As you would be well aware, RGMS performance and access has degraded to unacceptable levels. Despite extensive work by our staff and our providers, we have not been able to identify a solution.
I regret to inform you that, while we have been able to narrow down the source of the problem, it will be necessary to close RGMS to log-ins for 24 hours, from 5pm AEDST Thursday 10 February, to test further solutions.
I sincerely apologise for the further disruptions that this will cause to applicants and research administrators.
We will be able to provide further information on Friday afternoon. We will let you know at that time whether extensions for completion of applications will need to be made, or about other alternatives to make sure that all who wish to apply can do so.
In the meantime, we anticipate that there will be further interruptions to RGMS today before it is closed at 5pm. Researchers who wish to continue with their applications may choose to use the templates available from our website.
My greatest concern is that we are unable to guarantee access so near the closure of the Fellowships round. I have extended the deadline until 22 February 2011 to provide further support for applicants.
I also repeat my offer of assistance to Fellowship applicants who wish to have NHMRC staff upload templates into RGMS. This assistance is also available to other applicants who have professional commitments that will limit their time as the deadline draws near (for example, international conferences or clinical duties).
We have implemented extended contact hours in the Research Help Centre to provide additional support to researchers, particularly those in the Western States. The Research Help Centre is now open until 9pm (AEDST) and will also now open from 10-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Warwick Anderson
CEO