Skip to Main Content

Data Management

Data Management Plans (DMP)

Federal funding agencies require a data management plan (DMP) as part of a grant proposal.  

A DMP is a short (about 2 pages) part of your grant application which outlines how scientific data and any accompanying metadata will be managed and shared, taking into account any potential restrictions or limitations. 

Specific DMP requirements vary depending upon the funding agency for which you are submitting a proposal. Be sure to consult the agency’s requirements before submitting your DMP.  

Generally, most DMPs are looking for:  

  • Description of data types and formats 
  • Metadata and associated documentation 
  • Data that will be shared and rationale for doing so 
  • Research methods 
  • Standards used 
  • Software, tools, code 
  • Storage and preservation 
  • Privacy restrictions 
  • Roles and oversight of data management and sharing 

For more information on data management plans (NIH) visit our guide:

DMPs for Grants

As you apply for grant funding to supplement or start a new research project, read the application requirements carefully; you may be required to submit a Data Management Plan. This additional document—typically two pages or fewer—gives grant reviewers an understanding of how researchers plan to make the fruits of their project last as long as possible.

If you need assistance in drafting a data management plan, contact dmspsupport@uic.edu.

The following resources provide guidance for specific federal agency DMP requirements:

The DMP Tool  will also guide you through the creation of a compliant data management plan.
Tags: chicago_lhs