Just a quick post to note that the DECRA scheme for 2022 (that is, the next round) has been delayed. There appears to be an automatic one-year extension for DECRA applicants who would otherwise fall outside of the eligibility timeframe due to COVID-19. Otherwise, there is no clear information about when the new rules will be released and whether it will affect the application deadlines. The current links for the 2022 award go to archived versions for previous years. The DECRA important dates link is here.

This delay throws some extra uncertainty into an already challenging time. The guides and information sessions available through the university have all been postponed until the new rules and dates are released. All of this makes it hard to stick to a plan, as the plan has to be constantly updated as new information is released. However, the DECRA is just one of many funding opportunities available to an Australia-based researcher. The process of writing an application - putting pen to paper to crystallise thoughts into a coherent project plan - is a good opportunity to evaluate my ideas and my career. It will highlight areas for improvement in my professional experience, as well as force me to grow my ideas into actionable projects and face the harsh reality of what is a achievable/fundable idea and what is a fanciful pipe-dream.

So, regardless of when the DECRA scheme reopens, it will be a good opportunity to practise writing funding applications. Therefore, I am going to forge ahead devoting several time-blocks each week to skeleton a proposal. The ROPE statement will take many iterations and getting feedback early will be good. The delay may even allow me to get an extra publication or two over the line.