Data management and sharing plan (DMS plan)
Definition
A data management and sharing (DMS) plan is the part of an NIH application that explains what scientific data the project will generate, how it will be preserved, and when and where it will be shared. NIH has required one for research that generates scientific data since January 25, 2023.
How it works
A DMS plan works as a commitment: once NIH approves it, it becomes a term of the award, and the recipient reports on it in annual progress reports. The plan covers the data types the project will produce, related tools or code, standards, the repository where data will be deposited, timelines for sharing, any limits on access (for example, to protect participant privacy), and who will oversee compliance. NIH program staff assess the plan; peer reviewers do not factor it into the score, though they may comment on whether budgeted DMS costs are reasonable.
Recent changes, as of October 2026:
- New plan format. For due dates on or after May 25, 2026, NIH requires a new, simplified DMS plan format built mostly from short structured answers with word limits, replacing the older free-text plan.
- Plan changes. Starting October 1, 2026, changes to an approved plan are reported in the annual progress report rather than needing prior approval.
- K awards. NIH removed the DMS plan requirement for career development (K) awards in October 2026.
Check the current NIH DMS pages before writing, since the format and scope have changed several times since 2023.
Why it matters for research offices
The DMS plan matters because it carries real costs and real compliance obligations. Allowable costs for curating data, preparing it for sharing, and repository fees can be requested in the budget, but they must be planned at proposal time. After award, a lab that does not share data as promised can face enforcement under the terms of award. Libraries and research data services often help faculty pick repositories and write plans.
DMS plan vs NSF data management plan
NIH and NSF both require plans, but they are separate requirements with different formats. NSF has long required a data management and sharing plan of up to two pages with every proposal, following the PAPPG and any directorate-specific guidance, and reviewers consider it as part of merit review.
Common mistakes
- Reusing an old two-page NIH plan instead of the current format.
- Naming a repository without checking that it accepts the data type.
- Forgetting to budget for curation time and repository fees.
- Promising open sharing of human participant data that consent forms do not allow.
Frequently asked questions
The NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy took effect January 25, 2023. It applies to NIH-funded research that generates scientific data.
Yes. Allowable costs for data curation, preparing data for sharing, and repository deposit can be requested in the budget and explained in the budget justification.
Not as of October 2026. NIH removed the DMS plan requirement for career development (K) awards in an October 2026 notice. Check the current funding opportunity for any program-specific rules.