Research Data Management

Data Management Plan

In today's academic environment, the management and sharing of research data has become essential. Since 2003, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has required research projects applying for more than $500,000 per year to include a data sharing plan in their application documents or to explain why they are unable to share their research data.

As the importance of research data continues to grow, many academic funders, publishers, journals, etc. have adopted research data policies or statements that encourage or require researchers to plan and implement research data management practices. For example, the NIH will implement a new Data Management and Sharing Policy beginning in 2023, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) requires research proposals for funding to include a data management plan of no more than two pages.

NSF suggests the following as possible content for inclusion in the general guidelines:

• The types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials and other materials to be produced in the course of the project.
• The standards to be used for data and metadata format and content. In cases where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies.
• Policies for data access and sharing, including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property or other rights or requirements.
• Policies and provisions for data reuse, redistribution and the production of derivatives.
• Plans for archiving data, samples and other research products, and for preserving access to them.

Online Tools for DMP

• DMPonline
• DMPTool