The AHRC have announced today that following advice from peer review panels they will be amending the grade descriptors used by reviewers and panels in assessing applications for AHRC funding.

The scale will continue as a 1 (low) to 6 (high) scale, however the description for each grade has been revised to clarity the differentiation between grades. The new scale will be coming into effect for reviews requested on or after 1 December 2011.

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. 

The AHRC will also be revising their resubmission policy as part of their approach to demand management. Unsuccessful applicants with applications considered by panels on or after the 1 April 2012 will no longer be permitted to resubmit their application. This policy change will apply to all AHRC schemes. Panels will be able to invite resubmissions however it is expected this will only occur when panels consider proposals to have exceptional potential and can identify specific changes to the application that could significantly enhance its competitiveness.

The full announcement, along with the new scale, can be seen on the AHRC website.