Research Data Management

The DMPTool (https://dmptool.org/) is a free, open-source, online application that helps researchers create and collaborate on data management plans (DMPs). DMPs can help you stay organized throughout your project!

NJIT is a participating institution, meaning you can use your NJIT credentials to easily sign-up and sign-on to DMPTool.

What is a "Data Management Plan"?

As part of their data-sharing policies, many federal funding agencies (such as NIH and NSF) require grant applicants to include formal data management plans (DMPs) for projects involving data collection. These documents describe the data, as well as how they will be managed during the research process and made accessible in the future. Typically the funding agency lists a set of requirements that PIs should include in their plan, as well as some guidance on those requirements.

Using the DMPTool allows you to easily search for a prospective funder, and access information related to their specific data sharing policy. Then you can utilize an easy-to-use template to create a DMP.

Here is an example of NSF Directorate for Engineering requirements for a DMP. Here is a link to the a DMPTool template for the NSF Directorate for Engineering. 

What is typically included?

Conditions or degree of detail required for a DMP vary depending on the funding agency. Therefore, when submitting a grant proposal it is best to first investigate the specific requirements for your case.

However, DMPs typically answer the following questions:

1. What is the research data?

Description of its use, how it was collected/generated, the type of data, research context.

2. How will it be stored?

Metadata standards, file formats, naming conventions, back-up storage plans.

3. How will it be shared and made accessible?

Intellectual property rights, privacy/ethical considerations, re-use policies.

4. Where will it be preserved?

Repository/archive information, file types and compatibility, storage duration.