Funder Restrictions on Application Numbers Lead to Chaos

Abstract

Restricting application rates is an attractive way for funders to reduce time and money wasted evaluating uncompetitive applications. However, mathematical models show that this could induce chaotic cycles in total application numbers, increasing uncertainty in the funding process. One emergent property is that smaller institutions spend disproportionally more time unfunded.

Keywords: chaotic dynamics; research funding; restricting applications; size effects.