The Australian Research Council sets two-week periods when competitive grants will open

This is way more specific than the three-month timeframe the council has used for years and addresses a common cause of complaint, that such open windows made planning for life and work hard indeed

So why, finally, now?

Cynics suggest it might be because QUT VC Margaret Sheil is commissioned by the government to review the ARC, including,  how “it can meet current and future needs and maintain the trust of the research sector,” (CMM August 31). But what can you expect from cynics?