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:
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 mid-2025.
The Terms of Reference can be downloaded in PDF format (142KB) and Word format (150KB).
The Discussion Paper can be downloaded in PDF format (1MB) and Word format (1.4MB).
Questions about the Review should be directed to: ARC-PolicyReview@arc.gov.au.
Read the NCGP Policy Review FAQs here: Policy Review of the NCGP - FAQs