ARC National Interest Test - Advice/Clarification from the ARC

The intent of NIT: To enable the community to understand whether the investment in research is worthwhile.

Tips from ARC CEO:

• The NIT section must explain the value of research i.e. expressing outcomes and benefits in plain English that is accessible to the Australian community.  
• It is a stand-alone statement and so don't assume it will be read in conjunction with the 'Summary' section.  The NIT is more about the 'why' not the 'what' 
• Ensure they are
• In PLAIN language. Understandable to lay individuals.
• REASONABLE: Specific to the scope of the project and logical. No broad statements e.g. world peace.  "A contribution" is good - don't overclaim
• Grammar and language are important.  The ARC no longer corrects this prior to publication.
• Provide an adequate explanation of how the research will benefit some of (or all of) Australia. It should be clear who benefits - a section or all of Australia? 
• Explain the development of a new product/process/market which has a value or savings or worth based on evidence, and/or relate the work to proposed or existing policies - reference reports, commissions.
• For theoretical disciplines - what are the downstream applications of theory?
• For non-quantitative areas - what is the understanding or capacity to understand a problem? Relate to government reports, value and evidence.
• Do NOT say: enhancing discipline reputation, training workforce (though could be an outcome), production of publications. These cannot be the sole rationale.
• For proposals involving international research, the statement must relate to Australia's role or the impact for Australia
• The benefit must be blindingly obvious.