Data Management Plans

A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a document describing how you will handle your data throughout your research project. It is part of good research practice and will help you plan for and manage the issues surrounding your data.

University of Liverpool researchers are expected to write a DMP for all research projects whether they are funded or not.

When do I write my DMP?

A DMP should be created before the project begins. It will help you identify problems before they occur so you can address them in good time. It will also be a record of the decisions you made and be a reminder when the project ends.

If you will apply for ethical approval or are handling sensitive data that requires a DPIA, it is best practice to write your DMP first.

What should I include in my DMP?

Your DMP should be brief but specific and cover information about your research data as well as decisions for how you will manage them. If you have a research funder, they may have a specific template for you to use.

A DMP may include:

  • A description of what data you will collect or create including the type, format, and quantity of the data
  • Standards or methodologies for collecting, organising, or analysing the data
  • How ethical or legal issues will be addressed
  • Where the data will be stored
  • What will happen to the data at the end of the project
  • Plans for sharing the data including when, where, and how
  • Roles and responsibilities among project collaborators

Remember, it is easier to manage data when you plan for it at the beginning. Many aspects are much harder to address or not possible later on.

Does my funder require a DMP?

Many research funders require a DMP as part of funding applications. See funder policies.

How do I get started?

You can use DMPonline to write your DMP. It is a free tool that provides many templates including those of all major UK funders as well as useful guidance and examples.

To get started:

  1. Go to DMPOnline. Set up an account using your University email address. Indicate UoL as your institution.
  2. Click Create Plan.
  3. Select your primary funder, if applicable, to use their template. If you do not have an associated funder, you will be given the option to use a University of Liverpool template.

You can request feedback from the Library Research Data Management team by clicking the Request Feedback tab once you have created the DMP.

What help can I get writing my DMP?

You can get support and advice from the Library RDM team on writing your DMP. Email us at rdm@liverpool.ac.uk.

We can also review your DMP if it is part of a funding application. We require five working days to reply, so please be sure to allow enough time before the deadline of your application. You can either email it to us or use the Request Feedback option in DMPOnline.