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NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy

Guide to Complying With the 2023 NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy

Policy Preferences for Data Repositories

The NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy has specific preferences for what types of data repositories to use when sharing data generated through NIH funding. Ideally, data will be shared in a subject specific repository. Subject specific repositories are data repositories where data from a specific domain, concerning a certain disease, or about a specific subject of study are sharing.

If a subject specific repository is not available for your field, the NIH suggests using a generalist repository or an institutional repositoryAs NYU Langone Health does not currently have an institutional repository, a generalist repository is the best option. A generalist repository is a data repository that accepts data regardless of the field of study. 

Locating a Subject Specific Repository

The NIH maintains a list of NIH-supported subject specific repositories, available here. If the NIH supports a subject specific repository in your field, it is best to use that repository to comply with the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy. 

There are additional Subject Specific Repositories, not supported by the NIH. To review available repositories, you can search re3data.org, an online registry of all available data repositories. However, not all repositories are of equal quality, and the NIH provides a list of desirable attributes to consider if using a repository not supported by the NIH. Details of those attributes are available as supplemental information to the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy and are summarized below:

  • Assigns unique persistent identifiers
  • Long-term sustainability
  • Curation and quality assurance services
  • Free and easy access
  • Allows broad and measured reuse
  • Provides clear use guidance
  • Security and integrity
  • Maintains confidentiality
  • Supports common file formats
  • Records data provenance (e.g., tracks data versions)
  • Documented retention policies
  • Additional considerations for human subjects data include: 
    • Fidelity to confident 
    • Restricted use compliance
    • Privacy
    • Plan for breach
    • Download control
    • Procedures for violations
    • Request review

Locating a Generalist Repository

For datasets that cannot be deposited in a subject specific repository, the NIH has suggested nine generalist repositories, listed below: 

Data Repository Finder

The NYU HSL Data Repository Finder was developed to help NYU Langone researchers identify suitable NIH-supported repositories to fulfill data sharing requirements. When visiting the webpage, you may be prompted to log in with your Kerberos ID if you are working off-site or not connected to the institutional network. A public-facing option is the Network of the National Library of Medicine Data Repository Finder.