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NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy

This guide includes resources for the new NIH data management and sharing (DMS) policy and DMS Plans. The policy affects all proposals submitted for deadlines on or after January 25, 2023.

Need to write a DMS Plan in a hurry, using the 2023+ rules? Try these starting ideas: 

  • Or download a more basic Word template file with just the blank DMS Plan sections to help you start
  • See the NIH's optional format page for preparing the DMS Plans 
    • This is the most formal template that is available, but it may not fit for complex studies with multiple data types being shared in different ways
  • For a more detailed template to guide you through the DMSP format and associated guidance, visit https://dmptool.org
    • If you have never used DMP Tool before, choose Option 1 in the upper-right, then enter your VCU email to log in with your eID. Click the create a plan button, and then and enter NIH as the funder, then use the "Write Plan" tab to get a step-by-step walkthrough of Plan sections plus links to NIH guidance sites. Because it's all in one place, this is a great way to practice the new planning process as you work through the format.

Important note

Do not list any VCU Libraries research data staff as responsible parties in any DMP or DMSP, please. We do not have the capacity to provide project-embedded data management services at this time.