Editor's note: This blog was updated March 23, 2023, to reflect new guidance around optional use of the IU form.
The National Institutes of Health’s Data Management and Sharing (DMS) policy became effective Jan. 25. This means all NIH grant applications and renewals that generate scientific data must include a robust and detailed plan for how data will be managed and shared during the entire funded period.
At the time of application, a two-page DMS plan must be submitted, per instructions in the appropriate NIH Application Guide (SR 424). These plans include information explaining data storage, access policies and procedures, metadata standards, sharing via data repositories and more.
Indiana University School of Medicine researchers have the option to use IU’s form to generate a DMS plan for submission to the NIH.
How to use IU's form:
1. Complete IU’s form by filling out the required fields and clicking “Submit.”
2. Click “My Entries” at the top right of the screen.
3. Click “Entries” on the left side of the screen.
4. Click the Form ID hyperlink for the plan you want to download.
5. Click the “Download PDF” button at the top of the screen.
6. Read through the information, then check the “Unmask Data Online” box and click “Download.”
7. Submit the downloaded PDF as part of your NIH grant application package.
For further guidance on this transition, the Ruth Lilly Medical Library is offering workshops and training related to the NIH DMS policy. Upcoming topics include an introduction to the policy, what you need to know about developing a DMS plan, and hands-on practice.
More information on how to fill out a DMS plan and DMS resources and support is available online.
Questions? Email medlref@iu.edu.
