Australian Research Council (ARC) Grants

Please note: GAMS has now been replaced by the ARC’s new Research Management System (RMS) for submission of all new applications.

Procedures for applying for an ARC grant

  1. Download and read ARC Funding Rules and USyd Instructions carefully
  2. Contact the Research Office for RMS User ID and password
    To apply for an ARC grant you require a RMS ID.
  3. Log on to RMS to complete application form
  4. Complete the relevant Research Proposal Clearance forms.
    A Research Proposal Clearance Form must accompany all applications.
  5. Local peer-review and administrative check
  6. Check for completeness
    Refer to the Check list for research grant applications
  7. Validate and submit in RMS
    Pressing the submit button sends your application to Research Office. Aim to do so by the internal closing date. If necessary the Research Office can unsubmit your application to enable you to make changes and edit further.
  8. Complete ARC Certification Proforma
    Obtain relevant signatures. One copy only of this certification is required for the Research Office.
  9. Submit hard copies
    Print one copy to submit by the internal closing date. Arrange for the following to be forwarded to the Research Office by the internal closing date.
    - Original and one copy of the application
    - One completed ARC Certification Proforma with signatures
    - One completed 'Research Proposal Clearance' form
  10. Research Office feedback
    Applicants complete any amendments. Send one final copy of the application to the Research Office.
  11. The Research Office will submit your application to the ARC.

ARC web-links relevant to application process

ARC-NHMRC Cross-Scheme Funding

For applications related to health research, it may not be clear whether an application is more appropriately considered by the ARC or the NHMRC. In these cases, the applicant should forward a two-page summary outlining the proposal through the Research Office by early January each year. Please send these requests to: Director, Research Office, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building (G02).

A committee comprising representatives from the NHMRC and the ARC will use the summary to decide which agency is more appropriate for the application. Each applicant will be advised of the decision approximately two weeks after the due date for such requests.

If the applicant fails to meet the above deadline, he/she must submit cross-referenced applications, using the same title, to both the ARC and the NHMRC and must declare the dual submission on the ARC application form. Failure to do so will render the application ineligible. The ARC will determine if it is the appropriate funding agency.

If an application has potential clinical overlap and neither of the above processes is observed, the application will be excluded, regardless of whether or not it falls under the scope of the ARC.