Short abstract

A Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) guides data handling, preservation, and sharing. This review analyzed Research Data Management (RDM) and DMSP expectations from biomedical funders. Findings highlight the need for standardized guidance to improve clarity, compliance, and data practices.

Long abstract

Background: A Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) outlines how data will be handled, preserved, and shared. Many funders now require DMSPs in their research mandates. However, while there might be consensus on the core elements of a DMSP, specific requirements vary across funders. Therefore, this study aim was to conduct a scoping review to identify and analyze the Research Data Management RDM and DMSP expectations and guidance from biomedical research funders. Methods: We collected data from the major global biomedical funders from the list: www.healthresearchfunders.org. Relevant documents were retrieved from the funders’ websites and supplemented with a Google search. We included statements, policy documents, DMSP templates and examples, guidelines, or grant requirements that included RDM information. Results: A total of 264 funders were included in the analysis. After full-text screening, 196 documents from 84 funders were included. Our findings show that 77 (29%) of the 264 included funders have data-sharing expectations, either as a mandate or recommendation, while 65 (25%) expect a DMSP submission. Where DMPS are expected, 42 (65%) described how they will evaluate and monitor the DMSPs. Additionally, 56 (86%) of these funders provided information about what elements should be included in a DMSP, with differences in the elements they mandate, ranging from basic guidelines to comprehensive requirements. Conclusion: While many funders promote proper data management and sharing, the lack of standardized guidance may create challenges for researchers. Harmonization of DMSP requirements could improve clarity and compliance, and support more effective research data management and sharing practices.