To support the handling of research data, a data management plan (DMP) can be created. A data management plan concretely describes the different stages of managing research data.
A data management plan is a living, updatable document. It is created at the beginning of the research but can be updated as the research progresses until its completion. A data management plan can be prepared as a text document or by using a DMP tool such as DMPTuuli.
Research funders often have their own model or template for a data management plan. A DMP may be requested during the funding application process, after a positive funding decision, or more frequently at various stages of the research. The data management plan can describe the implementation of FAIR principles or other open science principles required by the funder. DMPTuuli provides templates and guidelines from major funders. More information can be found in the Research Funders and Open Science guide.
Background information and guidance for creating a data management plan can be found in the Data Management Guidelines by the Finnish Social Science Data Archive.
