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Data Management and Open Data

This guide provides best practices and resources for getting started with managing and sharing research data.

Data Management Plans

A data management plan describes the data you use in your research and describes how you plan to store and share your data. Data management plans are often required by funding institutions.

 Data management plans should include:

  • description of the type of data that will be created,
  • the format of the data and the metadata that will be used to describe it,
  • methods for archiving and preserving the data,
  • policies for accessing the data, and
  • plans for releasing or terminating the data in the longterm.

DMP Tools and Templates

The DMP Tool is an interactive tool for drafting data management plans that walks you through the process of creating a plan for a variety of funding agencies and institutions.

  • DMPtool
    • Free or Open Access Resource. Unrestricted public access.
    The DMP Tool is an interactive tool for drafting data management plans that walks you through the process of creating a plan for a variety of funding agencies and institutions.
  • ezDMP
    • Free or Open Access Resource. Unrestricted public access.
    ezDMP is a free web-based tool for creating DMPs specific to a subset of NSF funding requirements.
  • NIH Data Management & Sharing Plans
    • Free or Open Access Resource. Unrestricted public access.
    Learn what NIH expects Data Management & Sharing plans to address. This page includes sample DMPs and a template or format.

Funder Requirements

Many funding agencies require grant applicants to include a data management and/or data sharing plan in their proposals. Follow any of the links below to find more information on these requirements.

  • NIH Scientific Data Sharing
    • Free or Open Access Resource. Unrestricted public access.
    This NIH website offers extensive information on the NIH's data sharing and data management policies.
  • Sherpa Juliet
    • Free or Open Access Resource. Unrestricted public access.
    Best Bet
    Sherpa Juliet is a searchable database of funding agencies' policies regarding open access, publication, and data management / data sharing. This is particularly useful for researchers looking for up-to-date information regarding open access mandates from their funders.
  • SPARC* Article and Data Sharing Requirements by Federal Agency database
    • Free or Open Access Resource. Unrestricted public access.
    This is a searchable database for tracking, comparing, and understanding both current and future U.S. federal funder requirements for sharing research articles and research data.