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Research Data Services at UK: NSF Data Management and Sharing Plans

Resources and information to help you get started with data management, data preservation, and data sharing
 

The NSF Data Management and Sharing Policy in Brief

The NSF Data Management and Sharing Policy states that "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 awards."

While precise definitions of "data" vary across directorates and research types, common examples may include:

  • Tabular data files
  • Image files
  • Survey instruments and responses
  • Code for conducting data analysis
  • Protocols or operating procedures documenting data collection processes

Researchers applying for awards must include a two-page data management and sharing plan that generally addresses:

  • The types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials and other materials to be produced in the course of the project
  • The standards to be used for data and metadata format and content
  • Policies for data access and sharing, including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property or other rights or requirements
  • Policies and provisions for data reuse, redistribution and the production of derivatives
  • Plans for archiving data, samples and other research products, and for preserving access to them

NSF proposals must include a supplementary document of no more than two pages describing how the proposal will conform to the NSF policy on the dissemination and sharing of research needs. For the most up-to-date information, see the NSF's page on Preparing Your Data Management Plan.

Work with the Right Guidance for Your Directorate

Most NSF directorates provide more specific guidance on the content of data management plans. Up-to-date guidance can be found by searching Funder Requirements on DMPTool. If more specific guidance does not exist for your directorate, general guidance can be found in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide.  

Resources for Writing Your DMS Plan

NSF Data Management and Sharing Support from UK Libraries

University of Kentucky Libraries offers a DMS Plan review service. Use the button below to email your draft or completed plan to Research Data Librarian Isaac Wink:

When emailing your plan, please include the following information:

  • A draft project description for your grant. (You will not receive feedback on this document, but it is helpful context when reviewing your plan).
  • The division or directorate (if known) that will be receiving your grant.
  • The date by which you need to receive feedback. Note: Please allow up to one week for your plan to be reviewed.