What is Scientific Data?
Data commonly accepted in the scientific community as of sufficient quality to validate and replicate research findings, regardless of whether the data are used to support scholarly publications.
- This includes any data needed to validate and replicate research findings.
- It does not include lab notebooks, preliminary analyses, completed case report forms, drafts of scientific papers, plans for future research, peer reviews, communications with colleagues, or physical objects such as laboratory specimens.
NIH Data Management & Sharing Policy, 2023
A Data Plan
Any research that generates scientific data requires a plan for Data Management and Sharing (DMS) to be included when submitting a new or competing proposal/renewal application for NIH funding. This includes projects funded for most R-series, U-series, K-series career development awards, SBIR/STTR, and P-series research centers.
Plans should include only the elements outlined in NOT-OD-26-046 Updated Elements of an NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan and should use the most up to date format page.
NIH institutes and centers have additional specific data sharing requirements, including stipulations for the use of NIH-supported data repositories. Read the policies here.
Webinars About DMS
Watch these NIH webinars to learn more about data management and sharing.
Webinar I: Understanding the New NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy
Webinar II: Diving Deeper into the new NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy
FAQ | Data Management & Sharing
Need More Information?
For information about developing a DMS plan, NIH requirements, or the application and award processes, contact:
Katherine E. Kight, PhD
Research Administrator
410.706.5149
kkight@som.umaryland.edu