Responding to Assessors' Comments

The assessment process for externally funded grants often allows applicants the opportunity to read and respond to assessors' comments. Assessment of applications submitted to the ARC and NHMRC is undertaken by the College of Experts and Grant Review Panels.
The peer review process is different for each funding agency. Details of the rejoinder/response processes for ARC and NHMRC are available on their websites:

ARC: http://www.arc.gov.au/applicants/assessor_rejoinders.htm

A PowerPoint Presentation on the ARC Rejoinder Process was given by Professor Doug McEachern on 8th July 2008.  Slides available as a [PDF].

NHMRC: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au

The same principles apply when preparing a rejoinder/response and the following should be taken into consideration:

• Rejoinders/responses are an important part of the assessment process and should be taken seriously. Rejoinders do make a difference!
• Writing a rejoinder/response requires delicacy, skill and tact - they should be carefully crafted.
• Use the rejoinder/response process as an opportunity to build a case for funding - try to understand and put into context the negative comments.
• Do not try to guess the names of the assessors.
• Do not attack or abuse the assessors - the rejoinder/response will be read by the same committee which appointed the assessors, and the assessors do not see your reply.
• If assessments have not been received for an ARC application it is not necessary to submit a rejoinder.
• Some assessments may appear bland or very good. Some ‘forensic’ work may be necessary to try and select comments which may be of concern.
• Do not discard negative comments. It might be the case that 2 assessments are positive and 1 assessment is negative. The negative report might be the credible, best argued assessment so it’s best to work out why its negative and respond.
• Answer any questions asked by assessors or committees.
• Ask a friend or colleague to read the assessments and the rejoinder/response. The response should be checked for tone and clarity of content.
• For NHMRC applicants: ensure you keep a record of the email submission of your response, especially if sending from an internet cafe or similar. For ARC - also keep a copy because if the rejoinder needs to be unsubmitted from the Research Grants Office, the text could be deleted in the process.

Remember - this is your last chance to persuade the committee to fund the application - be positive!

Good Luck!

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Research Grants Office