ARC Application Process

The University takes seriously the responsibility for the content of all applications that we endorse and submit, and will not authorise submission of any application that has not been checked by Research Services well in advance of the ARC external deadline.

View ARC Schemes Calendar

Application instructions

  • Step 1 - Draft application completed in RMS

    Australian Research Council (ARC) applications must be submitted via the ARC's Research Management System (RMS) when you submit your hard copies to Research Services.

    Completed draft applications

    Once a draft application has been completed and a PDF file generated on RMS, the lead chief investigator (CI) should email their application to the Research Services ARC & SEAP team: seapgrants@adelaide.edu.au.

    Naming documents

    The document should be named according to the following convention:

    • [Project ID Surname.pdf - e.g. DP150100123 McDonald.pdf]

    Drafts must be received by the internal due date (advertised in the Research Bulletin and on the Research Services website) to receive a full review.

    After the full review internal deadline, applications will receive an eligibility review only, or may be submitted without any review after the internal deadline for eligibility review (time permitting).

  • Step 2 - Grants officer reviews draft application

    For applications submitted by the full review internal due date, grants officers will review applications and provide feedback to the CI.

    Research Services reviews ensure that applications are compliant with the funding rules and Instructions to applicants provided by the ARC for each scheme, as well as the University’s policies and institutional requirements.

    Grants officers will also advise if applications are not written or presented clearly, or are inaccurate regarding budgets, personnel, or any other aspect which might affect eligibility of the application.

  • Step 3 - Applicant revises draft application

    Revised applications should be emailed back to seapgrants@adelaide.edu.au within three (3) working days of receiving feedback.

  • Step 4 - Submit final application & RFR

    Once Research Services has received a final application and the application has been ‘Submitted to Research Office’ on RMS by the lead CI, we can begin processing the application for submission to the ARC.

    Research funding request (RFR)

    Please note that before Research Services can submit, final applications must be accompanied by an electronic research funding request (RFR) form available by via ResearchMaster.

    Once completed by the lead investigator (or delegate), it will flow to your Head of School for approval and then Research Services for finalisation. Any certifications or written evidence forms required by the particular scheme should be attached to the RFR.

  • Step 5 - Submit application to ARC

    Research Services does not notify all CIs once applications have been submitted, however applicants may track the status of applications in RMS, which will show as "Submitted to ARC" once submission is complete.

  • Rejoinder process

    Please submit your rejoinder on RMS to the Research Office by Research Services internal deadline. This will allow us time to read and provide feedback if necessary, before submitting the rejoinders to the ARC.

    Research Services will provide advice and instructions, including deadlines, in an appropriate guide which you can find under “Documents / useful information” for the appropriate scheme.

    Notes on rejoinders

    • The assessors who have provided comments do not see your rejoinder.
    • Depending on which scheme you have applied for, your rejoinder will be read by an ARC College Panel or Selection Advisory Committee.
    • While you don’t have access to assessors’ rankings, they will provide qualitative comments about your application.
    • Your rejoinder can increase your ranking if you can argue that an assessor’s basis for criticism is not justifiable.
    • A poor rejoinder, or no rejoinder, can negatively influence the final ranking.
    • Consider arranging your rejoinder using the selection criteria as headings, and grouping positive/negative comments together, or by dealing with each assessor in turn if you have space.
    • Other than a 5000 character limit (approx. one A4 page) there is no set format for rejoinders.
    • RMS does not allow for bolding, underlines, indenting or varied font sizes/types – you can use paragraphs, numbering or capitals for emphasis.
    • Highlight positives and provide evidence already in the application to refute negative assessor comments.
    • Since 2013, the ARC has not allowed updated information in rejoinders (e.g. preliminary results, information left out of proposals, publications accepted or published since submission, etc.).

  • Documents & useful information

 

Need help?

For further information please contact a member of our ARC grants team.