The Australian Institute of Physics says multiple members complain the Australian Research Council has told them to modify National Interest Test statements in Discovery Early Career Researcher and Future Fellowship applications.  Resulting delays endanger careers, AIP president Sven Rogge (UNSW) warns

The 150m word NIT is meant to set out projects economic, commercial, environmental, social or cultural benefits” and was introduced by former coalition education minister Dan Tehan “to give the minister of the day the confidence to look the Australian voter in the eye and say, ‘your money is being spent wisely.’ ” (CMM November 28 2018).

But it is less not-liked than loathed in the research community and Professor Rogge points out that NITS are outside application peer review and are not part of the rejoinder process.

“The AIP offers to support the ARC “through consultation and feedback, since a clear and transparent process is essential.”