The NIH Data Sharing Index (S-Index) Challenge aims to promote data sharing and develop a robust metric to reward those who demonstrate exemplary data sharing. Mandatory registration to participate in the challenge is due by March 3, 2025, and the first phase of the challenge begins on April 21, 2025.
The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative is committed to advancing data science research, promoting effective data sharing under the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible Interoperable, and Reusable), and building the informatics infrastructure that is needed to effectively archive, integrate, interpret, and visualize data across all areas of BRAIN Initiative research. To that end, the BRAIN Initiative has trailblazed a data sharing policy (NOT-MH-19-010) and continues to support opportunities to promote the effective sharing of scientific data. The BRAIN Initiative data sharing policy paved the way for other data policies, including the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy.
To incentivize and reward effective data sharing practices, the NIH is launching the NIH Data Sharing Index (S-Index) Challenge. This Challenge is led by the National Eye Institute, with contributions from multiple NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices, including the BRAIN Initiative. The S-Index Challenge aims to advance the NIH mission by actively promoting data sharing and developing a robust metric to reward exemplary data sharers. This challenge is open to the public, including researchers, healthcare professionals, data scientists, informaticians, and anyone interested in promoting and expanding data sharing in research. The competition aims to stimulate innovation and advance open science principles.
The S-index Challenge will be conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, participants will develop a proof-of-concept proposal, and in Phase 2, finalists will refine and implement their ideas by submitting a comprehensive proposal.
Important deadlines include:
Mandatory Registration (intent to participate) Deadline: March 3, 2025
Phase 1 Submission Period Opens: April 21, 2025
Phase 1 Submission Deadline: June 2, 2025
Phase 1 Technical & Federal Judging: July 7-August 15, 2025
Phase 1 Announcement of Finalists: September 16, 2025
Phase 2 Submission Period Opens: September 17, 2025
Phase 2 Submission Deadline: February 13, 2026
Phase 2 Technical & Federal Judging: March 2-April 10, 2026
Announce Winner(s): May 6, 2026
For more details, please visit the NIH Data Sharing Index (S-Index) Challenge webpage.