Policy Review of the National Competitive Grants Program

The Australian Research Council released the Discussion Paper: A New Plan for ARC-Funded Research on February 25 2025. The paper, which proposes significant reforms to the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program, has been developed in response to extensive consultations with stakeholders undertaken in 2024.

Launched in 2024, the Policy Review is examining the fundamental settings of Australia’s flagship competitive research grants program to ensure, among other things, it is:   

• well-designed and fit for purpose when it comes to building and supporting Australia’s capacity and capability across basic and applied research   
• delivering visible returns on public investment, including through strengthened collaboration between the research sector and industry and other end-users, and  
• aligned with other government programs involving support for, and investments in, research.   

This Review provides a unique opportunity for the ARC to work with stakeholders in the research sector to revitalise the NCGP to ensure it is an innovative, responsive and world-leading program for the coming decades. 

The proposed model includes a complete re-design of scheme structure, further streamlining of administrative processes, greater focus on the generation of new knowledge, and strengthened opportunities for early career researchers. 

Submissions are now closed. A final report will be delivered to the Government, through the ARC Board, in quarter 3 of 2025.  

A progress update on this Review can be found here: Update on the future of ARC funded research.

Questions about the Review should be directed to: ARC-PolicyReview@arc.gov.au.