Updated Requirements for NIH Data Management and Sharing Plans

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued Notice NOT‑OD‑26‑046, announcing updates to the required elements of an NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan. These changes are part of NIH’s ongoing effort to streamline the DMS process, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen clarity around data sharing expectations.

Effective Date

The updated DMS Plan elements and new format will be required for all NIH applications submitted for due dates on or after May 25, 2026.

Why NIH Made These Changes

Since the DMS Policy took effect in 2023, NIH has reviewed more than 1,100 DMS Plans and found that while most were acceptable, many included unnecessary detail or exceeded recommended length. The revised elements aim to reduce extraneous information and improve consistency across submissions.

What’s New in the Updated DMS Plan Format

The notice introduces a much more concise structure that replaces previous narrative sections with YES/NO questions and requires explanations for “NO” answers. There are two additional YES/NO questions for research proposals subject to the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy. Examples of changes include:

• Core YES/NO elements, covering:
  • Whether the research will maximize appropriate data sharing
  • Whether scientific data will be shared by publication or project end
  • Whether shared data will remain available for the required duration
• A table-oriented structure for listing anticipated data types and potential repositories
• Following the NIH DMS Plan Format (draft available)

NIH notes that the updated format page is being launched as a pilot, with additional revisions possible after evaluation over the next year.

Using DMPTool to Create Your DMS Plan

UC Davis researchers can take advantage of DMPTool, a widely used, UC‑supported platform that provides:

• Customized templates matching funder requirements (DMPTool will integrate the new NIH format as soon as it is fully approved)
• UC Davis–specific guidance embedded directly into each section to help researchers describe data types, repositories, documentation, standards, and access considerations.
• Collaboration features, allowing research teams to co‑edit and version plans.
• Library review support, enabling you to request feedback from UC Davis Library’s Research Data Services team

DMPTool is strongly recommended for anyone preparing NIH proposals, and updated templates reflecting NOT‑OD‑26‑046 will be added as soon as NIH finalizes the new format.

For Assistance

Contact the UC Davis Library’s Research Data Services team at dataservices@ucdavis.edu for help drafting or reviewing DMS Plans, choosing repositories, or aligning plans with FAIR principles.