SAGE has raised concerns about the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) proposed reforms to the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP), warning the changes risk entrenching gender inequity in Australia’s research sector.
In its submission responding to the ARC’s discussion paper, SAGE welcomes steps such as the new “Realise Indigenous Capability” scheme and improved assessment processes.
However, our submission argues that the proposed model falls short in embedding gender and diversity equity into long-term funding frameworks.
SAGE is concerned about the removal of standalone fellowships for early- and mid-career researchers and we warn that embedded fellowships may hinder independent career progression.
Our submission also highlights the lack of gender-specific interventions, calling for leadership and mentoring to be built into all grant schemes, not isolated in a separate program.
Key recommendations include
- linking grant funding to institutional gender equity plans
- establishing diversity targets
- revising merit-based assessment criteria, and
- improving data transparency.
SAGE stressed that without affirmative action—such as quotas and equity-linked funding—the ARC risks perpetuating systemic biases.
One central message: Australia must follow international best practice to position the NCGP as a global leader in equitable research funding.
