Medical Research Council (MRC) Data Management Plans

MRC’s overarching aim for data-sharing is to maximise the life-time value of research data assets for human health and to do so in a timely and responsible manner, with as few restrictions as possible, consistently with the law, regulation and recognised good practice.

((MRC Policy on Research Data Sharing (pdf)))

Requirements

Applicants are typically required to submit a Data Management Plan (DMP) upon application. A DMP template is provided by the MRC (Word doc).

• A simple DMP could be fewer than 500 words long
• In cases where rich resources are to be created, a DMP should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words long
• Population- or patient-based studies must meet 21 additional requirements
• Established population- or patient-based studies should already have a policy on data sharing which can be referred to in your DMP
• Applicants proposing new population- or patient-based studies should contact their Faculty Research Development Manager before submitting their application
• Once research is funded, DMPs should be updated annually by a designated member of the study team