Your application may need to include a plan for resource sharing, which includes model organism sharing, as well as a plan for data management and sharing, which may also need to address any applicable genomic data considerations. If any of these requirements apply to your research, write your plan or plans according to instructions to applicants in the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). The Resource Sharing Plan and Data Management and Sharing Plan are separate attachments that may be required for your application. One does not necessarily replace the other.
To find out what to do, read the information below, which summarizes the main points from NIH Scientific Data Sharing policies.
Resource Sharing Plan
If a Resource Sharing Plan is required for your application, use the Resource Sharing Plan Attachment field on PHS 398 Research Plan, PHS 398 Career Development Supplemental Form, or PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form. This plan does not count toward the Research Strategy page limit.
If you plan to create a new model organism, you must submit a Resource Sharing Plan. The precise content and level of detail to be included in a sharing plan depends on several factors, such as the status of the development of a model organism, the method of sharing, and the potential impact of intellectual property rights on the available animal model.
For sample plans, see the following:
- Complex Model Organisms Sharing Plan
- Simple Model Organisms Sharing Plan
- Model Organisms Sharing Plan for Mice
Data Management and Sharing Plan
The updated Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy went into effect on January 25, 2023. As of this date, all applicants planning to generate scientific data must prepare a single Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMS Plan) that describes how the applicant will manage and share the data. This plan will be submitted in the “Other Plan(s)” attachment field on the PHS 398 Research Plan or PHS 398 Career Development Supplemental Form and will address applicable DMS Policy and NIH Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy requirements.
For help writing your DMS Plan, start with NIH’s extensive guidance at Writing a DMS Plan. Use the new DMS Sample Plans and refer to the sections on Submitting DMS Plans, DMS Plan Format, and recommended Elements to Include in a DMS Plan. You will find clarifications and tips in the Frequently Asked Questions on DMS Policy.
Address any additional DMS requirements. Be sure to check for and address any special requirements.
- Consult the NIH Institute and Center (IC) Data Sharing Policies table. Select NIAID from the pulldown menu on the upper left of the table to find NIAID-specific DMS policies, guiding principles, and repositories.
- Your chosen NOFO may include unique DMS instructions in Section IV, under Other Plans(s).
- Check Does GDS Apply to my Research? and Genomic Data Sharing Expectations by NIH Institute & Center for additional expectations related to the NIH GDS Policy.
When it comes to genomic data, “large-scale" is a key qualifier; not every project that generates genomic data falls within the scope of the NIH GDS policy. As examples, large-scale data include the following:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays
- Genome sequence, transcriptomic, epigenomic, and gene expression data
Finishing Up
Look over the plans you’ve written and imagine where a critical reviewer might identify potential questions or weak spots.
Enlist others to do that too—they can look at your application with a fresh eye. Include people who aren't familiar with your research to make sure you can get your point across to someone outside your field.