Data Management Resources
Many research sponsors require investigators to submit a data management plan (DMP) as part of a grant proposal. This guide highlights the key areas researchers should address when developing a plan.
The information is intended to be broadly applicable across funding agencies, disciplines, and data types. Researchers should also review the specific funding announcement and sponsor requirements for each proposal.
DMSP Review
Researchers can request free, confidential consultations and feedback on draft data management plans. Requests are typically answered within two business days, and researchers should allow approximately one week for detailed review and feedback. Additional time may be needed during peak grant submission periods.
DMPTool
This resource is available to University of Houston Downtown researchers across disciplines and experience levels. It provides guidance on fundamental research data management practices and the organization of research data and related materials.
Creating Your Plan With DMPTool
DMPTool helps researchers develop data management plans tailored to their funding agency and institution. The tool uses guided questions, templates, and expert recommendations to help researchers address the data management requirements associated with their specific grant application.
Researchers can use DMP Tool to create a funding-agency-specific data management plan for their research proposal.
Compliance
- UHD Policies on Data Governance and Data Retention establish requirements for how research data should be managed, protected, and retained.
- Funder requirements - Federal agencies and many private foundations may require researchers to submit a data management and/or data sharing plan with their proposals.
- DMP Tool Public Templates: DMPTool offers templates that reflect the data management requirements outlined in various funders’ policies.
- Data Sharing Requirements by Federal Agency (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition): Search or browse data-sharing requirements by federal funding agency.
- U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate or Division Guidance: NSF directorates and divisions may have additional or specific expectations for Data Management and Sharing Plans.
Ethical and Security Considerations
- Data management plans clearly communicate your actions to maintain privacy and security for your research subjects and any sensitive data.
Research Quality
- Protects against data loss: Addresses safeguards such as security measures, backups, and file integrity.
- Improves understanding: Clear and thorough documentation helps researchers and others understand how data are organized and managed.
- Supports future use: Well-organized data makes it easier to prepare presentations, publications, and appropriate data sharing.
Additional Resources
- UHD Data Management Plan Guide.
- Toolkit for the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy - A selection of guides, toolkits, and other resources addressing the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy NOT-OD-26-046 from the Network of the National Library of Medicine.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Preparing Your Data Management and Sharing Plan. This page outlines NSF requirements for data management and sharing plans, with full guidance provided in the PAPPG and NSF’s data-sharing policy.
- Data Management Skill-building Hub - Is a free collection of community-contributed resources, including lessons, best practices, and videos, designed to support effective data management. Users can also contribute resources to keep it current and useful.
- CDC: Data Sharing and Collection Principles and Standards - The CDC page provides guidance for protecting and responsibly managing public health data. It focuses on privacy, security, access, retention, and proper data use.