NIH is using a new (2026) format for Data Management and Sharing Plans.

Format  |  Sample Plans  |  Budgeting for Data  |  NIH Policy  |  Assistance

The format for the plan

The NIH Policy released in 2023 is still in effect, but the Plan will now use a different format.

Applications submitted before May 25, 2026 can use the old (2023) format. Submissions with due dates on or after May 25, 2026 will be required to utilize the new, simpler format.

Instructions and the 2026 format are on the NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Format Page.

• No transition period — older formats will not be accepted after May 25, 2026.• Still reviewed at JIT for most applications• Strict word limits, especially in the new structured sections• Only a few sample plans have been shared so far, but more may become available

If you have questions, please check with NIH staff for the Institute or Center to which you are applying, or the NIH mailbox for DMSP questions, or contact us.

Sample Plans

These plans may be specific to the Institute and type(s) of data to be collected and shared.

Budgeting for Data Management & Sharing

Investigators can include costs for data sharing in the proposal budget.

NIH provides guidance, and Frequently Asked Questions about budgeting for data sharing.

Here’s a quick overview by FASEB about budgeting for data management in NIH proposals:

Video by FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology).

NIH Policy

The policy released in 2023:

  • Applies to all awards that generate scientific data, regardless of the funding amount or mechanism.
  • Requires a data management and sharing plan for all proposals.
  • Requires that data must be shared at the time of associated publications, or by the end of the grant performance period, whichever comes first.
  • Strongly encourages researchers to use repositories for sharing data.
  • Institutes, Centers, and Offices may have more specific requirements than the broader NIH policy, so review the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) that you are applying to.

Assistance and Training

We’ve assisted many UI researchers with their data management and sharing plans. Contact us via email