News
WUR Software Management Plan template available
Research software (computer code, statistical packages, scientific apps, etc.) plays a crucial role in scientific research and has become a key research output. The Library has recently developed a Software Management Plan template. It offers researchers a structured approach to implementing good software management practices.
FAIR software management
Research software needs proper handling, storing, preserving, sharing and legal care. A Software Management Plan (SMP) helps to better implement all these aspects. The SMP template offers a structured framework and aligns with the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) principles and FAIR recommendations for software. Good practices for research software include, for example, version control, licensing, packaging, and documentation.
Describing these good practices in an SMP improves the accessibility and reusability of research software now and in the future.
Download the template
You can access the WUR SMP template here. The template is also available in DMPonline. The published template is based on the Practical Guide to Software Management Plans from the eScience Center. Although using the WUR SMP template is currently not mandatory within WUR, we highly recommend using it when software is a significant research output. However, when a research funder is involved, please check whether they have an SMP template available.
Support and feedback
This is the first template for a Software Management Plan that the Library’s Data Management Support has developed. We’d like to know if it meets your needs. If you have any questions or suggestions, please mail them to the Data Desk.