Planning
This section aims to help you consider all aspects of data management at the start of a research project. From funder expectations and creating a data management plan (DMP), to re-using data and costing data management activities.
A data management plan (DMP) outlines a project’s practical approach to what data will be created, how it will be processed, stored, analysed, and how data of long-term value will be archived and shared. The content of a plan will vary by discipline but will typically cover:
- the volume and type(s) of data generated
- how data will be organised and adequately documented
- where data will be stored and backed up during the project
- how data is ethically and legally compliant
- how data will be preserved and made available for others to reuse under FAIR principles (where appropriate) in the long term
- who will be responsible for looking after your data during and after the project and what resources will be needed
Most major funders require applications to include a data management plan, and all Newcastle postgraduate researchers should develop a DMP as part of their proposal and annual submission.
Maintaining a data management plan for your research project is also good research practice. It can help you manage and look after your data throughout the lifetime of your research project and should be thought of as a "living" document that can be continually revised and updated to reflect your changing data management needs.
The resulting plan will have short and long-term benefits:
- saves time and resources
- makes it easier to find and understand data
- help to avoid or manage risk (e.g. data loss; accidental disclosure of sensitive or confident data)
- identifies tasks and responsibilities that need to be planned for in advance (e.g. managing ethical and legal obligations)
- identifies in advance any extra costs and resources needed for carrying out data management activities
- ensure your research is visible and has impact
The Research Data Management are happy to discuss your DMP with you and to provide feedback and comments on your drafted plan. To help you get started, we have created guidance and provide an online tool to aid their creation. PGRs are encouraged to discuss their DMPs with supervisors in the first instance.