Why should I write a DMP?

Almost all research funders expect you to submit a DMP when you apply for a research project. A DMP typically contains project-specific information on the following topics: Data collection and organisation, ethical, legal, security issue, data sharing and re-use, data storage and preservation.

By writing a DMP and thinking about those steps before the project starts, the risks of data loss or other threats that could render the data illegible or unusable are reduced because specific measures will be taken, such as multiple backup, versioning, documentation etc. A DMP is not only useful for grant submissions, but also improves data management during the life of the project, which increases the efficiency of the research project and improves collaboration within and outside the research group.