The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires submission of a Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan for any NIH-funded or conducted research that will generate scientific data.
NIH issued a new 2026 Pilot DMS Plan format based on a simplified set of required elements to use when preparing DMS Plans (NOT-OD-26-046). The revised elements, many of which are straightforward yes or no questions rather than narratives, limit the information included in the DMS Plans.
The NIH DMS policy that went into effect in 2023 has not changed. However, NIH has adjusted the implementation of required DMS Plans and their approach to compliance to clarify common areas of confusion and reflect lessons learned since the 2023 rollout.
The new format is required for proposals with a due date on or after May 25, 2026.
Resources
- Complying with NIH Data Management and Sharing Requirements
- NIH Scientific Data Sharing website
- NOT-OD-26-046: Updated Elements of an NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan
- NIH Extramural Nexus Article
- NIH Grants Policy Statement 8.2.3.2
- NIH Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) Instruction Guide