Dear University of Rochester Research Community,
The NIH has released a new 2026 Pilot Data Management and Sharing Plan format for preparing Data Management and Sharing Plans.
The underlying NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy has not changed. Rather, NIH has revised the DMS Plan format to simplify the required elements, reduce narrative burden, and clarify common areas of confusion that have emerged since the policy went into effect in 2023.
The new 2026 Pilot DMS Plan format is required for NIH applications with due dates on or after May 25, 2026. For due dates before May 25, 2026, NIH will accept either the 2023 format or the new 2026 Pilot format. NIH recommends that applicants use the new simplified format if they are beginning to prepare a DMS Plan now.
The University of Rochester Libraries’ Data Services team has updated its NIH DMS Plan template and guidance to reflect the new NIH format. UR Libraries Data Services will host a webinar discussing the new format on May 14th. You can register here. Please contact the UR Libraries Data Services team if you have any questions about the template or you would like help preparing your data and management sharing plan.
Investigators and research teams preparing NIH applications should review NIH’s 2026 Pilot DMS Plan format and coordinate with their ORPA Research Administrator and the Libraries’ Data Services team as needed.
ORISE is partnering with the Libraries and ORPA to support clear, coordinated guidance on research data stewardship, including expectations related to the responsible management, documentation, preservation, and sharing of research data. Researchers are encouraged to participate in future RECR sessions focused on good data practices and data stewardship.
Sincerely,
The Office of Research Integrity, Stewardship & Ethics (ORISE)
The Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA)
The University of Rochester Libraries