Why do I need a data management plan?
Firstly, it's just good practice to have a clear plan of what you intend to do before you set out to do it! Secondly, having a data management plan enables you to fulfil your obligations with regards to:
- Deakin University's Research Conduct Policy (clause 19-37)
- the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research
- the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
- Copyright and licensing conditions.
Lastly, having a data management plan ensures you comply with national and international funding bodies, many of whom require a formal data management plan, such as:
- The ARC and NHMRC
- The US National Science Foundation (NSF). Read their Data Management Plan Requirements
- The UK Medical Research Council (MRC). Read their Data Management Plan FAQs and Guidance.
Open data
Governments and research organisations around the world are beginning to openly publish data by default. Many people believe that the data produced by government funded projects should be openly available to the public.
Publishing and sharing your data openly is much more straightforward when it has been planned for from the outset of a project.
Read Share Data for more information.