Following advice from our peer review panels, the AHRC is amending the grade descriptors used by reviewers and panels in assessing applications for AHRC funding. We are continuing with a 1 (low) to 6 (high) scale but the description for each grade has been revised to provide further clarity and differentiation between the grades. In line with our revised resubmissions policy (see below), the linkage between grade and ability to resubmit applications is also being removed. The new scale will come into effect for reviews requested on or after 1 December 2011. It will be accessed in the usual way through the Je-S helptext and in the Funding Guide. 

An additional scale will be available at a later date for the revised Fellowship Scheme. The descriptors will reflect changes to the scheme and ensure that all aspects of the scheme are assessed. 

In addition, as a part of our approach to demand management, and in common with some of the other Research Councils, we are revising our resubmission policy. For applications considered by panels on and after the 1 April 2012 unsuccessful applicants will not be permitted to resubmit their application. This change will apply to all schemes. Panels will be able to invite resubmissions but it is expected that this will happen only as an exception when panels consider proposals to have exceptional potential and can identify specific changes to the application that could significantly enhance its competitiveness. Invited resubmissions will be assessed in the usual way in competition with the other applications being considered in that round.

 Grading scale for use from 1 December 2011 (pdf 26kb)