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Biosciences for Researchers

This guide is designed to support graduate students, researchers, post-docs and faculty in the Department of Integrative Biology.

Data Management Planning

What is a data management plan?

A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a formal document outlining how you will handle data during your research project and after the project is complete.

  • Data management addresses the entire lifecycle of your data--from creation to organization, access, storage, preservation, and distribution.
  • Managing your research data ensures that it will be accessible and usable over time.
  • Managing your data is a key step to avoiding false claims, and to not losing your information.
  • A data management plan may be required by a grant funding agency, plus it's a good idea to organize your data for you, your labmates, and colleagues.

Common Funder Requirements

The National Science Foundation has a data management plan requirement in place. The NSF began the requirement in 2011 and has since made updates and clarifications to the requirements.

PAPPG 19 includes details under chapter IX.2.4

Highlights of NSF Requirement:

  • No more than 2 pages
  • Label "Data Management Plan"
  • Part of the merit review
  • Outline a plan to make your publication associated data public

Dissemination and Sharing of Research Results

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Public Access

Biological Sciences Directorate Guidance 

Other division, office, directorate specific guidance is linked from the Dissemination and Sharing of Research Results page.  

New Requirements take effect on January 25, 2023.

This new requirement will mandate a Data Management & Sharing Plan (DMS Plan) for grants regardless of funding threshold.

New Data Sharing Website

Elements of the Data Management & Sharing Plan are:

  • Data type
  • Related tools, software & code
  • Standards defined by the community that will be used (metadata)
  • Data preservation, access & timelines
  • Access, distribution & resuse considerations
  • Oversight of the plan

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Requirements in place until January 25, 2023.

NIH requires a plan outlining the parameters of research data sharing be included with application materials if that grant exceeds $500,000 in a year. NIH also encourages the broad sharing of data wherever possible. 

NIH Data Sharing Policy and Implementation Guidance

Highlights:

  • Data should be made available upon acceptance of an associated publication
  • Avoid only supplying summary statistics, data should be in raw form
  • Human or sensitive data should be de-identified
  • Methods for data sharing can include; data archive, data enclave, mixed methods or PI controlled
  • Examples of data management statements from NIH

NIH Sharing Policies and related guidance on NIH-Funded Research Resources

NIH Data Sharing Policies - Data sharing policies by NIH institute or center along with potential repositories

Genomic Data:

Genomic Data Sharing Policy

Supplemental Information to the GDS Policy - including timetables for release of human and non-human data

NIH Partner Genomic Repositories

Get Help!

The library is happy to provide assistance with data management plans. Please book a time with me or email me to discuss your data management plan.

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