Data Management Planning

 

What is Data Management?

Research data management is a concept used to describe the managing, sharing, and archiving of research data to make it more accessible to the broader research community. Research data management provides an opportunity for a researcher to create a plan that will ensure that their data will be organized so that it can be shared with other researchers and archived for long term preservation.

Data Management Support 

A data management support committee was formed in response to new NIH guidance coming in January 2023 for data management. The group is a collaboration of Raynor Memorial Libraries, Information Technology Services, Office of Research Compliance, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Marquette recognizes the importance of this valuable practice and the regulations increasing around its inclusion in research practices; even beyond federally mandated regulations. The group endeavors to create solutions, provide guidance, and develop standards and best practices to meet current needs as well as anticipate future needs of our researchers. We look to educate the Marquette community on data management and develop best practices to meet current, and anticipate future, research data management needs of our researchers.

What Tools and Reference Materials are available?

Below are some reference materials developed for MU researchers to use as they look to develop and maintain their DMP's:

What are the recent updates to NIH's Data Management and Sharing?

NIH has released a new 2026 Pilot Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan format for applications and awards that generate scientific data. The underlying 2023 NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy has not changed; however, NIH has simplified the required plan format to reduce administrative burden, improve consistency, and make compliance expectations clearer for applicants and recipients.

MU researchers preparing NIH proposals should review the updated 2026 Pilot DMS Plan format early in the proposal development process. The new format is intended to streamline preparation, but investigators should still carefully consider data types, appropriate repositories, data sharing timelines, participant privacy and confidentiality protections, genomic data sharing requirements when applicable, and any justified limitations on sharing. Researchers are encouraged to work with ORSP for proposal-specific guidance before submission by emailing ORSPppd@marquette.edu.

Highlights

  • The new 2026 Pilot DMS Plan format is required for NIH applications with due dates on or after May 25, 2026.
  • The revised format uses more structured questions, including yes/no responses, brief explanations when sharing will be limited, and a table identifying anticipated data types and repositories.
  • Plans should still reflect maximum appropriate sharing of scientific data, consistent with legal, ethical, technical, participant privacy, repository, and funder requirements.
  • Copy of the form can be found here. You can use DMPTool to assist with the preparation of this document. More information can be found on ORSP’s Data Management Planning website
  • For more information, see NIH’s Data Management and Sharing Policy website.

Recommended Steps for Marquette Researchers

  • Determine whether your proposed NIH-funded project will generate scientific data subject to the NIH DMS Policy.
  • Use the 2026 Pilot DMS Plan format when preparing applications. You can use DMPTool to assist with the preparation of this document. More information can be found on ORSP’s Data Management Planning website.
  • Identify the types of scientific data expected to be generated and the repository or repositories where the data may be managed and shared.
  • Address any limitations on sharing clearly and briefly, including legal, ethical, technical, consent-related, privacy, confidentiality, agreement-based, or other relevant factors.
  • Include allowable data management and sharing costs in the budget justification when applicable.
  • Contact ORSP PPD early in the proposal development process with questions about NIH DMS Plan requirements, budget considerations, or institutional review needs.

DMS Plan Reminders:

NIH Institute or Center program staff assess DMS Plans for completeness and acceptability. Peer reviewers generally do not score the DMS Plan itself, although they may consider related budget items when applicable. If a plan requires revision before award, applicants may be asked to provide updates through the Just-in-Time process. After award, recipients are expected to follow the approved DMS Plan, revise it when project circumstances change, and ensure that updates are approved by the funding NIH Institute, Center, or Office as required.

What is the DMPTool?

DMPTool is an online tool that helps researchers create data management plans (DMPs). The DMPTool provides data management plan templates, guidance, links to helpful documentation, issues to consider, and specific questions to think about when preparing your DMP. Many funding agencies, including NIH and NSF, require Investigators to share their project’s research data and to provide a DMP at the time of application or prior to any award. For more information about it, you can visit ORSP's DMPTool webpage or the DMPTool website directly.

Still have questions?

You can learn more at the site, NIH Resources and Webinars about Data Sharing.

For general MU DMP assistance, email:  Data_management@marquette.edu

For sponsor-related questions, email the ORSP Project Planning and Development team at:  ORSPppd@marquette.edu