College policy requires a data management plan (DMP) to accompany every grant application. Most research funders now require a DMP to be submitted anyway, but even where this isn't the case, it is good scientific practice to consider how data will be managed as part of the project plan.

It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) to ensure the DMP is appropriate for the research proposed. PIs may find it useful to abstract common elements into a standing research data policy for their research group, section or department.