November 22, 2019: NIH Releases Draft Policy for Data Management and Sharing

The NIH recently released a Draft NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing and supplemental draft guidance for public comment.

In the draft, the NIH reiterates its commitment to making available the results and products of the research it funds, and acknowledges that data sets come from a variety of sources that may have unique data sharing concerns. Therefore, the draft policy proposes that applicants for research funding submit a plan describing how scientific data will be managed and shared.

 “Under this Policy, individuals and entities would be required to provide a Data Management and Sharing Plan (Plan) describing how scientific data will be managed, including when and where the scientific data will be preserved and shared, prior to initiating the research study.” —Draft NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing

The elements of the Plan are described in detail in the Draft Policy and will require a description of data type and quantity, a rationale for decisions about data sharing, metadata and associated documentation, and plans for protecting confidentiality.

Comments are due no later than January 10, 2020. Comments may be submitted online.

For information on the NIH Collaboratory Data Sharing Policy, see the Data and Resource Sharing informational document, questionnaire, and checklist.