We want to hear from you. You're viewing the newest version of the Library's website. Please send us your feedback!
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.
- DMP Assistant
To access templates from the University of Waterloo, choose the University of Waterloo as your Organisation when you first create your account.
Planning for your research computing needs
- Computer Science Computing Facility (CSCF)CSCF has an assigned Point of Contact for every researcher (faculty member or graduate student) who has subscribed to CSCF research support. Email your Point of Contact directly for computing support.
- University of Waterloo IT Services for ResearchersDeveloped by Information Systems & Technology (IST), this web portal provides an overview of all institutional and faculty-specific IT services available to support research computing at Waterloo.
Examples of data management plans (DMPs)
- DMP for Computational Reproducibility in High-Performance Computing (HPC)Example is a case study of relativistic astrophysics and gravitational physics data. It shows how management strategies can support computational reproducibility in High-Performance Computing. Data are the inputs and outputs of the numerical simulation model.
- DMP for Field Research Involving Laboratory, Chemical, Biological, and Numerical DataExample created by the Ecohydrology Research Group at the University of Waterloo.
- DMP for Research with Sample Analysis and Different Data Collection TechniquesExample created by the University of Waterloo and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada's Data Management Planning Expert Group (DMPEG).
- DMP for Advanced Research ComputingExample covers the collection of text, binary (ASCII, binary), images, audio, etc for development of advanced research computing frameworks and infrastructure for application in several fields, including quantum chemistry, biochemistry, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
- DMP for Water Quality ResearchExample of oceanographic research work that involves the collection or generation of water quality data.
- Data Management Plan Database (McMaster University)Database features a global selection of data management plan examples.
- DMP to Optimize an Industrial Extrusion Engineering ProcessExample created by CEGEP de Sherbrooke and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada's Data Management Planning Expert Group (DMPEG).
- DMP for Art & Research for Collaboration in Plain LanguageExample for facilitation of group collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including artists, researchers, research participants, social service workers, community organizers, and community workers. Created by Centre[4] Art & Research at McMaster University.
- DMP for Arts-Based ResearchExample for arts-based research and intended for researchers and artists who use artistic processes as research methods (i.e., arts-based methods). Created by Centre[4] Art & Research at McMaster University.