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HomeProposals: Preparation & SubmissionSponsor InfoNational Science Foundation (NSF)Data Management Plan

Data Management Plan

The two-page data management plan is a required part of a proposal to the U.S. National Science Foundation. It describes how a proposal will follow NSF policy on managing, disseminating and sharing research results.

See the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)  for full guidance and for NSF's data sharing policy.

See OSP Guidelines for Proposals that require a Data Management Sharing Plan (DMSP) for helpful recommendations and resources. 

NSF's Data Sharing Policy

NSF-funded investigators are expected to share with other researchers, at no more than incremental cost and within a reasonable time, the primary data, samples, physical collections and other supporting materials created or gathered in the course of work under NSF awards.  General guidelines for data management plans are explained in PAPPG II.D.2(ii).

Content that may be included under the general guidelines is as follows:

  • The types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials and other materials to be produced in the course of the project.
  • The standards to be used for data and metadata format and content. In cases where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies.
  • Policies for data access and sharing, including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property or other rights or requirements.
  • Policies and provisions for data reuse, redistribution and the production of derivatives.
  • Plans for archiving data, samples and other research products, and for preserving access to them.

If your proposed project will not produce data, you must include a document justifying this in place of the data management plan.

Directorate and/or division guidance

Links to data management requirements and plans relevant to specific NSF directorates, offices, divisions or programs are provided below. If guidance specific to a directorate, division or program is not provided, follow the general requirements detailed in PAPPG II.D.2(ii):

Program-specific guidance:

SBU Resources

 

 
DMP TOOL

We encourage the use of the  DMPTool, a University-wide Resource for Creating Data Management Plans (DMP).The DMPTool is a free, open-source, online application that helps researchers create data management plans. It is highly recommended that Investigators utilize the DMPTool to develop and write their Data Management and Sharing Plans (DMSPs). The DMPTool provides a click-through wizard for creating a DMP that complies with funder requirements. It also has direct links to funder websites, help text for answering questions, and data management best practices resources.

  • Built-in Sponsor Specific DMS plan templates (NIH, NSF)
  • A click-through wizard for step-by-step plan creation
  • Sample language
  • Embedded guidance from the Sponsor (ie NIH), SBU, and the DMPTool
  • A process for requesting feedback on your plan from SBU Offices including Research Computing, Informatics, & Innovation (RCI) & University Libraries, as well as adding your collaborators, department administrators, and others!
  • A multi-format download function
University Libraries

SBU Libraries provide various resources and assistance with managing research data, including the following:

  • Workshops covering the many steps and importance of data management
  • Librarians that can review your data management and sharing plans, and provide consultations as needed (please send requests to dataservices@stonybrook.edu)
Web-based resources including research guides on various aspects of research data management
Research Computing, Informatics, & Innovation (RCI2)

The  Research Computing, Informatics, & Innovation (RCI2) team supports the research mission of the university by meeting the computing and informatics resource needs of researchers, and enabling the proficient and appropriate use of these resources.  The (RCI2) team is pleased to offer consultation and project review services. To request consultation, email SBMIT_Research_Services@stonybrookmedicine.edu. 
Office of Research Compliance

Human Subject Research (IRB)

    • The Human Research Protection Program has consent templates available in the myResearch IRB library that include language related to data sharing
    • A copy of the Data Management and Sharing Plan must be submitted with your IRB application. This plan can be uploaded into the myResearch IRB electronic submission system. Once the application is submitted the IRB will look for consistency between the Data Sharing Plan and other study related documents.

 
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