Data Management Plans
Planning for the Data Lifecycle
 
What is a DMP?

A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a living document -- ideally created at the proposal or ideation stage -- that outlines how your data will be handled from the moment of creation through to final preservation.

 
Why write one?
Efficiency
It identifies potential roadblocks early. Deciding on file naming conventions or backup protocols before you collect data saves significant time during the crunch of analysis.
Resource Planning
It forces you to estimate costs and hardware needs immediately (e.g., "Will we need to budget for 20TB of storage or secure cloud hosting?")
Compliance
Many funding agencies, including the Tri-Agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC), now require DMPs for specific grant opportunities. A strong DMP demonstrates to reviewers that your project is feasible and rigorous.
Creating a DMP

You do not need to start from scratch. Use this national platform designed for Canadian researchers:

DMP Assistant

This bilingual tool provides guided templates based on funder requirements. You can sign in, create a plan, share it with collaborators for feedback, and export it for your grant application.

Critical DMP Components

Your DMP should address the "Who, What, Where, and How" of your data. Key considerations include:

Data Collection & Formats
  • What types of data will you generate?
  • Will you use proprietary formats (e.g., .psd, .xlsx) or open formats (e.g., .tif, .csv)? Note that open formats are preferred for long-term longevity.
Organization
  • How will you structure your folders?
  • What file naming conventions and versioning protocols (e.g., v1, v2 vs final) will the team adopt?
Documentation & Metadata
  • How will you describe the data so that a researcher outside your team can understand it? (e.g., ReadMe files, codebooks).
Storage & Security
  • During the Active Phase where will the data live while you work on it? (e.g., UPEI OneDrive, secure servers).
  • How will you protect sensitive data? (e.g., encryption, password protection, physical locks).
Ethics, Legal, & Ownership
  • Who owns the data? (Particularly relevant for industry partnerships or student work).
  • Have you included "data sharing" clauses in your participant consent forms?
  • If your research involves Indigenous Peoples, how does your plan respect Indigenous Data Sovereignty (e.g., OCAP® principles)?
Sharing & Reuse
  • Will the data be shared publicly? If so, under what license?
  • Are there reasons not to share (e.g., privacy, patent protection)?
Long-Term Preservation
  • What happens to the data after the grant ends?
  • Which repository will you use to preserve the final dataset?
Grant Writing Support & Funder Policies
Grant Writing Support

Direct assistance from the UPEI Research Office to strengthen your funding proposals.

Grant Crafting Tips

Access the official guide to grant writing, including best practices for framing your research.

Research Quick Start Guide

A detailed PDF guide covering all stages of research efforts at UPEI.

Funder Data Policies

Ensure your DMP complies with the specific open access and data management mandates of your funder.

Institutional Policies
Tri-Agency Mandates
For NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR applications:
English