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Data Management Plans for the Social Sciences

Suggested resources for designing data management plans (DMP) for your research project.

DMP Tool

National Science Foundation - DMP Requirement

National Science Foundation

NSF is a major funder of social science research. Investigators are expected to share with other researchers, at no more than incremental cost and within a reasonable time, the primary data, samples, physical collections and other supporting materials created or gathered in the course of work under NSF grants. 

A two-page data management plan is a required part of a proposal to NSF. It describes how a proposal will follow NSF policy on managing, disseminating and sharing research results.

For all proposals submitted or due on or after January 30, 2023:

For all proposals submitted or due on or after May 20, 2024

Some NSF directorates/divisions have their own data management requirements, including Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences (SBE) and STEM Education (EDU). If guidance specific to a directorate, division or program is not provided, follow the general requirements detailed in PAPPG II.D.2(ii).

National Institutes of Health - DMP Requirement

NIH requires researchers to submit a Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMS Plan) with grant applications submitted on or after January 25, 2023. This policy applies to all research, funded or conducted in whole or in part by NIH, that results in the generation of scientific data. Please refer to our research data management guide (health sciences) for more detailed guidance on NIH requirements for data management plans.

For more information on NIH's DMP requirements, please see: http://www.grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing/data_sharing_guidance.htm

Other Government Funding Agencies and Organizations - Data Management Plan Requirements

Read below for more information about data management plan requirements for select federal funding agencies

Private Foundations

Private foundations may have requirements or guidelines related to data collection and data sharing, which may or may not include a DMP. Requirements may vary by program. Check directly with each organization for specifics.