# How Do I Create a Data Management Plan?

**Source**: https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/dmp/
**Parent**: https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/home/

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- [DRI Portal Home](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/home/)
- [Intro to Data & Data Management Plans](/dri_portal/intro/)
  - [What is Research Data?](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/intro/)
  - [How Do I Create a Data Management Plan?](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/dmp/)
- [Data Storage and Sharing](/dri_portal/store-data/)
  - [Where Can I Store My Research Data?](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/store-data/)
  - [How Do I Share My Research Data?](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/share-data/)
  - [How Do I Preserve My Research Data?](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/preserve-data/)
  - [How Do I Safeguard My Data?](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/safeguard-data/)
- [Working with Research Data](/dri_portal/collect-access/)
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# **How Do I Create a Data Management Plan?**

## **What is a Data Management Plan?**

A Data Management Plan (DMP) contains information on how the research team intends to handle research data both during the research project and after the project is complete. Many research sponsors require a DMP as part of the application process.

## **Do I Need a DMP?**

Many funding agencies currently require a DMP as part of the grant application process. The [Tri-Agencies](https://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_97610.html) added a DMP as part of a [pilot set of funding applications](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/intro/#Tri-Agency_Research_Data_Management_RDM_Policy_Implementation) beginning in 2022-2023. A DMP assists researchers with managing their data, meeting funder requirements, enhancing collaboration between researchers, and data reuse. It is good practice for all researchers to document a research project data plan even if they are not seeking funding.

### **Common Elements of Data Management Plans**

Some funders may require specific content, but generally most DMPs include:

- Project overview or abstract
- Team members expertise and responsibilities
- Data description
- Procedures for collection and/or acquisition of data
- Documentation procedures
- Data storage and preservation plans
- Data sharing plans
- Special notes about sensitive data, including legal, ethics or intellectual property issues

## **Resources to Create a DMP**

### [DMP Assistant](https://dmp-pgd.ca/)

DMP Assistant is a free, bilingual online tool that assists researchers to develop a data management plan.

### [DMP Planning Checklist](https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/ld.php?content_id=37666664)

This checklist can help to identify DMP requirements and assist with outlining the procedures to be followed for data management throughout the research project lifecycle.

### [DMP Question Guide](https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/ld.php?content_id=37666666)

This guide provides an outline of typical DMP questions accompanied by assisted guidance. The guide is curated and updated by the U of T Libraries.

### [SSHRC Guide to Preparing a Data Management Plan](https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/resources/guide-preparing-data-management-plan.aspx)

Applicants can consult the sections provided in the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) guide as applicable to their research project.

### [Canadian DMP Examples from the Digital Research Alliance of Canada](https://zenodo.org/communities/alliancecan/records?q=&f=subject%3AData%20Management%20Plan&l=list&p=1&s=10&sort=newest)

Example data management plans (DMPs) to help researchers develop their DMPs by demonstrating what the format and content of a DMP can look like.

### [Data Management Plan Database by McMaster University](https://rdm.mcmaster.ca/dmps)

This database compiles global DMP examples, including those from organizations like the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and others, into a single, searchable open-access platform.

### **Past Session: What is a Data Management Plan and Why Do I Need One?**

This workshop provides a basic overview of Data Management Plans (DMPs), a tool often used to lay a foundation for good research data management practices through the life of a research project and beyond. It covers a basic overview of the components of a typical data management plan and share resources available to support researchers and their teams to get started.

November 26, 2025 – [Session Slides & Recording](https://cris.utoronto.ca/event/what-is-a-data-management-plan-and-why-do-i-need-one-nov-26-2025-2/)

### **Past session: Conversations on Research Data Management in Health Sciences: Data Management Plans**

Data Management Plans (DMPs) are increasing important documents for managing data, enhancing collaboration, promoting data sharing and reuse, and meeting funder requirements. This event brought together health sciences researchers from the Toronto Academic Health Sciences Network (TAHSN) to discuss successes, challenges, and strategies for developing high-quality DMPs.

Oct. 10, 2024 – [Session Details & Recording](https://cris.utoronto.ca/event/data-management-plans-for-health-sciences-research-oct-10-2024/)

### **Get Help with Data Management**

The University of Toronto Libraries offers a DMP consultation service.

[LEARN ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GET HELP WITH DMPS](https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/researchdata/service-request)

[«](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/intro/) [What is Research Data?](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/intro/)

[Where Can I Store My Research Data?](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/store-data/) [»](https://cris.utoronto.ca/dri_portal/store-data/)

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Table of Contents​

Contents

- [What is a Data Management Plan?](#What_is_a_Data_Management_Plan)
- [Do I Need a DMP?](#Do_I_Need_a_DMP)
  - [Common Elements of Data Management Plans](#Common_Elements_of_Data_Management_Plans)
- [Resources to Create a DMP](#Resources_to_Create_a_DMP)
  - [DMP Assistant](#DMP_Assistant)
  - [DMP Planning Checklist](#DMP_Planning_Checklist)
  - [DMP Question Guide](#DMP_Question_Guide)
  - [SSHRC Guide to Preparing a Data Management Plan](#SSHRC_Guide_to_Preparing_a_Data_Management_Plan)
  - [Canadian DMP Examples from the Digital Research Alliance of Canada](#Canadian_DMP_Examples_from_the_Digital_Research_Alliance_of_Canada)
  - [Data Management Plan Database by McMaster University](#Data_Management_Plan_Database_by_McMaster_University)
  - [Past Session: What is a Data Management Plan and Why Do I Need One?](#Past_Session_What_is_a_Data_Management_Plan_and_Why_Do_I_Need_One)
  - [Past session: Conversations on Research Data Management in Health Sciences: Data Management Plans](#Past_session_Conversations_on_Research_Data_Management_in_Health_Sciences_Data_Management_Plans)
  - [Get Help with Data Management](#Get_Help_with_Data_Management)