MUSC's New NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Resource

Policy Overview

NIH requires researchers to submit a Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMS Plan) with grant applications submitted on or after January 25, 2023. This policy applies to all research projects that will generate scientific data.

Once a grant has been awarded, the DMS Plan becomes part of the award's terms and conditions. NIH expects researchers and institutions to implement data management and sharing practices as described in their approved Plan. Compliance with the DMS Plan, including any updates, may be reviewed during regular reporting intervals. To learn more about the NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing watch NIH webinars about the new policy.

DMS Applicable NIH Activity Codes (for example R-series)

Here is a comprehensive list of activity codes that require applicants to submit a DMS Plan. Read the NOFOs carefully – requirements may differ from general activity code applicability for a small number of opportunities.

 

Writing a Data Management & Sharing Plan

NIH provides information about Writing a DMS Plan, including required elements, example plans, and more. DMS Plans are recommended to be two pages and should include the following six elements:

1. Data Type and Description
2. Related Tools, Software and Code
3. Standards for data and metadata
4. Data Preservation, Access, and Associated Timelines
5. Access, Distribution, or Reuse Considerations
6. Oversight of Data Management and Sharing

 

Resources for Writing a DMSP

• DMS Plan format page (Word Doc)
  
  
• DMS Plan Checklist for Researchers
  
  
• Example DMS Plans from NIH
  
  
• Supplemental Information to the NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing: Elements of an NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan

 

Budgeting for Data Management Sharing Activities

The DMS Policy allows researchers to budget for data management and sharing activities. Allowable costs may be included in NIH budget requests for the following:

• Curating data
  
• Developing supporting documentation
  
• Formatting data according to accepted community standards, or for transmission to and storage at a selected repository for long-term preservation and access
  
• De-identifying data
  
• Preparing metadata to foster discoverability, interpretation, and reuse
  
• Local data management considerations, such as unique and specialized information infrastructure necessary to provide local management and preservation (for example, before deposit into an established repository)
  
• Preserving and sharing data through established repositories, such as data deposit fees
  
• Costs must be incurred during the performance period
  
• FAQ about Budgeting

 

 

Additional Resources

 

MUSC Office of Research and Sponsored Programs posted guidance related to the NIH Data Management & Sharing Policy here:  ORSP Proposal Preparation.

 

The DMPTool is a free, open-source, online application that helps researchers create data management plans (DMPs). The DMPTool provides a click-through wizard for creating a DMP that complies with funder requirements. It also has direct links to funder websites, help text for answering questions and data management best practices resources.

 

Supplemental Information to the NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing: Allowable Costs for Data Management and Sharing

The NIH recognizes that making data accessible and reusable for other users may incur costs. To assist individuals and entities subject to the final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing, this supplemental information outlines categories of allowable NIH costs associated with data management and sharing.

 

Extended Reference for Data Management and Sharing Plan Checklist

This resource provides an in-depth description of what can be included for each section of a DMS Plan. It is intended for researchers who are preparing a DMS plan to accompany their grant application. This resource may also be useful to librarians, grants office or research support personnel for training or demonstration purposes.

 

Data Management & Sharing Policy Overview

A summary of what is expected of investigators and institutions.

 

Research Covered Under the Data Management & Sharing Policy

This page from NIH provides details about what research activities the new DMS Policy applies to.

 

Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing

From October 2020, NIH is issuing this final Policy for Data Management and Sharing (DMS Policy) to promote the management and sharing of scientific data generated from NIH-funded or conducted research.

 

FAQs - Data Management & Sharing Policy

Find answers from NIH to frequently asked questions about the new DMS policy here. Includes answers regarding the scope of the policy, managing and sharing scientific data, compliance, and more.

 

List of NIH Institute and Center Data Sharing Policies

Many institutes, centers, and research programs have instituted specific data sharing policies in addition to the trans-NIH policies. A list of NIH institute and center data sharing policies is available here.

 

Article: Ten simple rules for maximizing the recommendations of the NIH data management and sharing plan

by Sara Gonzales Matthew B. Carson, and Kristi Holmes. August 3, 2022. This article provides 10 key recommendations for creating a DMSP that is both maximally compliant and effective.