Research Data Management

A Data Management Plan (DMP) describes how data will be collected, processed, analyzed, described, preserved, and shared throughout a research project. The plan must include detailed information about the types of data produced, metadata standards used, policies for access and sharing, and strategies for archiving and preserving data to ensure long-term accessibility. Data management plans are designed to ensure proper documentation and future availability of data for other researchers (Network of the National Library of Medicine, 2022).

Most funders, both public and private, require a DMP as part of the project proposal. Federal agencies have implemented requirements for data sharing based on the OMB Circular in different ways. Refer to the Public Access Policies  to explore requirements for data sharing.

Though the requirements in a DMP can vary by funder, there are some general criteria that should be included:

• Who are the responsible parties in charge of data management (PI, CO-PIs etc)?
• What type/format data will be collected?
• Where will the data be stored?
• Who will have access to the data and what are the data sharing practices and policies?
• How long will the data be retained for?

A data management plan (DMP) is a maximum of 2 pages long. If the funder requires a DMP and you do not include a DMP you must include a statement why one is not needed.

Tools and Resources for creating DMPs

DMPTool helps researchers create data management plans (DMPs). It provides guidance from specific funders who require DMPs, but the tool can be used by anyone interested in developing generic DMPs to help facilitate their research. The site also includes public access DMPS, which are DMPs that were created using the DMP tool and made publicly available by their creators. (https://dmptool.org/) 

Below you will find DMP examples and templates from various institutions across a wide range of disciplines.

Data Management Plan Template (Oregon State University)

Data Management Plans (ENG) (University of Michigan)

Data Management Plans Examples (University of Arizona)

Data management plans (DMPs) (University of Minnesota)

Data Management Planning (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

Sample NSF Data Management Plans (UC San Diego)