Data Management Plans

A data management plan (DMP) is a formal document that outlines how a researcher intends to manage their research data during and after a project.

Creating a DMP can help you:

  • Make decisions about managing your data and understand the implications of those decisions
  • Identify resources and tools needed for your research
  • Estimate costs for resources and tools and budget accordingly
  • Anticipate and mitigate problems (e.g. data loss, duplication of effort, security breaches)
  • Ensure everyone in your research group understands what is happening with the data

Creating a DMP

A DMP should follow the format specified by a funder or any other relevant requirements. If no format is specified you can create a DMP in whatever way works for you (e.g., a text document or Excel file). You can use the DMP Planning Checklist and Question Guide to help develop your DMP.

DMPs should be created in consultation with all research group members and partners. If you are conducting research with Indigenous communities, your DMP should be co-created with those communities.

Online DMP tools

There are also a number of free, online tools that can help you draft a DMP. These tools provide templates based on discipline, research method, institutional context, and funding requirements.

  • DMP Assistant (Canada, provides templates based on discipline and research method)
  • DMPOnline (United Kingdom, provides templates from various UK funding agencies)
  • DMPTool (United States, provides templates from various US funding agencies)

Examples of DMPs

Resources

Library resources

Library services
The library provides support for:

  • Understanding what information and level of detail to include in a DMP
  • Navigating funder and journal requirements
  • Reviewing DMPs for completeness
  • DMP Assistant

Please note that our services are intended to provide support and guidance. The library cannot validate methodological approaches.

External resources