Tough grant-proposal deadlines can have severe impacts on researchers, according to an Australian study. The authors surveyed 215 academic researchers across all career stages in Australia who prepare annual applications for project grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (D. L. Herbert et al. Br. Med. J. 4, e004462; 2014). Most respondents reported that the 2–3-month application process each year takes top priority, superseding research and publishing, their health and their personal responsibilities. Almost all said that they would support adding more grant cycles and deadlines to lessen the burden for applicants.