The Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan should be submitted with the general funding application. If a researcher's application is also subject to the Genomic Data Sharing Policy, they should address GDS-specific topics within this general DMS plan and will no longer submit a separate GDS plan; see the call-out boxes in the NIH's Writing a Data Management & Sharing Plan page for more information on incorporating GDS.
On January, 25, 2025, major updates regarding data access and security will go into effect. The policy applies to both the generation and use of genomic data.
For data generation, the GDS policy requires researchers to deposit genomic data in an appropriate repository and, in the case of sensitive human genomic data with the proper access controls. NIH controls access to individual-level human genomic data contained in NIH repositories.
To comply with the GDS policy, NIH expects that investigators and institutions:
- Develop and provide a plan for sharing genomic data
- Provide an Institutional Certification form before the notice of award, if working with human data
- Share genomic data in a timely manner to an appropriate repository
For use of genomic data, researchers must submit a request to NIH to access controlled-access data from one of the 20 NIH-repositories listed. As part of the request, they must agree to adhere to the Data Use Certification Agreement (DUC) that contains the terms and conditions of use and follow the Genomic Data User Code of Conduct. If NIH grants their request, they become an "Approved User" and are permitted access to the data for two years, at which time they will either need to renew or close out the DUC.
To comply with the GDS policy, NIH expects that investigators and institutions:
- Responsibly use controlled-access data
- Appropriately cite controlled-access data in publications and presentations
For more detailed information, see the official notice from NIH and visit the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy page.