Overview of Plan Content
In general, an NSF data management plan describes what data will be produced, how the data will be managed both during the project and afterwards, and which data will be shared. NSF requires the plan as a way for the PI to articulate how they will conform to the NSF’s Data Sharing Policy for research results.
Below are the major topics that should be covered in a data management plan, regardless of the NSF program that you are applying to. JHU Data Management Services has developed a questionnaire to gather and organize the relevant information needed to write your two page plan. While the questionnaire can be used for all proposals, please note that some NSF units have specific data management plan requirements that should be addressed in your plan. For example, the Engineering Directorate requires that you retain your research data a minimum of three years after conclusion of the award or three years after public release, whichever is later. A JHU Data Management consultant can help you understand these requirements in the context of your research.
Major Topics
- What data will be generated and or used from another study?
- What data and metadata standards will you be employing so that others can understand and re-use your data?
- How are you handling data storage and back-up during your project?
- How are you ensuring long-term access to your data after the project is complete?
- Which research are you sharing and how are you disseminating the data?
- Policies for access and sharing including why data will not be shared and policies on data re-use
For further information on data management plans please see our FAQs, the NSF Requirements page, and better yet, contact a JHU Data Management consultant today.