A data management plan (DMP), or data sharing plan, is a written statement provided to an agency during the application process for research funding. Data management plans change as you progress through your research, and you should update them as needed. 

Exact elements you will need to include in your data management or sharing plan will depend on the funder requirements specified in the funder's policy or application. These are a few topics you can consider for inclusion in your DMP.

• Data management roles: Define roles and assign responsibilities for data management within your research group.
• Data types: The types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced in the course of the project.
• Data and metadata standards: The standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies.
• Data access and sharing policies: policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirements.
• Data re-use: policies and provisions for data re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives.
• Data preservation: plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of access to them.