Response: Changes to ARC Deadlines
The Australian EMCR SHAPE Futures Network is gravely concerned about the news that Australian Research Council due dates for 2026 DECRA applications have been pushed back by at least four months. Although University research offices were notified over a week ago, this information has not been clearly communicated for prospective applicants who may not have ties to an Australian university.
This delay will likely limit the ability of some applicants to apply during this round – and possibly at all – owing to their maximum time limits for applications expiring within the period of delay. The ARC has expressed that any changes made will not disadvantage applicants, however, no further information has been made publicly available.
As a body representing Australian Early and Mid-Career Researchers from the Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts – disciplines that are already underrepresented in National Competitive Grant funding awards – we call on the ARC to confirm that this delayed round will not have detrimental impacts on applicants who are at the end of their ECR status.
We ask that any ECR in this position will be afforded an extension commensurate with any delay.
We recognise that such an extension may also detrimentally impact the funding success chances of those who are closer to the beginning of their ECR status because it may mean some individuals have the opportunity for increased number of publications and other research outputs.
For this reason, shifting “standard” due dates should not occur again. Doing so has many ripple effects and can lead to inequities. The ARC has changed multiple due dates across multiple schemes which impacts researchers across every career stage.
We call on the ARC to set standard due dates that researchers can rely on from year-to-year so they can plan their program of research and grant writing while managing all the other components of their employment.
Not being able to rely on consistent funding opportunities and application processes can be a source of major stress for early and mid-career researchers, many of whom rely on these schemes for work security and livelihoods.
Further, we ask that the ARC confirm if further changes to the DECRA Scheme are anticipated, whether the delayed date is likely to be the same annually hereafter, and that all information regarding DECRA Scheme changes be communicated widely as early as is feasible in light of the current legislative changes underway.
