Sharing scientific data accelerates biomedical research discovery by enabling validation of research results, providing accessibility to high-value datasets, and promoting data reuse for future research studies.
Current Policies
The current NIH Data Sharing policy, in effect since 2003, remains in effect until January 25, 2023. This policy applies to applicants seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year of the project period. Such applicants are expected to contact NIH Institute, Center, or Office (ICO) program staff prior to submission and are also expected to include a data sharing plan in their application stating how they will share the data or, if they cannot share the data, why not. Applicants responding to a Request for Applications (RFA) will find instructions related to data sharing in the specific announcement. The NIH Data Sharing Policy and Implementation Guidance webpage provides additional information on the implementation of this policy.
The NIH Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy applies to all NIH-funded research (e.g., grants, contracts, and intramural research) that generates large-scale human or non-human genomic data, regardless of the funding level, as well as the use of these data for subsequent research. The NIH GDS policy became effective for competing grant applications submitted for the January 25, 2015, receipt date; contract proposals submitted to NIH on or after January 25, 2015; and for intramural projects generating genomic data on or after August 31, 2015. To learn more about NIH Genomic Data Sharing expectations and the genomic data submission process visit the NIH Scientific Data Sharing webpage.
New NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing (Effective Date: January 25, 2023)
In October 2020, the NIH issued the Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing, along with supplemental guidance. This policy emphasizes the importance of good data management practices and establishes the expectation for maximizing the appropriate sharing of scientific data generated from NIH-funded or conducted research, with justified limitations or exceptions.
On January 25, 2023, the new policy will come into effect for any NIH-funded research (regardless of the research grant budget size) that will generate scientific data and replace the 2003 NIH Data Sharing Policy. The NIH Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy will remain in effect. However, after January 25, 2023, NIH will no longer be collecting separate GDS Plans. Genomic data sharing considerations, such as where and when genomic data will be shared, will be expected to be addressed in Data Management and Sharing Plans.
This new policy establishes a requirement that applicants submit a Data Management and Sharing Plan for any NIH-funded or conducted research that will generate scientific data, including:
- Competing grant applications that are submitted to NIH for the January 25, 2023 and subsequent receipt dates.
- Proposals for contracts that are submitted to NIH on or after January 25, 202.
- NIH Intramural Research Projects conducted on or after January 25, 2023.
- Other funding agreements (e.g., Other Transactions) that are executed on or after January 25, 2023, unless otherwise stipulated by NIH.
The below links provide information about the Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing and accompanying supplemental information.
- Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing: This policy establishes the requirements of submission of Data Management and Sharing Plans and compliance with NIH Institute, Center, or Office (ICO)-approved Plans.
- Elements of an NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan: This supplemental information outlines the elements to be addressed in a Data Management and Sharing plan.
- Allowable Costs for Data Management and Sharing: This supplemental information outlines categories of allowable NIH costs associated with Data Management and Sharing.
- Selecting a Repository for Data Resulting from NIH-supported Research: This supplemental information is intended to help researchers choose data repositories suitable for the preservation and sharing of data (i.e., scientific data and metadata) resulting from NIH-funded and conducted research.
To learn more about the Data Management and Sharing Policy and related guidance visit the NIH Data Sharing webpage.
Additional NIH Sharing Policies and Related Guidance on NIH-Funded Research Resources
It is NIH policy that the results and accomplishments of the activities that it funds should be made available to the public. The NIH Sharing Policies webpage highlights additional NIH policies and guidance on sharing research resources developed with NIH funding.
To determine which NIH policies apply to a particular project, please see which policies apply to my research?
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