The following notice was sent to recent NSF funding recipients February 19, 2026. The Research Data Service occasionally sends messages summarizing key updates to funders’ data policies. These messages do not cover all updates.
The Illinois Research Data Service is reaching out to let you know about recent changes to NSF’s Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) requirements. As an NSF funding recipient, you may have heard about the updates to the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PPAFG) NSF announced on January 22.
What’s changing
- Data that supports a publication should be made public by the time the publication is released. Any delays to data sharing should be justified in the DMSP.
- Supporting materials that should be shared – such as data, samples, and physical collections – now also includes software, inventions, and curriculum materials. Include plans to share these publicly when it’s relevant and feasible.
- On April 27, NSF will be launching a new online tool for submitting DMSPs. Until then, continue to upload a 2-page PDF file as part of your application.
What’s staying the same
- The content of DMSPs isn’t changing, but always check your funding announcement and the DMSP guidance for your directorate or division because requirements vary.
- The Research Data Service is here to help with your DMSP. Contact us to set up a consultation or submit a draft DMSP for review.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Research Data Service. We’re here to help you interpret policies, draft DMSPs, teach data management skills, and publish data.