What is a DMP?
A DMP (Data Management Plan) is a formal plan that outlines how a researcher intends to manage research data during and after a research project.
Why do I need a DMP?
Many funders strongly encourage or require researchers to complete a DMP to help ensure the appropriate management of research data for reproducibility and reuse by others. A DMP is also a useful tool for project and resource planning.
DMP Guidance
Information on typical DMP questions are presented below with assisting guidance. Note that some funders may require a specific DMP template be used, always check first.
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U of T Libraries – Data management plan questions and guidance for creating a DMP
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U of T Libraries – Data management plan checklist
A DMP should address questions such as:
- What types of data will be created
- Policies (funding, legal and institution) that apply to the data
- Who will own, have access to, and be responsible for managing the data
- What equipment and methods will be used to capture, process and document the data
- How the data will be organized and documented
- Where the data will be stored during and after the research
- How the data will be shared and under what provisions
Online Data Management Plan tools
There are free tools available to help draft a DMP. These tools have templates that reflect criteria to meet funding requirements, and can help design a plan that is relevant to data in your research domain:
- DMPonline (United Kingdom)
- DMPTool (United States)
- DMP Assistant (Canada)
Sample Data Management Plans
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Humanities
Example 1 • Example 2 • Example 3 • Example 4 • Example 5 • Example 6 • Example 7 • Example 8 • Example 9 • Example 10 • Example 11 • Example 12 • Example 13 • Example 14 (American Anthropological Association) • Example 15 (Digital Humanities) • Example 16 (Digital Humanities using Secondary Data) -
Science
Example 1 • Example 2 • Example 3 • Example 4 • Example 5 (US National Science Foundation [DataONE]) -
Social Science
Example 1 (ICPSR) -
Health Sciences
Example 1 [download as a Word document] (US National Institutes of Health) -
Various Disciplines: Multiple Examples (UC San Diego)
Includes Science, Engineering, Education, Math, Computer Science, Multidisciplinary | Note: Several are part of a successfully funded grant -
Study Type
Mixed Methods Example
More information:
Writing a Data Management Plan:
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Checklist for a Data Management Plan (Digital Curation Centre)
- How to Develop a Data Management and Sharing Plan (Digital Curation Centre)