Open Data and the 2023 NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Data Science
• Information Science

Background:

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest public funder of biomedical research globally.
• A cultural shift towards broader scientific data sharing is emerging in medical research.
• Health sciences librarians play a crucial role in supporting research data management and dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of open data principles and practices.
• To explain the implications of the new National Institutes of Health Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy.
• To outline the supportive role of health sciences librarians in navigating data sharing requirements.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on open data, data sharing policies, and librarian support roles.
• Analysis of the National Institutes of Health Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy.
• Identification of key areas where librarians can assist researchers with data management and sharing.

Main Results:

• Open data and data sharing are becoming integral to the research landscape.
• The NIH's new DMS Policy mandates broader data sharing for NIH-funded research.
• Health sciences librarians offer essential expertise in data management planning, repository selection, and compliance.

Conclusions:

• The NIH DMS Policy represents a significant advancement in promoting scientific data sharing.
• Health sciences librarians are vital partners for researchers in adhering to data sharing mandates.
• Effective data management and sharing practices enhance research reproducibility and impact.