NIH Data Management and Sharing

All applications for NIH-funded research must follow the NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing and include a Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP). As of May 25, 2026, the DMSP must use the format noted in NOT-OD-26-046 and explain any limitations regarding:

  • Maximum appropriate sharing 
  • Sharing schedule 
  • Sharing duration 
  • Protecting the privacy, rights, and confidentiality of human participants 
  • For studies subject to NIH Genomic Data Sharing policy: 
    • Sharing in an NIH-designated repository 
    • Meeting the policy expectations of the Institutional Certification 

A list of expected data types and associated repositories is also required. 

More information on this format and these elements can be found on NIH's page Writing a Data Management and Sharing Plan. If you have questions about the format or data management, email data-management@mit.edu. 

Developing Data Management Plans at MIT

MIT Libraries’ Data Management Services will guide you to consider the commitments you make in your DMSP and offers services to work with you to successfully meet the commitments in your DMSP, advise you on effective data management during research, or recommend data sharing and publication options. 

Budgeting for Data Management and Sharing

Below is a summary of current NIH budget guidance for DMSPs.

Allowable Costs

Allowable costs for budgets are:

  • Curating data and developing supporting documentation
  • Local data management considerations
  • Preserving and sharing data through established repositories

Note that all allowable costs submitted in budget requests must be incurred during the performance period, even for scientific data and metadata preserved and shared beyond the award period.

See Allowable Costs for Data Management and Sharing for additional details. 

Requesting Funds for Data Management and Sharing

Follow NIH's Budgeting for Data Management and Sharing guidance when developing your budget justification. If there are no anticipated costs, this should be stated as well.

  • Detailed Budget Format: Request costs in the appropriate cost categories, e.g., personnel, equipment, supplies and other expenses (replaces line item requirement).
  • Modular Budget Format: Address any costs associated with the plan in the Additional Narrative Justification.

Investigators whose research projects are also subject to the Genomic Data Sharing Policy should also include requested costs for genomic data management and sharing (see Implementation Changes for Genomic Data Sharing Plans).