3.3 Data management plan (DMP) 3.3.1 Contents of a data management plan
The DMP contains information about the data, the data format, how the data are handled and how the data are to be interpreted. Recently, a DFG checklist has provided further guidance on these aspects [1]. To decide which aspects should be included, the following questions can be helpful:
- What data are created?
- How and when do you collect the data?
- How do you process the data?
- In which format do you store the data and why did you decide on this format?
- Do you use file naming standards?
- How do you ensure the quality of the data? This refers to the collection as well as to the analysis and processing
- Should you use existing data? If so, where does it come from? How will existing and newly collected data be combined and what is the relationship between them?
- Who is responsible for data management?
- Are there any obligations, e.g. by third-party funding bodies or other institutions, regarding the sharing of the data created? (legal requirements also play a role here)
- How will the research data be shared? From when on, and for how long will it be available?
- How will the research data and objects be archived? (When you plan to add your data and objects to a collection, curators should be already contacted during the planning phase, also keep the storage regulations for physical objects in mind)
- What costs arise for the RDM (these include e.g. personnel costs, hardware and software costs, possible costs for a repository) and how are these costs covered?
- What ethical and data protection issues need to be taken into account?
- Is it necessary for political, commercial, or patent reasons to make the research data accessible only after a certain blocking period (Embargo)?
- How will the data be used in the future?
- In what way should the data be cited? Can the data be made unambiguous and permanently traceable by means of a persistent identifier?
There are different model DMPs, which you can use as a template for your own. Before writing your DMP check with your funding agency or institution whether a specific DMP template is required. If not, here are two examples:
- GFBio services provide expert guidance and assistance on standards and suitable archives.You can use the GFBio DMP Tool online, or refer to the GFBio Model Data Management Plan (DMP) can be utilised.
- The HU Berlin offers standardised DMP templates for different funders (Horizon 2020, BMBF, DFG, Volkswagenstiftung).
[1] DFG. (2022). Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice. Code of Conduct. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6472827