The document outlines the evolving policies and practical considerations surrounding data management and sharing in the context of U.S. federally funded research, with particular emphasis on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and institutional implementations such as Purdue University. It details the NIH’s comprehensive Data Management and Sharing Policy, effective from January 25, 2023, which mandates the submission and compliance with data management and sharing plans for all NIH-supported research that generates scientific data. The rationale for data sharing is multifaceted, including enhancing study validation, stimulating new research, maximizing the utility of data, fostering collaborations, and ensuring accountability for public funds. Policy development has been iterative, incorporating extensive public and stakeholder feedback, including tribal consultations, and is closely aligned with broader government objectives and protections for privacy and ethical considerations.
The document also provides a practical overview of implementation strategies and supporting resources. It discusses allowable costs and repository selection, highlights the importance of established data repositories such as the NIMH Data Archive (NDA), and describes the phases and cost considerations involved in data management—from local data handling to curation and repository charges. There is an emphasis on data harmonization, standardization of data collection instruments, compliance monitoring, and the development of tools to facilitate cost estimation and best practices. Additionally, the case study of Purdue University’s Research Repository (PURR) illustrates an institutional approach to supporting the research data lifecycle, encompassing collaboration, planning, publication, archiving, and impact tracking, underpinned by a partnership of libraries, research offices, IT, and preservation networks. Together, these elements reflect a systematic effort to promote rigorous, transparent, and reusable research data while balancing practical, technical, and ethical challenges.
