grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, other transaction authorities, and intramural research programs.

The data management and sharing plan should describe how, where, and when scientific data and accompanying metadata will be shared, taking into account any potential restrictions or limitations.

Comply with the approved data management and sharing plan. Compliance with the new policy can factor into future funding.

NIH Policy Overview

Scope of the Policy

All NIH-supported research generating scientific data. Funded Research includes: grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, other transaction authorities, and intramural research programs.

Data to Share

Scientific data regardless of whether data underlie a publication.

The NIH defines scientific data as: recorded factual material commonly accepted in scientific community as of sufficient quality to validate and replicate research findings, regardless of whether the data are used to support scholarly publications. This does not include: lab notebooks, preliminary analyses, peer reviews, or physical objects.

Mode of Sharing

The NIH expects data to be shared in an established repository named in the applicants data management and sharing plan.

Data Management and Sharing Plan Elements

Detailed guidance for the recommended and expected elements of a data management and sharing plan are provided by the NIH in a supplemental document.

When to Share Data

No later than publication or the end of the award period (for unpublished data).

How Long to Share Data

The NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing and its supplemental documents do not necessarily provide a specific date or time period for sharing data. For minimum timeframes, consider relevant requirements and expectations (e.g. repository policies, retention requirements, journal policies).