News

The following notice was sent to recent NSF applicants on April 30, 2026. The Research Data Service occasionally sends messages summarizing key updates to funders’ data policies. These messages do not cover all updates.

The Research Data Service is reaching out to let you know about new changes to NSF Data Management and Sharing Plans (DMSPs). This is in addition to our February NSF update about data sharing timelines and supporting materials.

NSF DMSPs must now be submitted through an online form. As of April 27, 2026, NSF is no longer accepting DMSPs as PDFs. All DMSPs must now be submitted via a web form that will allow you to select from common options and also supply additional information as needed.

When applying for an NSF grant, you will be directed to a DMSP form that fits the requirements for the primary directorate associated with the funding opportunity. Applicants will only be asked to complete one DMSP per application, even if the opportunity is associated with multiple directorates.

Visit research.gov to preview the new DMSP form but remember, depending on your directorate, this preview may not exactly match the DMSP required for your next grant application.

The Illinois Data Bank is still a great option for sharing open-access data from NSF-funded projects, even though it is not listed as one of the common Data Sharing Locations. Simply select “Add New” and list the Illinois Data Bank as an Institutional Repository.

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.

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.

The following notice was sent to recent DOE funding recipients December 15, 2025. 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 a DOE policy. As a DOE funding recipient, you may have heard about the new Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) requirements they announced on December 2.

Good news – not much has changed.

The only new requirement is to report published datasets to DOE’s Office of Science and Technology Information (OSTI). If you publish data in the Illinois Data Bank, we’ll take care of that for you. Or, you can do it yourself on the OSTI website.

Otherwise, the primary takeaways are still the same:

• DOE-funded projects that produce scientific data are expected to maximize appropriate data sharing while protecting confidentiality and intellectual property.
• DOE doesn’t have a DMSP form or template, but suggests including these elements.
• Check your DOE funding opportunity for specific instructions because DMSP requirements may vary.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Research Data Service. We’re here to help you interpret policy, write a DMSP, teach data management skills, and publish data. Our Illinois Data Bank repository is free, open-access, and meets the data sharing requirements of federal funders, including DOE.