What is a DMP?
A data management plan (DMP) is a living document that encompasses a wide variety of information describing how the data is going to be handled throughout the lifecycle of the project. They are first and foremost a planning tool. A DMP should stimulate researchers to think about optimal handling, organizing, documenting, and storing of their data.
Why make a DMP?
- Compliance: As an UiO employee, you should create a data management plan for your research data (cf. Guidelines). Additionally, many funding organizations such as The Research Council of Norway require data management plans.
- Planning: Saves time and effort by systematic documentation. Identify early stage issues and time dependent requirements.
- Impact: Plan ahead for sharing data, optimize the impact and visibility of the research.
- Collaboration: Encourages improvement and validation of research methods
- Longevity: If you win the lottery, someone else will be able to continue your research
What is included in a DMP?
While the content of the plan may vary, there are generally six main topics:
- Responsibility: Who will be responsible for managing the data during and after the project, and what resources are needed
- Documentation: How you will ensure that the data is well organised and adequately documented.
- Description: The volume and type of data set to be generated/used.
- Ethical and Legal: How to ensure that the data is compatible with ethical and legal requirements
- Storage: Where the data is to be stored and backed up during the lifetime of the project
- Sharing and Preservation: How to save and make the data accessible to others in the long term
How to get started
Before beginning the creation of the DMP, check for any funder or ethics board requirements. You do not need to memorize these, just get familiar know where to find them.
There are many templates to choose from that will aid in the process of creating a data management plan. It is recommended that RITMO users try to use the Sikt template (formerly NSD) whenever possible. This interactive template can be linked to your Sikt application within their portal and can be shared or exported. It is adapted to different types of funding (European Research Council, Norwegian Research Council, etc.), and meets the requirements of Science Europe.
Does your project involve legacy data or did you already capture the data and are looking to document it? Try this template that Kayla made for just that occasion. UiO users can download it here.
ScienceEurope has also created a document called "Guidance on the Evaluation of Data Management Plans". This may be helpful to those of you who are wondering if your data management plan is any good. You can find it on their website or in pdf form here.
Remember, a data management should not be a bureaucratic burden but a useful means of support when planning and conducting a research project. Make sure to tailor it to your specific project.
Helpful Links
- More from UiO
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Information from Outside Organizations
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DMP templates:
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Sikt template (suggested)
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