Data Management Plan (DMP)

A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a plan for managing research data from the start of a project, throughout the research process, and after the project is completed.

This includes how data are collected or generated, stored, documented, analyzed, and potentially shared and archived. A DMP also addresses issues related to rights, privacy, and costs. It is common to create a DMP by completing a predefined template.

A DMP is both a formal document and a tool for planning and promoting understanding. It should be a living document that is revised as the research project progresses. A DMP helps implement best practices for research data management.

A Data Management Plan (DMP) provides researchers with a structured approach to planning and organizing data management within their project. By creating a DMP, researchers can define routines and establish guidelines to ensure effective handling of data. Developing a DMP during the initial phase of a research project enables researchers to proactively identify and address potential challenges and issues.

A well-structured plan for organizing and documenting data within a project can streamline the workflow and enhance both quality and control. For example, consistent data collection and documentation following the guidelines established in the DMP make it easier to understand and work with the data throughout the project.

Both research funders and institutions require research projects to have a Data Management Plan (DMP). The Research Council of Norway and the EU mandate the submission of a DMP several times during the course of a project. On the Research Council's website, you can read more about their guidelines for sharing research data. For details on Horizon Europe’s requirements, see the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

The content and scope of a Data Management Plan (DMP) will vary depending on the field of study and the specific needs of the project. It is common to create a DMP by filling out a template, which is then revised multiple times during the project period.

A Data Management Plan typically includes information about:

• The DMP itself
• The research project
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Storage and protection of data during the project
• Reuse or collection of data
• Data documentation during the project
• Processing, analysis, and interpretation of data
• Archiving and publishing data
• Allocation of responsibilities and resource needs

For more information on what a DMP should include and how to write one, visit plan.research-data.no. This is a knowledge resource on Data Management Plans created for researchers at Norwegian research institutions.

A data management plan is not a form for reporting personal data in research or a data processing agreement. Separate forms are available for that purpose:

• Notification Form for personal data (sikt.no)
• NIH Templates
  Here you will find templates for various types of agreements for collaboration with other parties, including data sharing and the use of external data processors.

There are several tools and templates available for creating DMPs for research projects. The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences does not require the use of any specific DMP template or tool.

However, researchers should follow the DMP requirements set by funders, including the use of specific templates when mandated.

• Data Management Plan from Sikt
  Log in using your FEIDE account. The DMP can be shared with other project participants. Adapted to different types of funding (European Research Council, Norwegian Research Council, etc.), and meets the requirements of Science Europe​.
     

• DMP Online
  The DMP Online tool offers a variety of DMP templates, including those that meet the requirements of ERC, Science Europe, and Horizon Europe.

  You need to create an account to start developing a DMP. When creating an account, select "Other" in the "Organisation" field. Once logged in, go to the "Reference" tab and select "Funder requirements." Search for the template you need and create a new DMP by clicking the plus icon on the right under "Create a new plan.”

  It is possible to openly publish your project's DMP on DMP Online.
  Examples: Published Data Management Plans from DMP Online

The Research Council of Norway encourages the open publication of Data Management Plans.

Zenodo is a general-purpose research archive (operated by CERN) which allows you to share all sorts of research outputs including DMPs. Zenodo also allows versioning and will create a unique DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for your DMP versions.

If you use DMP Online, a DMP can be published through its publishing function.

As a DMP evolves throughout the project, multiple versions can be published as it is updated.