Rejoinders

A RGS Update message will be sent to Research Offices (RO) when assessor reports are available and the Rejoinder period opens. The first named Participant on each application will also receive an automated email informing them of the opening of the Rejoinder period.

Researchers involved in applications are strongly advised to maintain contact with their RO during the selection cycle.

Rejoinders should be written in a clear and concise manner.

Rejoinder text is limited to 5000 characters (including spaces). Pictures, graphs or other documents cannot be inserted or attached.

The purpose of a Rejoinder is to clarify any perceived weaknesses in the application, including how well the proposed research project addresses an important gap in knowledge or significant problem as implied through priority areas or specific challenges identified by external assessors. The Rejoinder should respond directly to assessor comments, addressing any misunderstanding or difference of opinion in a constructive manner.

As noted in the Grant Guidelines, applications must contain all of the necessary information for assessment. Rejoinders should draw only on information already provided in the application. New information, including new research results/methods, should not be provided.

Rejoinders should not include reference to any new awards, appointments or publications which may have occurred in the time since the submission of the application. Track records and publication histories are assessed as at the time of application submission and therefore no updates should be provided.

Rejoinders should not include any information that was left out of or incorrectly entered in the original application. Modification to the application can only be made if requested by the RGS, on behalf of the funding entity.

Rejoinders should not include any information relevant to funding round eligibility. Eligibility issues are dealt with in a process separate to, and independent of the peer review process.

Rejoinders should not include any messages to RGS or the funding entity. Rejoinders are provided to the SAC for assessment purposes and are not reviewed by these entities. 

During the Rejoinder period, the participants and RO staff may identify an assessment that contains inappropriate elements, as detailed below, and may wish to have this reviewed by RGS, on behalf of the funding entity.

The following criteria may be considered for a review:

• Defamatory comment/s
• Evidence of assessor conflict
• Discriminatory/biased comments
• Brief assessment text (less than 100 words)
• Scores included within the assessment text
• Assessment text does not match with application
• Comments in the assessment regarding application eligibility
• Comments in the assessment regarding Research Output display errors.

Click here for more information on How to Request for a review of an Assessment