This training material, Introduction to Data Management Plans, was developed by the Maastricht University Library (the Netherlands). It provides an accessible and practical overview of Research Data Management (RDM) and the role of Data Management Plans (DMPs) in supporting good research practices.

The session introduces participants to the motivation behind RDM, the 6 core DMP requirements by Science Europe, and the connection between RDM, FAIR principles, and Open Science. The 6 DMP components that include: data description, documentation, data storage, compliance, data reusability, and responsibilities & resources are based on international best practices.

The material has examples, common pitfalls, and a hands-on exercise where participants spot and correct mistakes in a fictional DMP. It also highlights institutional tools and services available at Maastricht University, such as the Maastricht Data Repository, DataverseNL, SURF services, and support from data stewards.