Grants and Contracts

Early Release of Funds

The University is obliged to ensure that research requiring animal or human ethical clearance or safety clearance does not commence prior to clearance being obtained.  Therefore, a cost collector for a grant will not usually be established until all of the required clearances have been obtained.

There are however limited circumstances under which grant funds can be released prior to the necessary approvals being in place.  This includes, for example, funds required for the commencement of a scholarship or to appoint staff necessary for the development of a clearance application.

Please note that some funding agencies, such as the NHMRC, do not allow for the early release of funds unless in exceptional circumstances and then their written approval is required prior to the release of funds.  Researchers should read the funding rules prior to requesting early release of funds.

Researchers requiring funds prior to approvals being in place should contact Rebecca Palmer in the Grants office via email with a request for an early release of funds.  This email should include a detailed justification for the early release of funds, the purpose for which the funds are being sought and an indication of the approximate timeframe required to secure the necessary clearances.

Please note that any approval for the early release funds will be conditional upon the necessary approvals being obtained.