What is a DMP?
A data management plan (DMP) is a formal document that summarizes how data generated over the course of a research project will be stored, shared, and maintained.
Why do I need a DMP?
Most funders require or strongly encourage researchers to complete a DMP, to allow for reproducibility and reuse by others. It is good practice to make a DMP whether your research is funded or not.
A DMP is a living document and can be continually edited and updated to accommodate changes throughout the course of your research project. Keep in mind as your research plans change, you should review your DMP to make sure that it still meets the needs of the research project.
Key components of DMPs
A DMP should typically include sections on:
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Administration (the roles and responsibilities within the research team for managing the data)
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Data types
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Metadata & Documentation
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Storage & Security
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Sharing & Reuse
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Retention & Preservation
DMP assistant
The DMP Assistant is a free, online, and bilingual tool to help Canadian researchers prepare DMPs. The tool guides researchers through a series of key data management questions, supported by best-practices and examples.
Resources
- Guidelines for Categorization and Security of Research Data & Information
- Data Storage Guidelines
- Secure Online Data Collection Guidelines
- Encryption Policy
- FAIR Principles
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