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Data management plans

A data management plan describes how data will be handled during the project and what will happen to it afterwards, for example, if one plans to retain the data for conducting further research projects in the future and how it will be stored following the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). Having a well-thought-out data management plan facilitates the data handling process. KTH offers, among other things, the tool DMP Online for those who seek support in planning data management.

Workshops research data

More and more funders are demanding a data management plan, but a well-executed data management plan also offers additional benefits, such as:

  • Data is organized and structured from the start of the project.
  • Well structured data makes it easier to find and analyze what you want.
  • You can more easily share your data. A written plan will also make it easier for you to reuse your own data in the future projects.

A structured approach, even though it requires extra effort, is an investment that proves valuable not only for data management but also for reporting results, ownership, Intellectual Property (IP), ethics, and research integrity.

Film about data management plans

KTH Library has produced a short film to explain what a data management plan is and why it is beneficial to create one. 

DMP Online

Data management plans can be drafted in various ways. To facilitate the process, KTH offers a tool called DMP Online, where you can receive support for planning data management. In DMP Online, you can choose the template that best suits your project. Different funders may have different templates with questions that the data management plan should address.

Log in to DMP Online

Keep in mind that a data management plan may vary depending on the project's stage when it is used. A data management plan written for a funding application will look different compared to one used during the project or for final reporting. During the application phase, efforts are usually made to keep it concise and clear, both to aid evaluation and to save space needed for describing the research in the project.

Learn more about data management plans

For more instructions and guides about data management plans and DMP Online, please review the section on Data Management Plans  in KTH Library's course on Open Science and Research Data Management  (requires login to Canvas).

Research funders' requirements for data management

Many external research funders (e.g., VR, Formas, Horizon 2020) currently require institutions and researchers to account for how data and results will be managed in the project. Additionally, there are legal requirements and KTH's internal demands for proper data management. To find specific requirements from each funder, you can search for their guidelines via Sherpa Juliet .

Relevant links

  • The Swedish National Data Service (SND) has provided a checklist  for researchers developing a data management plan (DHP). Customize your DHP based on your project and answer the relevant questions.
  • From 2019, all recipients of grants from the Swedish Research Council will need a plan on how research data generated within the project will be managed. VR.se  describes what needs to be included in the data management plan.
  • If you have questions regarding open access within Horizon Europe, you can read more about KTH's participation and support for researchers
  • If you work with health data, you can find support and tips at Centrum för hälsodata  (in Swedish).

Read more about research data at KTH .