Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Resources

Please see below for NIH Data Management & Sharing (DMS) policy specifics and resources.

Important updates:

NIH DMS Policy Specifics and Resources

Yale Design.


As of January 25, 2023, all NIH applications must include a two-page Data Management & Sharing plan, including:

  • Data Type – what will be generated, managed, preserved, and shared?
  • Related Tools, Software, and Code – specialized tools needed to access or manipulate data, including how to access them.
  • Standards – description of standards applied to the scientific data and metadata (data formats, data dictionaries, data identifiers, definitions, etc.)
  • Data Preservation, Access, and Associated Timelines – including the repositories used, where data will be archived, unique identifiers or other indexing tools, and how long it will be available.
    To help researchers locate an appropriate repository for sharing or accessing data, National Library of Medicine (NLM) maintains lists of data sharing repositories. Domain-specific repositories are typically limited to data of a certain type or related to a certain discipline. Generalist repositories accept data regardless of data type, format, content, or disciplinary focus.
    Researchers are advised to take into account the risk classification of their data and to consult Data Classification Guidelines when choosing a repository.
  • Access, Distribution, or Reuse Considerations – factors affecting data access, distribution, or reuse.
  • Oversight of Data Management and Sharing – indicate how compliance with the DMS plan will be monitored and managed. Whomever is responsible for managing the data will be responsible for all monitoring of the DMS plan compliance. OSP is NOT responsible for any DMS monitoring and/or management.

Review these elements in more detail.

Looking for guidance on creating a Data Management and Sharing plan? The Yale Library is a great resource. Please check this page in the future for a link to a course that can help you prepare.

You are also encouraged to use the DMP Tool, and the FASEB DataWorks! Help Desk.

View sample templates in the Draft and Submit section below.

If you have questions about the new policy, email osphelp@yale.edu. Please use the subject line: NIH Data Mandate/DMP

Updated on September 12, 2023

Please see the information below for additional guidance and links to resources.

Costs associated with data management and sharing are allowable and should be included in grant budgets

  • Personnel related to data management and sharing activity
  • Curation
  • Data deposit fees
  • Long-term preservation costs – any costs beyond the period of the grant may be paid during the award period only.

This policy is evolving. More information to come.

Proprietary data: NIH understands that some scientific data generated with NIH funds may be proprietary (e.g. co-funding provided by the private sector) and the extent of data sharing may be limited or restricted. Applicants should discuss projects with proposed collaborators early to avoid agreements that prohibit or unnecessarily restrict data sharing. NIH staff will evaluate the justifications of investigators who believe that they are unable to share data.

Patient data and research involving human participants: Award recipients must comply with any applicable laws, regulations, statutes, guidance, or institutional policies related to research with human participants and that protect participants’ privacy.