Creating a NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan

NIH requires all applicants planning to generate scientific data to prepare a DMS Plan (DMSP) that describes how the scientific data will be managed and shared. This guide will step you through the six elements identified by the NIH to be included in your plan.

Elements to Include in a Data Management and Sharing Plan 

Using DMPTool to comply with the NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan

WCM has an account with DMPTool.org, a web-based service used to generate structured, formatted, data management plans based on pre-defined institutional and funder templates.  This tool will step you through each element required by NIH and will present both institutional guidance developed by WCM and more general guidance developed by the NIH.

For instructions on how to log in and use DMPTool.org, view this Knowledge Article.

Sample DMSPs, Templates, and Checklists

Sample DMSPs from the NIH

Sample DMSP from Working Group on NIH DMSP Guidance (annotated)

Blank, fillable DMSP template in Word

DMSP checklist

The NIH is currently piloting a few options for future DMSP templates. If you would like to participate, you can find more information on this here.

Feedback from the initial rounds of DMSP plans can be seen here. This deck is from a presentation that took place on 12/14/2023.

DMSP FAQs

The NIH maintains an exhaustive list of DMSP FAQs. Below are customized FAQs that might be of interest to the WCM community.

What data needs to be made sharable under the NIH Data Management & Sharing Policy?

When should data be shared?

How long do I need to share my data?

If I don't plan on sharing my data, do I still need to create a DMSP?

If my DMSP changes during the course of the project, do I need to get the new version approved?

Who assesses DMSPs when they are submitted?

What is the start date of the DMS Policy?