DMPs

DMP stands for Data Management Plan. In research and scholarly contexts, a DMP is a formal document that outlines how data generated or used in a project will be managed during and after the project’s life cycle. Its aim is to ensure data are accurate, accessible, and reusable while protecting privacy and complying with legal and ethical obligations.

A typical DMP describes: the types of data involved, data formats and standards; how metadata and documentation will be created and maintained; where data will be stored, how backups will be performed, and how long data will be preserved; and how data will be shared or restricted, including licensing and access controls. It also identifies roles, responsibilities, costs, and timelines.

Funders commonly require DMPs as part of research proposals and may require updates during the project. DMPs encourage the use of open formats, persistent identifiers, and submission to repositories or data centers. They may specify metadata standards, disciplinary conventions, and licensing (for example, Creative Commons). Plans also address embargo periods and conditions for restricted data.

Ethical and legal considerations include privacy, consent, and data protection laws such as GDPR; intellectual property rights; and restrictions on data sharing. Data stewardship focuses on long-term preservation, ensuring data remains accessible and usable through time, and may involve versioning, audits, and regular review of the plan.

A well-constructed DMP supports reproducibility, collaboration, and compliance with funder and institutional requirements. It can reduce data loss and ambiguity but requires upfront planning and ongoing maintenance, especially for projects handling large, sensitive, or complex data.