Data Management Plans
Research data management begins with a good data management plan (DMP). Although not everyone needs a formal DMP, best practices for data planning have emerged in connection with the formal DMPs now required by so many grant-giving agencies.
This page provides information and resources to help you develop a data management plan. While the materials are geared toward fulfilling requirements of formal DMPs, they are just as helpful for those interested in developing a less formal plan for personal use.
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What is a Data Management Plan (DMP)?
A data management plan (DMP) describes the data associated with a research project. It also discusses how the data will be managed, and how it will be preserved for future accessibility.
Funder requirements vary, but the DMP should generally address:
- Data Attributes :The types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other research products;
- Data Documentation :The standards to be used for data and metadata formats and content;
- Security Policies: Plans for data access and sharing including protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights, including the right to embargo data for a specified time period to allow first publication and thorough use of data;
- Use Policies: Provisions for fair re-use, redistribution, and the production of derivatives; and
- Preservation: Plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of access to them.
Adapted from Rutgers University https://data.rutgers.edu/Home/Plans
Find Your Funder's DMP Requirements
The specific requirements for the DMP vary by funder, and by research subject, with most emphasizing preservation and data sharing. There are now many resources online to assist with locating and mediating funder data sharing policies:
International Resources:
Selected Statements by Grant Agencies:
- NSF Plan for Public Access: The National Science Foundation (NSF or Foundation) has developed a plan outlining a framework for activities to increase public access to scientific publications and digital scientific data resulting from research the foundation fund
DMP Tools
The DMPTool is a free online tool that can be used by anyone to develop generic or funder-specific DMPs, and incudes step-by-step instructions and guidance. If you are preparing DMPs for a granting agency in the UK or Europe, you may wish to use DMPonline instead.