Your data management plan should:

Provide a description of the data

Imagine you are writing for a researcher 20 years from now. What would they need to know to be able to make sense of the data? Describe all types of data, physical materials, software or samples that will be collected or created, and explain the original purpose for which the data was created or collected.

Describe access and sharing arrangements

Describe the policies and procedures that will govern access and sharing, including any issues to do with privacy, confidentiality, security and intellectual property. List also the policies and provisions for any subsequent re-use of the data, including licensing arrangements and copyright.

Record ethical clearances and compliance

Researchers at UQ must obtain ethical clearance when required and document their compliance procedures.

Describe storage and security arrangements

Digital data should be stored in durable data formats that will remain usable for the lifetime of a project, plus any statutory or legislated retention period. Any non-digital data must be housed securely. A regular copying regime and formal check in/check out procedures for all files will reduce the risk of loss.

List the standards used for metadata

List any standards or schemas to be used for data and metadata format and content.

Detail plans for archiving and data destruction

Outline your plans for the secure storage of your data and research materials throughout the project. Describe what will happen when the project ends - that is, how you intend to archive your data, samples, and other research products, and maintain access to them for the long term. Describe the processes by which data will be destroyed, if this is relevant.

Good data management does not happen by accident. It needs to be planned. A data management plan should be created at the start of a research project so that good practices are established early.

A plan will assist your research team to:

• comply with relevant policies and legislation
• comply with the requirements of grant-making bodies
• comply with standard industrial practices.