The following notice was sent to recent NIH applicants March 10, 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 upcoming changes to NIH’s Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) requirements. As an NIH funding recipient, you may have already heard about the NIH Announcement (NOT-OD-26-046) outlining a new, much shorter DMSP format for applications submitted on or after May 25, 2026.
Starting May 25, the new, shorter NIH DMSP format will consist of:
- Yes/No questions about:
- Maximizing appropriate sharing of scientific data underlying research findings
- Sharing data by the time findings are published or by the end of the performance period, whichever comes first
- Shared data being available for at least as long as required by associated repositories and journal publishers
- Protection of participants’ privacy, rights, and confidentiality
- Adherence to NIH’s Genomic Data Sharing Policy (if applicable)
- A brief narrative (200 words) explaining any limitations on data sharing
- A table listing expected data types and repositories you will likely use to share those data
A preview of the new plan format page is available, but may be updated again before May 25. If you are submitting a grant on or after May 25, check the format page again closer to your application date.
Although NIH is moving to a shorter DMSP, the Research Data Service still recommends drafting a more detailed plan for your own use. Data management planning can help you prevent costly errors, anticipate storage and preservation needs, and communicate with collaborators.
The Research Data Service is here to help you plan for data management whether that plan is part of a grant proposal or not. Check out our Data Management Planning workbook, and please reach out anytime to set up a consultation or request a DMSP review.