Writing a DMP
When writing a DMP it can be useful to use a template. This can be reviewed within the University by contacting RDM@napier.ac.uk. This review can cover data collection methods and data protection issues.
Templates
External funding DMP template. To be used for proposals to funders which do not provide a template. This is based on the MRC template. Text highlighted in yellow is the recommended answer but, can be changed if required for individual projects.
Simplified DMP (can be used for projects not using personal data and student projects)
Funder templates. A number of Research Councils provide templates and guidance for writing data management plans on their websites. These templates have been designed to meet the requirements of individual Research Council data policies. We recommend that you use any templates or guidance provided by your research funder when applying for funding. This will ensure that you've covered all of the criteria that your plan will be reviewed against.
Tools to assist with generating DMPs:
DMPonline
** Please don’t use this template for projects involving personal data as it is more complicated to for the Data Protection team to assist in the review and provide any support to you.
DMPonline is a web-based tool that provides templates and embedded guidance for data management plans. It has been developed by the Digital Curation Centre (DCC).
DMPonline contains templates for all of the major UK funding bodies, as well as some international funders. It also provides generic templates to use if your funder doesn't provide one.
If you've not used DMPonline before, you can watch a short screencast that demonstrates how to use the tool. To access the tool you will need an account, which you will need to register for when you sign in for the first time.
Once registered, you can edit your profile to link your account to Edinburgh Napier University. This will enable you to sign in to DMPonline using your institutional credentials (Edinburgh Napier University username) when you next use the tool.
When creating a new plan in DMPonline, either select the generic DMP template or chose your funder from the dropdown list. This will ensure that you are presented with the correct template, as well as relevant guidance provided by your funder. It is advisable to tick the DCC guidance box.
When you have finished writing your data management plan, you can export it from DMPonline in different file formats, including docx, pdf, csv, text, html, json and xml. You can also select which information you want to include in your export and alter the formatting to meet your funder requirements. DMPonline allows you to share your draft or completed data management plan with your collaborators, including those external to the University.
DMPTool
DMPTool is similar to DMPonline, but includes templates and guidance based around the requirements of major US funding bodies.
To use DMPTool you first need to set up an account. Data management plans created using DMPTool can be shared with collaborators and then exported in either PDF or RTF formats.
Help with writing your data management plan
The Research, Innovation & Enterprise Office provide help with writing data management plans and can review them prior to submission with grant applications.
A review can check that you've addressed all of the relevant issues and ensure that your plans are suitable for the type of data you'll be creating. A review can also confirm that your plans comply with policies and legislation relevant to your project.
It is recommended that at least three weeks are allowed for reviews, particularly for popular grant calls, but we will do our best to help if your deadline is sooner. Contact us at RDM@napier.ac.uk to arrange a review or assistance in developing your data management plan.
For specific questions around data management within Edinburgh Napier University you can also contact: RDM@Napier.ac.uk.
Data security/storage/file formats/encryption and databases should be directed to IS Help Desk.
More information