A data management plan (DMP) is a formal document that outlines how data should be handled during a research project and after the project is completed. It describes the data that will be acquired or produced, how it will be managed, stored, and protected, and what standards will be used. A DMP helps researchers plan and organize data collection by making them think about the questions that will arise as they collect data. It also documents key research data lifecycle activities such as collecting, describing, maintaining, and accessing or discovering data.
This documentation is essential for the reproducibility of research results. When developing a project or applying for funding, a DMP is often required. Until the early 2000s, DMPs were used for projects of great technical complexity and for limited purposes of data collection and processing mid-study. Nowadays, they are used to promote a structured approach to data management throughout the data lifecycle, resulting in better quality data that is ready to be archived for sharing and reuse.
By anticipating costs ahead of time, researchers ensure that data is properly managed and archived. The DMPTool includes data management plan templates, along with a wealth of information and assistance to guide researchers through the process of creating a ready-to-use DMP for their specific research project and funding agency. The Data Management Plan Self-Assessment Questionnaire (pdf) provides guidance on the types of issues researchers may need to consider as they begin drafting their DMP. In designing the plan for data lifecycle management, a DMP provides valuable details such as how data will be preserved in the long term, how and where the researcher will make the data available for sharing, and whether data, including derived data, will be allowed to be reused.
Data management is best addressed in the early stages of a research project but it's never too late to develop a data management plan. Refer to other data management guides for additional guidance on data management and to select information related to particular formats or disciplines.
