New NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Requirements

New Implementation Update for NIH Data Management and Sharing Plans 

In February 2026, it was announced that as of May 25, 2026, an updated data management and sharing (DMSP) format would replace the previous, 2023 version that was required for compliance with the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy (DMSP). This policy requires all projects funded by the NIH, in whole or in part, to submit a data management and sharing plan (DMSP) with their funding applications. The new, streamlined format of the DMSP is based on a series of questions covering various aspects of project data management, most of which are designed to be answered yes/no. A longer section is provided for researchers to outline the anticipated data types that will be produced, and the name of the repository that will be used to store and share the data. 

On July 29, a new Implementation Update was released by the NIH. According to this update, all existing awards and applications subject to the NIH DMS Policy must transition and align with the updated, 2026 DMS Plan format. Researchers can submit a revised DMS Plan using the updated format at the next Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR).    

Galter Health Sciences Library is poised to assist with all aspects of transition to the new NIH DMSP format. For one-on-one support, please schedule a consultation with us through either the Galter DataLab, or by reaching out via researchdata@northwestern.edu. The Library’s data-focused class offerings include an updated class on Creating Compliant Plans for the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy, as well as an accompanying, updated GalterGuide which provides further pointers towards DMS Policy compliance.  

In addition, Galter Library will be hosting virtual office hours at 2:00pm CT on September 28, 2026, to answer questions about the updated DMSP format, the implementation update, and how to transfer an older format plan to the new format.  

It is important to note that, though not a requirement, you may find it helpful to retain any data management plans already created in the original, 2023 NIH DMSP format, even after transition to the 2026 format. The information in the 2023 version could be more comprehensive, likely containing data formats, software used, and metadata standards that apply to the research in question, as well as other topics. This important information about your project may be useful to you when the time comes to deposit the project’s data for full compliance with the DMS Policy.    

Notice of NIH Updates to Career Development (K) Award Programs 

On August 12, 2026, NIH released a Notice of NIH Updates to Career Development (K) Award Programs, which includes the elimination of the requirement for data management and sharing plans (DMSPs) on Ks. If you have a K award, please note specifically the section in this guidance, after the table, titled “Activity codes not affected by these changes,” which includes K00, K43, K12, and K76. As with the guidance on the general NIH DMSP update above, please consider retaining any existing, 2023-format NIH DMSPs that you have created, since they may prove to be helpful for future data repository deposits. 

For consultations on data management and sharing plans, please reach out to me at sara.gonzales2@northwestern.edu, or to researchdata@northwestern.edu