Contents
Why create a DMP (Data Management Plan) at all?
A data management plan (DMP) provides a structured framework for handling research data in a scientific project. It describes how the data collected and used will be managed both during the project and after its completion. Many third-party funding agencies (including, for example, the DFG, FWF, SNF, Horizon Europe, the Volkswagen Foundation, and others) require information on the handling of research data as part of a grant application for the allocation of funds from specific funding lines.
But beyond that, a DMP is also beneficial for work on a research project: for improved knowledge management, adherence to good scientific practice, and easier reuse of research data in the FAIR sense.
A DMP thus opens access to specific funding opportunities, significantly facilitates documentation for reporting requirements, simplifies the reuse of data (FAIR principle), and thereby increases the number of citations. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of data loss and ensures that knowledge management is improved in the event of changes (such as staff turnover).
So, what’s the best way to write a DMP?
A DMP really does offer nothing but benefits, but how do you actually write one? It’s simple: that’s where the FAIRagro DMP Service comes in:
At rdmo.fairagro.net/, FAIRagro offers researchers a web service where they can log in independently (using their ORCID), select a questionnaire, fill it out, and then export it.
You can invite colleagues to collaborate on your DMPs, save different versions of your DMP, and update it at a later stage of your research project.
The service is based on RDMO (Research Data Management Organizer), a well-supported open-source software. DMP4NFDI (an NFDI basic service) provides the technical hosting for the service and supports FAIRagro in developing questionnaires and sharing knowledge about DMPs.
What exactly are the benefits of the FAIRagro DMP Service?
Instead of creating a local text document and distributing it within the project, users have access to a central service with an intuitive user interface and collaboration features.
- DMPs are stored in the FAIRagro DMP Service and cannot be “lost” on local hard drives.
- DMPs can be continuously updated to reflect project progress.
- DMPs can be versioned, for example to create versions for grant applications.
- Instead of repeating the same statements and answers in different DMPs, users can reuse their DMP content when filling out a new DMP.
In addition, FAIRagro offers a customized template specifically for agricultural research:
- The questions are accompanied by detailed help texts and direct users to other FAIRagro services.
- The answers are tailored to agricultural research projects and help users answer the questions.
- Users can contact FAIRagro directly with questions about their DMPs:
- The FAIRagro DMP Service is connected to the FAIRagro Helpdesk. With a single click, you can send a ticket to the Helpdesk. This request includes a link to the specific question in a DMP for which you need feedback.
