Streamline Your Research Project with the New Data Management Plan Service

• What is a Data Management Plan (DMP)?
• Why should I write a DMP?
• Why do we need the DMP Service?
• What does the DMP Service cover?
• Who is eligible?
• How to write a DMP?
• Can I try writing a DMP with the DMP Service at PolyU?

What is a Data Management Plan (DMP)?

A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a formal document that outlines how research data will be managed throughout a project. Created by the research team during the initial stages, the DMP is updated as the project progresses.

A DMP typically covers the following key areas:

• Methods of data collection
• Longer-term storage, management, and backup
• Policies for data access, sharing, and re-use
• Data description and documentation
• Ethical and privacy issues
• Intellectual property rights and copyright

Why should I write a DMP?

Writing a Data Management Plan (DMP) for your research project is essential for several reasons:

• Compliance: Meet the requirements of funding agencies and universities.
• Documentation: Provide a record of the research intentions at various stages of the project.
• FAIR Data Principles: Promote the principles of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data.
• Resource Planning: Effectively plan for human and financial resources.
• Time Savings: Save time in the later stages of the research project.
• Early Identification of Weaknesses: Recognise potential challenges early in the project.

Why do we need the DMP Service?

The Library offers the DMP Service to:

• Support Open Access Compliance: Ensure alignment with the University’s open access policy.
• Comprehensive Data Management: Provide a holistic Research Data Management Service throughout all stages of the research life cycle.
• Encourage Proactive Planning: Promote early-stage planning for research data management and adherence to FAIR data principles.
• Enhance Data Competency: Improve researchers’ competence in managing their data effectively.

What does the DMP Service cover?

The DMP Service at PolyU is hosted on the online platform DMP Tool, supported by the California Digital Library. This platform enhances the writing process with the following features:

• DMP Templates: Utilise templates provided by various institutions. The PolyU Library can add templates from your specific funding agencies when necessary.
• Guidance References: Access guidance from funding agencies and institutions during the writing process.
• Collaboration: Invite collaborators and supervisors to review and comment on your DMP.
• Downloadable Files: Download a file of your DMP for submission with your proposal.
• Funding and Research Outputs: Include information on funding and research outputs.
• Privacy and Sharing Options: Keep your DMP private or share it with PolyU members or the public.

Who is eligible?

The DMP Service at PolyU is available to all current staff and students at the University.

How to write a DMP?

Current PolyU staff and students can access the DMP Service via this link. After reaching the DMP Tool page, click the “Login” button at the top right corner. Use your PolyU email address to access the service and create an account if this is your first login. Once in your dashboard, you can begin creating your own DMPs.

For more details, please refer to the Library Guide on Data Management Plan.

Can I try writing a DMP with the DMP Service at PolyU?

Absolutely! You can begin writing your DMP on the DMP Platform right away.

Additionally, the Library will host a Dual Challenge on Research Data Management between February and March 2026. Participants who complete both challenges — (1) finishing the online course “Fundamentals of Research Data Management” and (2) writing a well-structured DMP on the DMP Platform — may be eligible to receive book coupons. Stay tuned for the announcement regarding the Dual Challenge!