NSW Chapter Event: Enhancing support for ECRs, from a central Research Strategy Office perspective - 24 June 2026

In a large, research-intensive university, supporting Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to navigate the funding landscape can present particular challenges, including managing large numbers of applications, and supporting researchers who may lack experience in grant writing and appropriate mentorship. The UNSW Research Strategy Office (RSO) is positioned centrally with a clear remit to enhance the University’s research funding performance. Over the last few rounds of the ARC DECRA scheme, we have sought to optimise an streamline our resources to enhance support for ECRs and improve our competitiveness in this scheme.

The RSO team have developed a comprehensive suite of support, which includes:

• Understanding Competitiveness & Strengthening Mentorship: We hold 'Preparing for Success' seminars, (a researcher and a mentor version), held 4-5 months before scheme opening, to help ECRs, with the support of their mentors, gauge their standing against competitors in the field, determine their readiness for an application, and identify gaps that might impact on competitiveness.
• Strengthening Grant Writing Capability: We introduced interactive discipline-specific grant writing workshops for researchers applying for the ARC DECRA scheme. Through peer-to-peer learning activities, panel sessions, and presentations, we provided researchers with tailored writing support for their specific ARC disciplinary panel. 
• Streamlined Approval Process: We implemented a new automated Head of School approval process to simplify the collection of information and approvals for UNSW contributions. This process has been streamlined into an automated flow, significantly reducing manual administration and email traffic.

These initiatives have been well received by researchers, supervisors and Heads of School, improved processes, and increased support to applicants. In this presentation, we will share our processes and the insights we have gained.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Time: 10:00AM - 11:00AM AEST (Check your timezone here)

Zoom Access: Details will be provided in your confirmation email

Cost: 

• This event is complimentary for ARMS members. Please log in to your member portal to complete your registration at no cost.
• Non-members - AUD $60 (GST inclusive)

Presenter(s)

Louise Norman - University Of New South Wales

Dimitrios Pandioras - University Of New South Wales

Louise Norman and Dimitrios Pandioras are Research Development Manager's in the UNSW Research Strategy Office, Division of Research and Enterprise. Led by the Senior Research Development Manager, they provide strategic advice for grant applications to national discovery funding schemes: ARC Discovery Projects, Future Fellowships & DECRA. 

Using Zoom

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Questions

Contact the ARMS Executive Office at:

• ARMSMembership@researchmanagement.org.au
• +61 8 8201 5592

Please Note

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• For in-person events:
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