And the Australian Research Council grants* are out...

[stellar_muddle]

The astronomy grants are not that optimistic... maybe, we shall see...
But it is interesting seeing what sort or research is funded... and how handwavy and how they make it "relevant" to todays society...
eg

Writing from the edge of the world: medieval Icelandic literature and the quest for social identity
LITERATURE STUDIES The University of Sydney
This project has special significance for Australians. Iceland and Australia are both geographically isolated communities, both originally colonies of larger political powers (Norway and Britain), both asserting a social identity different from that of the motherland. Many themes of medieval Icelandic literature have parallels in Australian culture; slogans like 'the cultural cringe', 'the lucky country', 'home and away' can be readily paralleled in Old Icelandic literature. Our study will be of considerable social benefit to Australia and will show how another ex-colony, remote in time and place, constructed its own social identity.

Interesting subject, but the justification... Plainly "This is an interesting subject" just doesn't cut the mustard any more. And heaven forbid it not have relevance to Australia or promote Australian egos in some way...

The results on an institute to institute basis can be found here.
Some of the research topics appear quite interesting. Others, less so.

*Think equivalent of Marden Fund etc in NZ only not just science based.