The NBME Office of Research Strategy uses an online submission process to evaluate data request proposals to utilize NBME or USMLE-owned data for research purposes. NBME's Office of Research Strategy will notify the submitter of the decision to move forward with their initial proposal within 5 business days. If the proposal is accepted, NBME's Office of Research Strategy will request additional information, including but not limited to, a detailed research design, project and dissemination plan, CV/bio sketch(s) of participating researchers, and any additional needed data variables. We will evaluate the full data request and communicate the final decision to the submitter within 10 business days after receiving all requested materials.

Please note: Acceptance of the initial proposal does not indicate final approval of the data request.

Instructions for Submission

A draft of your proposal will save automatically as you work on it. The submitter has the ability to save and return to the draft at any time prior to final submission. The submitter must acknowledge the common reasons for a proposal to be rejected and complete the required fields prior to final submission.

Instructions for Collaborating on the Submission

If you would like to invite another person to collaborate on your submission, please click on the link in the upper right hand corner of the form titled 'Invite Collaborators.' You will have the opportunity to enter the collaborator's email and send a direct invitation to collaborate on the submission. 

Please note: Collaborators will only have the ability to 'save a draft' of the submission with their contributions. Only the initiating submitter will be able to 'submit' the final proposal.

If you have any issues submitting online, please contact NBME's Office of Research Strategy at ORS@nbme.org for assistance.