ARC sticks to its schedule

People with research applications imminent are asking if the Australian Research Council could stretch deadlines, it won’t

Researchers, like everybody else, have a bunch of unexpected issues to address just now and there are calls for the ARC to be flexible on due dates. Applications for Linkage Infrastructure Equipment Facilities is one programme mentioned.

But the ARC isn’t for changing.

“For those of you seeking funding, we are using our usual processes for application submission and peer review to assess your application. There is an existing process where researchers can seek, through their university, short extensions to application submission deadlines because of exceptional circumstances. At this stage we are not moving to longer or blanket extensions because of the cumulative impact this will have on the necessary peer review processes and being able to commence funding in the future,” chair Sue Thomas told the research community yesterday.

However, there is assistance for researchers with existing grants, with extensions on reporting dates.