What Is a Data Management Plan (DMP) – and Why Does It Matter?
A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a roadmap for how research data will be collected, stored, documented, and shared throughout a project.
A DMP ensures that data are:
- Secure and ethically handled
- Well-documented, organized, and responsibly planned
- Preserved for long-term access
- Accessible, shareable, and reusable, when appropriate
DMP and the Stages in the Research Data Lifecycle
Research data typically go through a series of stages – from initial planning to long-term preservation and sharing.
At each stage, a DMP helps ensure data are handled securely, organized, and reusable.
What Does a DMP Include?
A good DMP covers the full data lifecycle and typically includes:
- Defining responsibilities
- Describing types of data
- Planning storage, preservation, and sharing
- Ensuring ethical and legal compliance
Best practice
Treat your DMP as a living document and update it throughout the project to reflect changes and decisions.
Why Is a DMP Important for You?
A well-crafted DMP gives you a clear framework to manage your research data and avoid common pitfalls.
With a DMP you can:
- Increase your chances of funding success by clearly addressing data management requirements
- Save time and reduce confusion by clarifying formats, storage, and ownership
- Safeguard your data against loss, corruption, or misuse
- Enhance visibility and promote reuse through the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable)
Required by Funders
Many research funders require a Data Management Plan (DMP) as part of the application process, including:
Create Your DMP with DMPonline
Halmstad University offers a local version of DMPonline – a web-based tool designed to support researchers in managing their data.
With DMPonline you can:
- Plan and document your data management from the start
- Get support through templates, guidance, and funder-specific requirements
- Update and share your plan with collaborators or funders
Useful Resources
Source |
Title |
Description |
| Swedish National Data Service, SND | Checklist for Data Management Plan (PDF) | A comprehensive checklist for creating a complete and compliant DMP |
Presentation (In Swedish, SND): Introduktion till datahanteringsplaner
Discover how a DMP helps organize, protect, and share your research data effectively.
| Watch video (13:54) | Narrated presentation |
| Listen to audio (MP3, 17:34) | Narrated presentation |
| Read transcript (PDF) | Full text version of the presentation |
| View slides (PDF) | Downloadable presentation slides |
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