A Deep Dive Into Data Management and Sharing

Extramural researchers who want to learn about various aspects of data management and sharing (DMS) should find this article helpful as it describes the new NIH DMS Policy and its requirements, including data management and sharing plans.

Background

As you may know, NIH published the Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing on October 29, 2020. It goes into effect January 25, 2023, for data generated from NIH-funded or -conducted research. The Policy requires both effective data management with the development of data management and sharing plans and maximum data sharing in a timely manner.

The Policy encourages researchers to think about how to improve the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability (FAIRness) of their data, building on the FAIR guiding principles as a roadmap towards effective data sharing. Broader data sharing enables new research, improves transparency and reproducibility of science, and accelerates scientific discoveries.

Additionally, the Policy:

• Requires applicants to submit a DMS Plan with competing and new grant applications, contract proposals, NIH intramural research projects, and other funding agreements submitted or conducted on or after January 25, 2023; the Plan should outline how scientific data and any accompanying metadata will be managed and shared, taking into account any potential restrictions or limitations.
• Provides supplemental guidance for developing a DMS Plan and budget-related costs.
• Proposes scientific data be shared in a timely manner for use by the scientific community and broader public.
• Allows an NIH institute, center, or office (ICO) to develop and implement supplemental guidance on data management and sharing.
• Proposes assessment and compliance at NIH ICOs; DMS Plan is a term and condition of award.

DMS Resources

In April, NIH launched the Data Management and Sharing Policy website to help users navigate the NIH DMS Policy and provide related resources. The information on the website will expand as NIH finalizes plans and documents for implementing the DMS Policy.

Here’s a brief look at some of what you’ll find on the website.

• Data Management and Sharing Policy tab: 2023 DMS Policy overview, planning and budgeting for DMS, approaches for scientific data sharing
• Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy tab: developing GDS plans, completing Institutional Certifications, expectations for genomic data release and submission
• Other Sharing Policies: model organism, clinical trial dissemination of information

Keep an eye out for additional resources, such as an upcoming NIH-hosted webinar slated for summer 2022 that is part of the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy Webinar Series. We will provide details in this newsletter as they become available.

We will also continue to provide information and resources in future articles to help applicants and grantees prepare for the Policy’s implementation this coming winter.