Writing a Data Management and Sharing Plan

A data management plan is a written document which has the following components (from NISO):

  1. Description of types of data collected and/or generated
  2. Standards that will be used for data and their metadata
  3. Description of policies regarding all data
  4. Plans for archival and preservation
  5. Description of resources required for data management including software, hardware, budget considerations and personnel

Check with your Sponsored Projects Administration Project Officer to determine if your grant application requires a data management plan. In addition to the description of how data will be managed, your data management plan may require a data sharing plan. The Public Access Mandates website provides information and policies for data sharing.

DMPTool is a free service that researchers can use to draft high-quality data management and sharing plans that meet funder requirements. Log into DMPTool with [email protected] to access the interactive tool. The Office of Research Compliance and Training and Libraries have created a 12-minute video tutorial that demonstrates how to use DMPTool.

Data Management Plan Resources

 NIH has issued the Data Management and Sharing (DMS) policy (effective January 25, 2023) to promote the sharing of scientific data.