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NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing: Scope

Provides information on the NIH policy updates for data management plans and sharing, effective January 25, 2023. Lack of compliance can lead to a delay in receipt of funds.

Scope: DMS Policy Data​

Applies to all research, funded or conducted in whole or in part by NIH, that results in the generation of "scientific data“.

Scientific data is defined as: ​

"the recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific community as of sufficient quality to validate and replicate research findings, regardless of whether the data are used to support scholarly publications.“*

*See NOT-OD-21-013*​

 

When are you required to share data? 

As soon as possible!​

No later than the time of a publication of findings in a peer-reviewed journal OR at the end of the award​

--whichever comes first 

Examples of Scientific Data

Scientific data will vary depending on the ​project and the context.

Data that are not Scientific

Scientific data do NOT include:​

  • Data not necessary for or of sufficient quality to validate and replicate research findings, ​

  • Laboratory notebooks, ​

  • Preliminary analyses, ​

  • Completed case report forms, ​

  • Drafts of scientific papers,  ​

  • Plans for future research,  ​

  • Peer reviews,  ​

  • Communications with colleagues, or  ​

  • Physical objects, (e.g., laboratory specimens)