Illinois State University is now affiliated with DMPTool, an open-source online application built to assist researchers in creating comprehensive data management and sharing plans in easy-to-view formats.

While data management has long been an integral part of the research process, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is leading the charge in increasing transparency and impact by requiring comprehensive data management and sharing plans for proposals with receipt dates on/after January 25. (Check out these NIH examples.)

Other funders are expected to follow suit in time. Incorporating data management and sharing plans in your regular research practice can potentially help you work more efficiently and effectively with your data now and in the future, while also demonstrating your commitment to research integrity and accountability. Your research’s impact can increase through greater accessibility and visibility, which then can help you better document productivity using metrics beyond journal citations.

Sign up or sign in to DMPTool with your university email address (@ilstu.edu or @illinoisstate.edu). Soon, the platform will have university-specific information to support you in crafting your plans.

Before writing a plan to submit to an external party, check to see if hypertext (e.g., hyperlinks, URLs) is allowed. Most funding agencies (e.g., NIH, National Science Foundation) do not allow hypertext. See also Milner Library’s updated guide on this topic. Any specific questions regarding data management and sharing may be directed to Data Services Librarian Chad Kahl. Any specific questions regarding data security may be directed to the Technology Support Center