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Research Data Management

Data Management Plan

A data management plan (DMP) is a document that describes the data that will be collected throughout a project, and how the data will be organized, stored, and shared. There are 5 components of any data management plan:

  • Types of data that will be produced or collected
  • Data and metadata standards
  • Policies for access and sharing
  • Policies for re-use and distribution
  • Plans for archiving and preservation

Data Management Plan Benefits

A data management plan (DMP) will:

  • define the steps you need to manage your data
  • strengthen your research ethics application
  • ensure you follow funder and journal requirements
  • clarify what you need for longer-term data management
  • give your data a longer lifespan and strengthen your research process

Source: University of Alberta Libraries Research Data.

Resources to Create a Data Management Plan

The DMP Assistant is freely accessible to all researchers. When you sign up for an account, select Durham College as your institution. This web-based tool will guide you step by step through creating a data management plan following current best practices. The platform also allows you to share your plan with your collaborators, and export finished plans for inclusion in grant applications.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

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