Research Guides: Data Management for Health and Human Sciences: Data Management Plans

What is a Data Management Plan?

Numerous federal funding agencies, such as the NIH and the NSF, now mandate that grant applications include data management plans for projects that involve data collection. However, creating a plan for your research data is considered a best practice, even if you’re not applying for funding. It ensures your data aligns with departmental or institutional policies. Many federal agencies provide specific guidelines for DMPs, and while they may vary, elements of a DMP will typically include:

Types of data including data characteristics, format, and scale
Contextual details (metadata and documentation)
Storage, backup, and security
Provisions for protection and privacy
Policies for re-use
Access and sharing
Archiving and providing long-term access
Roles and plan oversight

Federal Guidelines and Resources

Purdue Libraries NIH Data Sharing Policy Information
This page provides general information about the requirements and includes links to other resources at Purdue University, from the NIH and trusted external sources.
NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy
This overview of NIH data management and sharing provides current policy guidelines as well as supplemental information on planning, submission, and implementation .
NSF: Preparing Your Data Management and Sharing Plan
This page provides an overview of up to date requirements for the data management and sharing plan established by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
SPARC Data Sharing Requirements
A community resource for tracking, comparing, and understanding current U.S. federal funder research data sharing policies from SPARC, a a non-profit advocacy organization that supports systems for research and education.
DMPTool Funder Requirements
The DMPTool provides links and templates for data management plans based on the specific requirements listed in funder policy documents.

Resources for Writing your DMP

PURR - Data Management Planning
A guide to developing a DMP created by the Purdue Libraries. Resources include examples, worksheets, and links to numerous resources.
Research Data at Purdue
Landing page for Purdue Libraries research data department including a list of campus resources and contacts for questions or consultations.
The DMP Tool
The DMP Tool is designed to help researchers develop a data management plan that meets the requirements of a particular funding agency. Look here for ideas on what to include in your DMP.
ICPSR - Data Management Plans
ICPSR is a data repository located at the University of Michigan. Their site offers examples, guidance and other resources in developing a DMP.