Last year, NIH implemented a data management and sharing (DMS) policy to promote the sharing of scientific data. The policy requires that NIH grantees submit a DMS plan as part of their grant application. The great news is that most of our grantees already meet NIH’s DMS requirements, which we explain more fully in a list of FAQs.

To aid applicants and grantees in navigating this new policy, NIGMS has developed examples of acceptable plans for different types of applications including:

• Research project grants (RPGs)
• Small business innovation research (SBIR) and small business technology transfer (STTR) applications
• Research projects that are determined post-award (for example, through developmental or pilot project programs)
• Clinical data and/or clinical trials

These examples are available on the Data Management and Sharing Plan Expectations for NIGMS Grantees webpage for reference. Another resource you can use is NIH's Scientific Data Sharing website that includes details about the policy, guidance, and implementation.

If you have questions about DMS plan requirement after reviewing our FAQs and example plans, please contact an NIGMS program officer.