Data management plans

Effective data management is crucial for NERC-funded research, ensuring that high-quality data is accessible both during the project and for future use. Proper planning not only supports the successful delivery of project outcomes but also enables long-term access to valuable datasets, including the assignment of a digital object identifier (DOI). 

As outlined in the NERC data policy, each research grant is required to create an active data management plan (DMP) within three to six months of the start date of the grant, outlining a structured approach to data use throughout the project. This ensures that datasets with enduring value are preserved and available for re-use. 

NERC data policy states: 

[11.] All applications for NERC funding must include an outline Data Management Plan, which must identify which of the data sets being produced are considered to be of long-term value, based on the criteria in NERC’s Data Value Checklist. The funding application must also identify all resources needed to implement the Data Management Plan.

[12.] The outline data management plan will be evaluated as part of the standard NERC grant assessment process. All successful applications will be required to produce a detailed data management plan in conjunction with the appropriate NERC Data Centre.

[13.] All NERC-funded projects must work with the appropriate NERC Data Centre to implement the data management plan, ensuring that data of long-term value are submitted to the data centre in an agreed format and accompanied by all necessary metadata.

Data stewardship wizard 

All NERC EDS DMPs are now created and managed using the data stewardship wizard (DSW) platform. Following confirmation of NERC funding, the named principal investigator will receive an email from an assigned NERC EDS data centre with a link to begin the DMP. All DMPs must be created within three to six months of the project start date. However, the DMP is a living document and can be updated as the project progresses.  

Tips for DMPs

• Plan as early as possible 
• Consider designating a data manager for the project, if not the principal investigator 
• Think about file formats and how you organise your data  
• Consider file naming conventions and version control  
• Ensure you are collecting sufficient metadata  
• Consider your use of third-party data and confidentiality  
• Deliver data to the data centre according to the agreed schedule   

NGDC can offer expert guidance and support to researchers in developing their DMPs, helping to establish best practices and maximise the impact of their data. Contact NGDC (ngdc@bgs.ac.uk) for more information about how we can help with your NERC/UKRI-funded grant.