AHRC Data Policy

A summary of the main AHRC requirements for:

Data management plans

"The Data Management Plan should outline the project’s approach to managing data. It is
mandatory to include for all Research, Development and Engagement Fellowship scheme,
Research Grants and Follow on Funding applications but is not required for Research
Networking."

Guidance from the AHRC:

• 'Application Guidance' (section 4) of the Research Funding Guide details the topics which an AHRC data management plan (DMP) should address, format and length (two page maximum). A set of expectations are also listed and include an expectation that the DMP will be revisited each year during the award.

Help with costs

"Costs related to long term storage will be permitted providing these are fully justified and relate to the project[.] Full justification must be provided in Justification of Resources (JoR)"

Data deposit and retention

The AHRC requires that "any significant electronic resources or datasets" are made available in "an accessible and appropriate" repository for a minimum of three years after the end of project funding.

Applicants should "advise when you will be releasing and justify if not releasing in line with AHRC guidelines of a minimum of three years."

Data access and sharing

The DMP should address: "How the data will be shared and the value it will have to others"; "How the data will enhance the area and how it could be used in the future?"; and, "If the data will have value to different audiences, [state] how these groups will be informed?" Furthermore, "Will the data be open or will you charge for it? Justify if charging to access the data" and states that "Financial requirements of sharing" must be justified in the JoR.

Data access statements

The AHRC upholds the UKRI requirement that “published results should always include information on how to access the supporting data." See our guidance on Data access statements: Sharing, preserving and depositing your data: Data citation.

Further sources of help

• AHRC Data Policy redirects to the UKRI Common Principles on Data Policy
• AHRC Research Funding Guide (Version 5.4, June 2021) details the requirements for a DMP, including assessment criteria for 'Data Mangement' (section 5) and 'Access to Data' (section 8).
• Data management planning for AHRC funding applicants a guide prepared by the University of Bristol Research Data Service
• DCC Data plan guidance and examples, including example AHRC plans

Write a Data Management Plan for the AHRC using DMPonline

DMPonline, a web-based tool provided by the Digital Curation Centre (DCC), can help you create an effective DMP that meets the requirements set by the AHRC.

To get started, first create an account, then sign in with your institutional credentials. After signing in, click on ‘Create a plan’ and select ‘Arts and Humanities Research Council’ when asked for your funder. For additional guidance in completing your DMP, choose to see guidance from the University of York and from the DCC in the template provided.