NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Template
When to use it
- Any NIH application that will generate scientific data, with due dates on or after May 25, 2026.
- Revising an older six-section DMS Plan into the new format for a resubmission.
- Planning repository choices and budget lines for data sharing before you write the budget.
Template preview
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New format for due dates on or after May 25, 2026 (NOT-OD-26-046). Include only these elements. Check the NIH format page for the final version.
Data Management and Sharing Plan
Application title: [Title] | PD/PI: [Name]
Element 1: Maximum sharing
Will the maximum appropriate amount of scientific data underlying peer-reviewed publications be shared? [YES / NO]
Element 2: Timing
Will the scientific data underlying peer-reviewed publications be shared by the time of publication, and other scientific data by the end of the period of performance (including any no-cost extension)? [YES / NO]
Element 3: Duration
Will the scientific data be made available for at least as long as required by the policies of the repository used? [YES / NO]
Element 4: Limitations (required if you answered NO above, or if sharing will be limited in any other way; 300 words maximum)
[Describe each limitation on sharing and the specific ethical, legal, or technical reason for it, for example: participant consent that restricts broad sharing, tribal data agreements, or file sizes that exceed repository limits. Write "Not applicable" if there are none.]
Element 5: Human participant data
Will the privacy, rights, and confidentiality of human research participants be protected, including through access controls where appropriate? [YES / NO / Not applicable]
Element 6: Data types and repositories (100 words maximum)
6.1 Expected data type | 6.2 Repository
Element 7: Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy (if applicable)
7.1 Will large-scale human genomic and associated data be shared in an NIH-designated repository on the GDS accelerated timelines? [YES / NO / Not applicable]
7.2 Can the institution meet the Institutional Certification expectations of the GDS Policy? [YES / NO / Not applicable]
If you answer NO to 7.1 or 7.2, explain why in Element 4.
Tips
- Do not add sections beyond the listed elements. The 2026 format limits plans to these elements only.
- Keep the limitations section specific: name the restriction and the reason. Vague limitations draw requests for revision.
- Choose repositories before you finalize the budget so curation and deposit costs are included as allowable direct costs.
- The plan becomes a term of award. Track compliance in your annual RPPR.
- NIH K award applications will no longer require a DMS Plan once the 2027 K award changes take effect.
Frequently asked questions
What changed in the NIH DMS Plan for 2026?
For due dates on or after May 25, 2026, plans use a structured format with yes or no answers on sharing, timing, duration, and participant protections, a 300-word limitations section, a 100-word data type and repository table, and Genomic Data Sharing questions. Only these elements may be included.
How long is an NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan?
The 2026 format limits length by element rather than by page: up to 300 words for limitations and 100 words for the data type and repository table, with yes or no answers elsewhere.
Where does the DMS Plan go in the application?
In the Other Plan(s) attachment of the PHS 398 Research Plan form, unless your funding opportunity says otherwise.
Can I budget for data management and sharing?
Yes. Reasonable costs for curating data and depositing it in repositories are allowable and should be described in the budget justification.
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