RSP - RDM

Creating a Data Management Plan 

Funders expect data plans to cover how data will be collected or created, managed, shared and preserved.  Plans should include information on expected / potential difficulties that may arise during a research project, along with causes and possible measures to overcome these difficulties.

A good DMP will usually cover the following themes, but will vary in exact details and requirements dependent on the funder that is being applied to:

• The types of data will be created, including formats, volumes, and any standards or capture methods.
• How ethics, intellectual property and data protection will be addressed and managed.
• Plans for resource accessibility, sharing agreements and reuse of data, including timescales for public release.
• Details on short term storage, including back-up strategies to prevent data loss.
• Strategy for long-term storage, use, and sustainability for your data, data derivatives, and other research outputs.
• Details of resources required.

Much of data management is simply good research practice that you will be doing already.  Data plans are just a way of articulating or evidencing that you've thought about how to create, store, backup, share and preserve your data. The DCC has produced an interactive online tool to help researchers create data management plans: DMPonline The website has a record of major UK/European funder requirements, so it can also tailor the template to your particular funder.