Writing a data management plan (DMP)
Answer
This article contains the following sections:
-
What is a DMP?
-
Policy requirements for DMPs
-
DMP templates
-
Supporting researchers
-
Guidance on using DMPonline
What is a DMP?
A data management plan (DMP) describes the data collected during research, and how it will be managed, both during and after the end of the study, and justifies any restrictions that need to be applied.
DMPs typically consider these common themes:
-
data collection;
-
documentation and metadata;
-
ethics and legal compliance;
-
storage and backup;
-
selection and preservation;
-
data sharing.
A DMP is a working document and should be updated whenever significant changes occur during the course of a research study.
Policy requirements for DMPs
The University of Manchester (UoM) Research Data Management (RDM) Policy specifies that researchers are responsible for producing a DMP for every research study. This applies to all research, whether it is funded or not.
The supporting UoM RDM Standard Operating Procedure also explains:
-
The Principal Investigator must ensure that a DMP is written before the research commences, adhered to and updated as necessary throughout the Study lifecycle.
-
All DMPs must be recorded and maintained using the DMPonline service.
Many funders require a DMP as an integral part of a grant application. Funders may also stipulate use of their specific DMP templates, and word count or page limits at the application stage.
DMP templates
Many funders and The University of Manchester (UoM) provide specific DMP templates that researchers must use.
UoM uses the DMPonline service to prefix all DMP templates with its ‘Manchester Data Management Outline’ (MDMO) section which:
-
is quick and simple to complete since it is largely composed of multiple-choice questions with optional free-text responses where necessary;
-
collates responses to inform institutional service delivery and development.
If a funder stipulates a DMP template, then this must be used. Note that:
-
funders typically require completed DMPs to be submitted as part of grant applications;
-
the MDMO section should not be included in grant applications since it is not part of the funder template.
If a funder does not specify a DMP template, or research is unfunded, then the UoM template must be used.
Supporting researchers
When a researcher creates a DMP using DMPonline (see figure 1, workflow 1, below) the Office for Open Research:
-
checks the completed ‘Manchester Data Management Outline’ (MDMO) section and emails tailored feedback to the researcher, typically within one working day;
-
copies the email to relevant Professional Services teams if further support may be needed e.g. Information Governance Office for advice on data protection; Research IT for help with costings if large data storage volumes are required.
If a research study undergoes UREC (University Research Ethics Committee) review (see figure 1, workflow 2, below) then the UREC application must include a copy of:
-
the DMP, including the MDMO section;
-
the feedback email arising from the MDMO check;
-
any conversations that the researcher or study team have had with Information Governance about this study.
The Office for Open Research also offers a DMP review service for all researchers (see figure 1, workflow 3, below):
-
To request feedback on a fully completed DMP, researchers should use DMPonline’s ‘Request feedback’ function.
-
The Office for Open Research aims to return advisory guidance within 10 working days.
Figure 1. Workflow illustrating how DMP processes support researchers
Explanatory note: circled numbers (1, 2, 3) indicate the workflows that are referenced in the text above.
Guidance on using DMPonline
For help with using DMPonline to create and maintain your DMPs, please see these articles: