The ARC is sticking to its grant schedule, other organisations are flexible

Like the National Health and Medical Research Council. In a high EQ message to researchers, CEO Anne Kelso sets out the implications of application extensions, changes to peer review process and acknowledges COVID-19’s different impacts on the research community.

Professor Kelso also outlines the big challenge for peer-review if funding applications are extended, reduce process time or take out steps in assessment. Professor Kelso acknowledges, “strong views across the sector,” and says the NHMRC “will do our best” to take them into account.

The Australian Academy of the Humanities also extended 2020 grants and award application deadlines, from April 20 to June 5. So, has the Eureka Prizes organisers, by two weeks, until May 15.

In contrast, the Australian Research Council has now twice stated it is sticking to schedule. “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,” (CMM Tuesday).

The ARC made the point again yesterday, tweeting that Linkage infrastructure grant apps, (LIEF) are due Wednesday and that anybody who wants a COVID-19 extension, “can contact their grants office for assistance.”