Skip to content

NIH Guidance

NIH Data Management and Sharing

NIH has implemented a policy regarding Data Management and Sharing, effective on January 23, 2023. This Policy establishes the requirements of submission of Data Management and Sharing Plans and compliance with NIH Institute, Center, or Office (ICO)-approved Plans. It also emphasizes the importance of good data management practices and establishes the expectation for maximizing the appropriate sharing of scientific data generated from NIH-funded or conducted research, with justified limitations or exceptions. This Policy applies to research funded or conducted by NIH that results in the generation of scientific data.

NIH has published information to assist with writing a data management and sharing plan. You can also utilize the DMPTool.

The FDP NIH DMS Pilot templates are now available in DMPTool for any individual needing to create an NIH DMS Plan. Individuals using DMPTool to create a DMS Plan will now see three options when selecting NIH as the primary funding organization. These templates are:

  1. "NIH-Default DMSP”, which is based on NIH’s optional DMS Plan Format. If you have been using DMPTool to create an NIH DMS Plan, this template has been available in DMPTool since the NIH DMS Policy went into effect on January 25, 2023.
  1. NEW “NIH-FDP Pilot Template Alpha” – the DMPTool version of the word doc format Alpha Template
  1. NEW “NIH-FDP Pilot Template Bravo” – the DMPTool version of the word doc format Bravo Template

A PDF download of these two new templates is also posted on the pilot webpage. These DMPTool templates, and the “paper-based” templates they are based on, were developed and vetted by NIH Program staff and can be used to create the final DMS Plan included in a submission to NIH.

 

NIH Biosketch

NIH requirements for the biosketch format are outlined in NOT-OD-21-073 and NOT-OD-21-110. All new applications must include a biosketch in this format, and NIH may not review your application if any Biosketches do not follow the correct format.

NIH encourages the use of SciENcv, which can be used to generate both Biosketch documents in the appropriate format. SciENcv will provide the most up-to-date form and also keeps your previously entered information so that it is easy to make updates to the document.

If SciENcv is not a good option for you, you can access the blank forms on NIH's Biosketch Form Page. Here you will find resources such as:

Additional resources:

NIH Other Support

In response to recent developments affecting the integrity of biomedical research conducted in the United States, the NIH issued NOT-OD-19-114 in order to clarify and remind of the need to report foreign activities. This notice reviews NIH's longstanding policies on Other Support, Foreign Components, and Financial Conflict of Interest.

On March 12, 2021, NIH announced via NOT-OD-21-073 their Upcoming Changes to the Biographical Sketch and Other Support Format Page for Due Dates on or after May 25, 2021. On April 28, 2021, NIH additionally released NOT-OD-21-110: Implementation of Changes to the Biographical Sketch and Other Support Format Page. These two notices designate the required use of new Biosketch and Other Support forms beginning May 25, 2021 and state that "failure to follow the appropriate formats on or after January 25, 2022 may cause NIH to withdraw applications or delay consideration of funding." Therefore it is important to ensure that for all new NIH proposals, JITs, and progress reports, the updated Other Support format is being used.

Additional resources: