Submitting applications to ARC schemes
The ARC requires that ALL applications are submitted by the Melbourne Research Office on behalf of applicants. See dedicated scheme pages for closing dates, funding rules, applicant guidance, and exact submission requirements.
-
Get mentorship and advice
Early career researchers, and established researchers preparing applications for major grants, are expected to work closely with academic mentors and other colleagues. Contact your Faculty ARC Coordinator who will recommend an ARC Grant Mentor (or ?Shepherd) to guide your application. Organise your mentor early so that you may test and refine your ideas before you start writing.
-
Send a Notice of Intent
Complete a Notice of Intent so that your department is aware of your intention to apply.
-
Apply for a RMS ID
Applications are submitted electronically via the online ARC Research Management System (RMS). The system automatically assigns a project number to each application.
All named investigators on an ARC application (including Fellowship applicants) need an RMS ID in order to add personal details and validate the application.
Please refer to the RMS tip sheet for information on how to apply for a RMS ID and how to create an application.
If you require assistance with applying for a RMS ID please email arc-comments@unimelb.edu.au -
Read the rules
Use the dedicated scheme page to familiarise yourself with the scheme rules and guidelines, especially the selection criteria and assessment process. Note that some ARC schemes require an Expression of Interest to be lodged with the Melbourne Research Office before the application stage. -
Draft the application
When you have received your RMS ID read ARC RMS information and Login to RMS. The Grant Office resources below will help you with elements of your application:
>> IP Statement to be used to answer questions on intellectual property management
>> ARC budgets
>> Use Linkage Project microsite and Discovery Project microsite to view successful past applications (Uni log-in required).
>> Sample application forms (ARC site)
>> Grant classification codes (inc. SEO/RFCD)
The draft application should be read by two people not associated with the proposed project, one who is an expert in the research area, and another more general reader who understands the ARC review system. Provide readers with your draft application and any particular selection criteria.
Validate, print and forward one hard copy of your draft application (including attachments) to the Research Office by the internal closing date of the scheme. This is normally 3-4 weeks before the external closing date and is advertised on our dedicated scheme pages.
-
Finalise the application
The Research Office will review the application for technical correctness and the fulfillment of eligibility criteria. Feedback will be emailed to the individual named on the UoM coversheet. Use this feedback to amend your draft application in RMS. You must then validate the application again, before submitting the application to the Melbourne Research Office in accordance with the instructions you receive. This will include the number and format of copies required and the due date for final submission.
-
What happens next?
The Research Office will electronically submit the application to the ARC, and will inform you when assessor reports are available in RMS. You will then have around 14 days to write a rejoinder. Rejoinders assist applicants in clarifying any misunderstanding or difference of opinion about perceived weaknesses in the proposal. Read How to Write ARC Rejoinders (UoM Fact Sheet)
Once a grant offer is made you will be directed through the acceptance process and informed of any further administrative requirements. Major financial and reporting milestones for your project will be identified and entered into Themis by the Research Office and Financial Operations.
Note on collaborative agreements
Complete an ARC Multi-Institutional Agreement for each successful University of Melbourne lead ARC grant where a named researcher is located at another Australian higher education institution.
Complete an ARC Multi-Institutional Agreement for each successful University of Melbourne lead ARC grant where a named researcher is located at another Australian higher education institution.