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Research Data Management: Plan

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Research Data Management (RDM) best practices, resources, and services available at the University of Waterloo.

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Introduction to Data Management Plans

What is a Data Management Plan (DMP)?

A data management plan (DMP) outlines both the strategy and tools used for collecting, organizing, storing, protecting, and sharing your research data throughout the lifecycle of your research project. A DMP is not only an essential part of planning your research project, but also a living document that you can refer to and update throughout the course of your project.

Key elements to consider when writing a DMP include:

  • Description of data and related materials being created
  • Handling of data and identifying key personnel and their responsibilities
  • Data security (i.e., how working data will be kept safe)
  • Tools used for data storage
  • Consideration of ethical issues, intellectual property, Indigenous data (community data or secondary/incidental data)
  • Data sharing and access
  • Metadata
  • Defining post-project data preservation timelines 

Tools for writing your DMP

DMP Assistant

To write your data management plan, we recommend using the DMP Assistant tool. This web-based tool was developed by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada and is designed to meet the latest requirements of the Canadian funding agencies.

DMP Assistant will guide you through a series of key data management questions, supported by best-practice guidance and examples. You can save, edit, and revise this document.


University of Waterloo DMP Template (.pdf and .docx)

Planning for your research computing needs

Faculty-specific research computing services


Research computing services at the University of Waterloo

Examples of data management plans (DMPs)

Waterloo Research DMP examples


More DMP examples

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Arts and Social Science