Writing a Data Plan | Template, Tools, and Sample Plans | Archiving & Sharing Data |
A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a formal document that outlines guidelines and requirements to help you organize and manage your data during and after the research project.

Why Do I Need a Plan?
- Meet data management requirements mandated by grant funding agencies
- Increase research impact and visibility
- Simplify the research process so data can easily be found
- Avoid duplication of data
Comply with Duke Kunshan's policies for data retention, security, and open-access
How Do I Write & Submit a Duke Kunshan DMP?
- Use the Duke Kunshan Checklist & Template to Create Your DMP
Submit your completed DMP to the Research Support Office.
What are Metadata Standards?
Metadata is data documentation that helps you understand your data, and helps other researchers find, use, and properly cite your data.
If possible, use the standards of your discipline.
- Digital Curation Centre (DCC): Provides links to metadata standards for a variety of disciplines
Other standards include:
- Dublin Core: Non-disciplinary
- DataCite Metadata Schema: Non-disciplinary
- Library of Congress Preservation Formats
Data Documentation Initiative (DDI): International standard for statistical and social science data.
Need Assistance?
Contact Duke Kunshan’s Office of Research Support.
Template
- Use the Duke Kunshan Checklist & Template to Create Your DMP
Submit your completed DMP to the Research Support Office.
Tools to Help Create a DMP for a Grant Application
Sample DMPs for Grant Applications
- Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR)
- Odum Institute (UNC): Data Management Sample Plans
- UC San Diego Sample NSF Data Management Plans
Need Assistance?
Contact Duke Kunshan’s Office of Research Support.
Research Data Archives
- r3data.org: Identifies research data repositories
- DataCite
- List of Data Repositories: Part of the Digging into Data project
Licensing & Intellectual Property
- Open Data Handbook
- Open Data Commons
- Panton Principles: Principles for open data for science
- Open Access@Duke
Need Assistance?
Contact Duke Kunshan’s Office of Research Support.