Australian Research Council Act 2001 - Federation Fellowships - Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2007 (Cth)
The following acronyms are used in ARC Funding Rules.
AEST Australian Eastern Standard Time
AEDT Australian Eastern Daylight Saving (Summer) Time
AIF Australia-Israel Fellowship
AIMS Australian Institute of Marine Science
ANSTO Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
APA Australian Postgraduate Award
APAI Australian Postgraduate Award (Industry)
APD Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship
APDC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (CSIRO)
APDI Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (Industry)
APF Australian Professorial Fellowship
ARC Australian Research Council
ARCIF Australian Research Council International Fellowship
ARF Australian Research Fellowship
AVCC Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee
CE ARC
CoE ARC College of Experts
CI Chief Investigator
CRC Cooperative Research Centre
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
DP ARC
DSTO Defence Science and Technology Organisation
ECR Early Career Researcher
FF ARC
GA Geoscience Australia
GAMS Grant Application Management System
GST Goods and Services Tax
HECS Higher Education Contribution Scheme
ICI Internationally Coordinated Initiative
IRF Indigenous Research Fellowship
LASP ARC
LIEF ARC
LIF ARC Linkage Industry Fellowship
LP ARC
NCGP National Competitive Grants Program
NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council
NP Network Participant
OI Overseas Investigator
PI Partner Investigator
QEII Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship
RN ARC
SPIRT
SRC ARC
SRI ARC
URL Universal Resource Locator
The ARC deals with thousands of Proposals each year. Where possible, researchers should direct requests for information to the Research Office within their organisation.
Enquiries about the ARC
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1.1.1 This document sets out the funding rules for
Federation Fellowships , a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP), which comply with the requirements of the ARC Act.1.1.2 All parties involved in Proposals should read and understand the Funding Rules and the ARC’s draft Funding Agreement (which is available on the ARC’s Web Site) before submitting a Proposal to the ARC. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Proposals are complete and accurate.
1.1.3 These Funding Rules are current as at July 2006 and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the ARC Act in force at that time. These Funding Rules are subject to change at any time, for reasons including any subsequent amendment, replacement or supplementation of the ARC Act.
1.1.4 Funding under the
Federation Fellowships scheme is provided to Administering Organisations, not to researchers. That is, the ARC will accept a Proposal only from an Eligible Organisation and not from any individual researcher or researchers.1.1.5 However, if, in the opinion of the ARC, any researcher nominated in a Proposal as a Federation Fellow has caused or has significantly contributed to the failure of an organisation to meet its obligations under any current or previous funding agreement with the ARC, the ARC may in its absolute discretion decide to not recommend for approval any or all Proposals involving that researcher.
1.2.1 The ARC is an Australian Government statutory authority established under the ARC Act. The primary functions of the ARC, as specified by the ARC Act, are to make recommendations regarding the funding of research programs, to administer funding to support research programs, and to provide policy advice related to research.
1.2.2 The ARC has established a range of competitive funding schemes for the support of research and research training under the framework of the NCGP. A list of current NCGP funding schemes is available on the ARC’s Web Site.
1.2.3 By the operation of a range of funding schemes under the NCGP, the ARC aims to:
a. maintain and build on existing research and research training;
b. build the scale and focus of research and research training;
c. encourage cross-disciplinary approaches to research and research training;
d. facilitate collaborative approaches to research and research training; and
e. support research and research training of national benefit, including in the following National Research Priorities:
i. An Environmentally Sustainable Australia;
ii. Promoting and Maintaining Good Health;
iii. Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries; and
iv. Safeguarding Australia.
1.2.4 Descriptions of these National Research Priorities and their associated Priority Goals can be found in Appendix 1, and on the ARC’s Web Site.
1.3.1 The ARC
Federation Fellowships scheme reflects the Australian Research Council’s commitment to support excellence in research by attracting world-class researchers to key positions, and creating new rewards and incentives for the application of their talents in Australia.1.3.2 The objectives of the
Federation Fellowships scheme are to:a. attract and retain outstanding researchers of international renown;
b. build and strengthen world-class research capability in Australia;
c. expand Australia’s knowledge base by supporting ground-breaking, internationally competitive research;
d. forge strong links among researchers, industry and the international research community; and
e. support research that will result in economic, environmental, social or cultural benefits for Australia.
1.3.3 Open to applications from researchers of outstanding international renown, the
Federation Fellowships scheme particularly encourages Proposals from Australian and non-Australian researchers currently working overseas.1.3.4 Up to 25 Federation Fellowships may be awarded for funding commencing in 2007.
1.3.5 A clear preference will be given to early- to mid-career researchers who will play a leadership role in building Australia’s internationally competitive research capacity.
1.4.1.1 The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) web site, provides a series of publications which outline principles of ethical conduct in research. All Proposals and ARC-funded research projects should conform to the principles outlined in the following and their successor documents:
a. the Joint NHMRC/AVCC
Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (1997);b. as applicable, the NHMRC’s
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans ; andc. as applicable, the NHMRC’s other codes on animal research.
1.4.2.1 The ARC will not provide financial assistance to meet the costs of a project to the extent that those costs have been, or are likely to be, met by Commonwealth funding obtained from another source (including other ARC funding). The ARC reserves the right to determine if a Proposal includes such costs and to deem a notional amount for such costs.
1.4.2.2 Where a significant portion of the costs for a proposed project has been, or is likely to be, funded by the Commonwealth from other sources (including other ARC sources), the ARC may decide to recommend that the Proposal not be funded at all. In other cases, the ARC may decide to recommend a reduced amount of funding for the proposed project.
1.4.3.1 All parties involved in or associated with Proposals and ARC-funded research projects are required to disclose to the ARC affiliations with or financial involvement in any organisation which has, or is likely to have, a direct interest in the subject matter or outputs of the project. Such parties are required to disclose to the ARC at the time of submission of Proposals, or reporting on ARC-funded research projects, any conflict of interest which has the potential to influence, or appear to influence, their research and activities, publications and media reports, or requests for funding.
1.4.4.1 The Funding Agreement requires that any ARC contribution to research and other activities funded by the ARC be appropriately acknowledged. When, at any time during or after completion of a project, the researcher or any other party publishes or produces material such as books, articles, newsletters or other literary or artistic works which relate to the research project, the Administering Organisation must ensure (wherever possible) that the ARC’s contribution and support of the project is acknowledged in a prominent place and in an appropriate form. This acknowledgement should include the mention of the ARC as a funding body. Similar efforts should be made to acknowledge ARC support when participating in television and radio programs, and when interviewed by the print media.
1.4.4.2 Advice on acceptable forms of acknowledgement and use of the ARC logo is provided on the ARC’s Web Site.
2.1.1 A number of clarifications and revisions have been made in these Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2007 (the 2007
Federation Fellowships Funding Rules). Significant changes from the 2006Federation Fellowships Funding Rules include:a. A definitions section has been added to the 2007
Federation Fellowships Funding Rules (pages 6 - 7).b. The Introduction Section (page 8) alerts Applicants and other parties involved in Proposals that a Proposal may be not recommended for approval if any person nominated as a Federation Fellow on the Proposal has caused or significantly contributed to the failure of an Administering Organisation to meet its obligations under a current or prior funding agreement.
c. A section “Restrictions on budget items” has been added (Section 3.5).
d. Other than issues concerning non-duplication of funding in subsection 1.4.2 and Section 6, rather than specifying in these Funding Rules the limits which apply on the number of Proposals or projects, if any, Federation Fellows may hold under other ARC funding schemes, Applicants are alerted that the relevant Funding Rules for other ARC schemes may specify limits applying to Federation Fellows in relation to their funding under those schemes (subsection 3.6.2).
e. Subsection 5.1.2 states that Federation Fellows must take significant intellectual responsibility for the proposed project, its conception, and any strategic decisions called for in its pursuit and the communication of results. The researcher must have the capacity to make a serious commitment to the project and cannot assume the role of a supplier of resources for work that will largely be placed in the hands of others. The ARC reserves the right to determine whether a person has the requisite capacity to perform the role.
f. The Funding Rules clarify that Federation Fellows who wish to undertake research overseas will require the approval of the ARC to do so and that approval may be given for periods of up to 2 years in total, providing the Administering Organisation clearly demonstrates this is in the best interests of the research and its outcomes, and of national benefit to Australia (subsection 5.1.8).
g. Clarification has been provided that a researcher may be nominated for a Federation Fellowship regardless of whether they hold any continuing or non-continuing appointments, but unless otherwise permitted in the Funding Rules, if the Proposal is successful they are expected to relinquish their existing appointments before the Fellowship may commence (subsection 5.1.9).
h. Federation Fellowship candidates who currently hold a Federation Fellowship and are being nominated for a subsequent Federation Fellowship are required to agree to, and will be required to, relinquish any funding for their current Federation Fellowship (which is payable after a specified date) if the Proposal is successful (subsection 5.1.10).
i. A new eligibility criterion has been included for Federation Fellowship candidates. At the time of the submission of a Proposal all obligations regarding previously funded projects involving the candidate must have been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the ARC, including the provision of satisfactory progress and final reports (subsection 5.1.6).
j. It is the responsibility of Administering Organisations to furnish referee reports for Federation Fellowship candidates from self-nominated referees. A maximum of two referee reports for a Federation Fellowship candidate may be submitted by an Administering Organisation. These reports must be attached to the paper version of the Proposal (subsection 7.3.1.c).
k. The rate for on-costs for FederationFellowships has increased from 26% to 28% (Appendix 3).
l. The details regarding the minimum level of contribution to be made by Administering Organisations has been clarified and moved to an Appendix (Appendix 4).
2.1.2 The list of changes above is not comprehensive – a number of minor formatting, style and other changes have also been made. Applicants and other parties involved in Proposals should read and understand the entire Funding Rules and draft Funding Agreement before a Proposal is submitted to the ARC.
3.1.1 All amounts referred to in these Funding Rules are to be read as exclusive of GST (if any), unless expressly stated otherwise.
3.1.2 The level of salary and salary-related (on-cost) funding which will be provided by the ARC for a Federation Fellow is $A250,970 per annum (2006 dollars) plus 28% on-costs. These salaries are substantially higher than those payable under other Fellowship Schemes in the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program.
3.1.3 In addition to salary and salary-related (on-cost) support, the ARC may provide Federation Fellows with Start-up Project Funding of up to $400,000, providing the request is well justified and the Federation Fellow at the closing time for submission of Proposals:
a. was not involved as a Chief Investigator in an ARC
Discovery Projects project orLinkage Projects project; and
b. was not eligible to be a Chief Investigator in:
i. the ARC
Discovery Projects funding round for funding commencing in 2007; orii. the ARC
Linkage Projects funding rounds for funding commencing in 2007.3.1.4 Proposals requesting Start-up Project Funding must describe and justify the need for, and the amount of, funding being sought from the ARC. This support, if approved, is to assist researchers who may not otherwise have been able to work on their proposed project as expeditiously as those researchers with ongoing access to significant resources at their proposed Host Organisation. If approved, Start-up Project Funding will be paid during the first two years of the Fellowship.
3.1.5 The Administering Organisation must provide a high level of financial support (cash and in-kind) for the research project which is to be undertaken by the Federation Fellow. These contributions must meet the “minimum funding contribution requirements” specified in Appendix 4. Administering Organisations may, however, provide financial support in excess of the minimum funding contribution requirements specified in Appendix 4.
3.1.6 A Proposal must, therefore, demonstrate the Administering Organisation’s commitment to the Federation Fellow by providing a detailed outline of the Administering Organisation’s contributions towards the research costs of the Federation Fellow.
3.1.7 If the ARC considers that a Proposal does not meet the minimum funding contribution requirements for the Administering Organisation, the Proposal will not be recommended or approved for funding.
3.1.8 The ARC reserves the right to recommend a level of Start-up Project Funding for a project at a level which may differ from that requested in the Proposal.
3.2.1 Funding for Federation Fellowships is normally awarded for five years, subject to sufficient funds being available for the
Federation Fellowships scheme, the provisions of the ARC Act and continued satisfactory performance.
3.3.1 Subject to Section 3.5,the
Federation Fellowships scheme supports excellent research by world-class researchers, including:a. pure basic research which is experimental and theoretical work undertaken to acquire new knowledge without looking for long-term benefits other than the advancement of knowledge;
b. strategic basic research which is experimental and theoretical work undertaken to acquire new knowledge directed into specified broad areas that are expected to lead to useful discoveries. It provides the broad base of knowledge necessary to solve recognised practical problems; and
c. applied research which is original work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge with a specific application in view. Such research is undertaken either to determine possible uses for the findings of basic research or to determine new ways of achieving some specific and predetermined objectives.
3.4.1 The
Federation Fellowships scheme does not support the following work:a. clinical medical and dental research and training. These areas of research are generally covered by other Commonwealth Government funding agencies, such as the NHMRC;
b. activities leading solely to the creation or performance of a work of art, including visual art, musical compositions, drama, dance, designs and literary works. These areas are generally covered by other Commonwealth Government agencies, such as the Australia Council for the Arts;
c. scholarly investigations that, while important in themselves, do not lead to conceptual advances or discoveries, or to novel practical outcomes or applications. Projects such as uncritical biographical compilations and purely descriptive catalogues or editions that do not involve original research are not funded;
d. production of teaching materials, even though some research may be involved in their production;
e. compilation of data, unless this is an integral part of a project, in which case the Proposal must include a statement indicating the research objectives to which the data would contribute; and/or
f. development of research aids and tools (including computer programs), unless they form an integral part of the Proposal, in which case the Proposal must include a statement indicating the research objectives to which these activities would contribute.
3.5.1
Federation Fellowships supports only costs which directly support a research project. The ARC may in its absolute discretion determine whether any project costs meet this requirement.3.5.2 The
Federation Fellowships scheme has restrictions on the following budget items:
a. Capital works and general infrastructure Capital works and general infrastructure costs are not funded in whole or part under
Federation Fellowships.
b. Special Studies Programs Funds are not provided for travel or related expenses for researchers when on a Special Studies Program.
c. International students’ fees and Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) liability Funds are not provided to pay the fees of international students or HECS liabilities for Australian students.
d. Computer facilities for molecular analysis Applicants for projects involving molecular biology should be aware that a number of organisations provide access to a range of databases and a large suite of analysis programs. As a result, Proposals seeking funding for computer facilities to undertake molecular analysis must justify such needs very thoroughly and to the satisfaction of the ARC.
e. Basic facilities The Administering Organisation must agree to provide the following basic facilities (where relevant to the Proposal), which will not be funded under the
Federation Fellowships scheme:i. accommodation (e.g. laboratory and office, suitably equipped and furnished in standard ways);
ii. access to workshop services (e.g. machine tools and qualified technicians available to each member of staff, according to need, for research);
iii. access to film or music editing facilities;
iv. access to a basic library collection;
v. standard reference materials or funds for abstracting services;
vi. provision of computers (excluding access to high-performance computers or other specialised applications) and basic computing facilities such as word processing and other standard software; and
vii. use of photocopiers, telephones, mail, fax, email and internet services.
f. Publication Costs Publication costs, including page costs, will not be funded under
Federation Fellowships .
g. Costs not directly related to a project Costs not directly related to a project will not be funded, for example costs of a personal nature such as child care.
3.6.1 Federation Fellowship candidates may not be nominated for a Federation Fellowship on more than one
Federation Fellowships Proposal in this funding round. Submitting Proposals that exceed this limit may result in all Proposals involving the Federation Fellowship candidate not being recommended or approved for funding.3.6.2 The funding rules for other ARC funding schemes may specify limits on the number of Proposals or projects Federation Fellows may hold under those schemes.
4.1.1 A Proposal may be submitted only by an Eligible Organisation. Appendix 2 specifies Eligible Organisations for the
Federation Fellowships scheme.4.1.2 The Administering Organisation must provide a high level of financial support (cash and in-kind). These contributions must meet the “minimum funding contribution requirements” specified in Appendix 4.
4.1.3 Proposals must demonstrate the Administering Organisation’s commitment to the Federation Fellow by providing a detailed submission for their contributions towards the research costs of the Federation Fellow.
5.1.1 A Proposal must nominate one researcher for a Federation Fellowship (the Federation Fellowship candidate). A Federation Fellow must satisfy the eligibility criteria for that role as specified in Section 5 of these Funding Rules.
5.1.2 A researcher nominated in a Proposal as Federation Fellow must take significant intellectual responsibility for the proposed project, its conception, and any strategic decisions called for in its pursuit and the communication of results. The researcher must have the capacity to make a serious commitment to the project and cannot assume the role of a supplier of resources for work that will largely be placed in the hands of others. The ARC reserves the right to determine whether a person has the requisite capacity to perform the role.
5.1.3 If the ARC considers that a Federation Fellowship candidate nominated in a Proposal does not meet the eligibility criteria in this Section the Proposal will not be recommended or approved for funding.
5.1.4 Federation Fellowship candidates must be distinguished researchers who are at the forefront of international research. They must have leadership skills and experience in building research capacity, and should propose ground-breaking research programs likely to deliver significant economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits to Australia.
5.1.5 Proposals may be submitted for Federation Fellowship candidates who are qualified researchers currently working in Australia or overseas. Proposals are particularly encouraged from Australian researchers currently working overseas and from non-Australian researchers currently working overseas.
5.1.6 At the time of the submission of a Proposal all obligations regarding previously funded projects involving the Federation Fellowship candidate on the Proposal must have been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the ARC. Such obligations include the provision of satisfactory progress and final reports.
5.1.7 Federation Fellows must reside predominantly in Australia for the full duration of the Federation Fellowship. If a Federation Fellowship candidate does not have permanent resident status he/she must obtain temporary resident status from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs before the Federation Fellowship commences.
5.1.8 Federation Fellows are expected to pursue research that is at the international leading edge in their field. To facilitate this aim, Federation Fellows may, with the approval of the ARC, undertake research overseas for periods of up to 2 years in total, providing the Administering Organisation clearly demonstrates this is in the best interests of the research and its outcomes, and of national benefit to Australia.
5.1.9 A
researcher may be nominated for a Federation Fellowship regardless of whether they hold any continuing or non-continuing appointments at the time the Proposal is submitted. Unless otherwise permitted in these Funding Rules,if the Proposal is approved the Federation Fellowship candidate is expected to relinquish anyexisting appointmentsbefore the Fellowship may commence. 5.1.10 If a Federation Fellowship candidate has previously been awarded an ARC Federation Fellowship, the person must have completed the previous ARC Federation Fellowship or be in the fourth of fifth year of a current ARC Federation Fellowship. In the case of current ARC Federation Fellows, the candidate and the relevant Administering Organisation must have agreed, if the Proposal is successful, to relinquish all Federation Fellowship funding associated with the existing Federation Fellowship on or after:
a. 1 July 2007; or
b the date which is 28 days after the date on the letter notifying the outcome of Proposal;
whichever is the later date.
5.1.11 If a Federation Fellowship candidate holds or has applied for any other ARC Fellowships, or any fellowships from other funding bodies, the candidate must have agreed, if the Proposal is successful, to relinquish those other Fellowships.
5.1.12 Federation Fellowships are awarded on a full-time basis only. Federation Fellows are expected to work full-time on research and research capacity-building activities. Research capacity-building activities could include research leadership in teams and centres (ARC Centres or other research-related centres) and supervision of postgraduate students, but do not include a major role in administration. While a Federation Fellow’s principal duty is to undertake research, it is also important to specify the role he/she would be expected to play within the administering organisation.
6.1.1 The ARC will not duplicate financial assistance for research already funded by the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth reserves the right to determine if a Proposal duplicates or is likely to duplicate research being funded by another Commonwealth source. In such circumstances the ARC may in its absolute discretion decide to not recommend the Proposal for approval.
6.1.2 Subject to subsections 1.4.2, 5.1.9 - 5.1.11 and 6.1.1 and Section 6.2, research funding received or sought elsewhere for the project or the Federation Fellowship candidate (outside the
Federation Fellowships scheme) does not affect the eligibility of a Proposal within theFederation Fellowships scheme.
6.2.1 If a funding request for any proposed research project, salary or equipment has been or is being submitted to another ARC scheme or to any other Commonwealth funding body, each Proposal must be cross-referenced and summary details of all other funding requests must be included in the Proposal. Proposals must indicate the level of funding obtained, or being sought, from all other Commonwealth funding sources and must list all existing research funding from all Commonwealth sources. If these processes are not observed or the ARC determines that incomplete, misleading or inaccurate details were included in the Proposal, the ARC may in its absolute discretion decide to not recommend the
Federation Fellowships Proposal for approval.6.2.2 If the Federation Fellowship candidate is concurrently the subject of multiple ARC Fellowship requests, whether these are in one or more ARC schemes or involve different administering organisations, the Proposals must be cross-referenced. If more than one of these Fellowship requests is approved for funding, only one Fellowship can be accepted.
6.2.3 The ARC may liaise with other funding agencies to discuss any overlap between proposed or existing research projects in order to avoid duplication of funding. The ARC may for this purpose disclose to that agency any information in a Proposal.
6.3.1 Directors of ARC Centres may be nominated for a Federation Fellowship. A Federation Fellow may serve as a Centre Director or Research Director, provided that the ARC is satisfied that he/she will work full-time on research and research capacity-building activities and that the Fellow’s administrative duties in the Centre will not consume a substantial amount of her/his time.
6.4.1 The ARC does not fund clinical medical and dental research and training under
Federation Fellowships . The ARC reserves the right to decide whether a proposed project falls within the area of clinical medical and/or dental research and training. If the ARC determines that a proposed project would fall within this area of research, the Proposal will not be recommended or approved for funding.
7.1.1 A Proposal should be submitted as a mature research plan ready for implementation. The Proposal must contain all the information necessary for its assessment without the need for further written or oral explanation, or reference to additional documentation, unless requested by the ARC or its College of Experts.
7.1.2 All details in the Proposal must be current at the time of submission.
7.1.3 All parties involved in a Proposal are required to consent to the Proposal’s being assessed under the ARC peer assessment procedures and to the release of the Proposal to third parties for assessment purposes.
7.2.1 Proposals must be certified by the appropriate Research Office/Chief Executive Officer. If a Proposal does not contain the relevant certification it will not be recommended or approved for funding.
7.3.1 Proposals under
Federation Fellowships consist of two parts:a. An on-line form which must be completed and submitted in the ARC on-line grants application management system accessible via the ARC’s Web Site; and
b. Additional text which must be submitted as part of the paper version of the Proposal:
i. if applicable, “Statement of special expertise and skills by non-citizens of Australia”;
ii. if applicable, justification of Start-up Project Funding;
iii. descriptions of research record;
iv. reports on other ARC-funded projects;
v. project description; and
vi. Administering Organisation letter of support.
c. In addition to the additional text outlined above, Administering Organisations may submit a maximum of two referee reports for a Federation Fellowship candidate from self-nominated referees as part of the paper version of the Proposal. The
Federation Fellowships Instructions to Applicants for Funding commencing in 2007 document provides guidance on the submission of referee reports.
7.3.2.1 All documents must be written in English and must comply strictly with the format and submission requirements. If a Proposal fails to meet any format and content requirements, the ARC may in its absolute discretion decide to not recommend the Proposal for approval.
7.3.2.2 All pages of additional text should be in black type, use a single column and 12-point font size on white A4 paper, be printed on one side only and unbound, with at least 2 cm margins on each side. As Proposals are scanned electronically, a highly legible font type must be used, such as Arial, Courier, Palatino, Times New Roman and Helvetica. Variants such as mathematical typesetting languages may also be used. References may be reproduced in 10-point font size. Colour graphs or colour photographs may be included but they will be reproduced in black and white and the reproduction quality may not be optimal. Finely detailed graphics and greyscale may also not be precisely reproduced.
7.3.2.3 The pages of the Proposal should be numbered consecutively starting from page one.
7.3.3.1 Administering Organisations must use the form within the ARC’s on-line grants application management system accessible via the ARC’s Web Site.
7.3.3.2 A separate document
Federation Fellowships Instructions to Applicants for Funding Commencing in 2007 will be available from the ARC’s Web Site to assist in preparing Proposals.7.3.3.3 Administering Organisations may have internal closing dates for Proposal preparation which precede ARC closing dates.
7.3.3.4 Research Offices have access to the ARC on-line grants application management system and will allocate UserIDs and passwords to enable researchers at their organisations to access the system and prepare Proposals. If a researcher has previously been allocated access, her/his UserID and password should still be current.
7.3.3.5 If researchers do not have a Research Office or equivalent unit, they should email
[email protected] at the ARC for assistance.
7.3.3.6 Research Offices, or equivalent units, should submit forms in the ARC’s on-line grants application management system and forward the Proposal and a paper version which must, as far as possible, identically match the contents of the submitted on-line application form. Proposals should be sent:
or | by courier to: |
| Australian Research Council 1 CANBERRA AIRPORT ACT 2609 |
7.3.4.1 In addition to the on-line form, a paper version of the Proposal must be submitted in duplicate (one original and one identical copy). The paper version must be clipped, not stapled. The paper version of the Proposal must be submitted with the additional text, including supporting documentation, interleaved appropriately (see
Federation Fellowships Instructions to Applicants for Funding Commencing in 2007 ).
7.3.5.1 The paper versions of the Proposal must be received by the ARC, and the on-line form completed using the ARC’s on-line grants application management system must be submitted to the ARC, by
5.00 pm (AEST) Friday 13 October 2006. 7.3.5.2 The ARC may, in its absolute discretion, and only in exceptional circumstances, accept late Proposals.
7.3.5.3 Proposals may be withdrawn but may not be changed after submission. Additions, deletions and modifications will not be accepted after submission, unless invited by and at the sole discretion of the ARC.
8.1.1 All
Federation Fellowships Proposals which meet the eligibility criteria will be assessed using the following criteria:
▪
Investigator (50%)
- outstanding research track record
▪ consideration should be given to opportunities the applicant has had to attain this level of achievement.
- leadership ability to build world-class research capacity
▪ what is the applicant’s capability to undertake ground-breaking research and leadership over the term of the proposed project?
▪
Project/Program of research activity (30%)
- significance and innovation
▪ does the research address an important problem?
▪ how will the anticipated outcomes advance the knowledge base?
▪ are the project aims and concepts novel and innovative?
▪ will new methods or technologies be developed?
- approach
▪ are the conceptual framework, design, methods and analyses adequately developed, well integrated and appropriate to the aims of the project?
- nature and level of organisational support
▪ the level of institutional or organisational commitment
▪ appropriateness of support in matching funds
▪ is the package of administrative support and facilities adequate to support the research plan put forward in the application?
▪ does the package include funding for postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers to work with the Federation Fellow?
▪
National benefit (20%)
- how will the research build and sustain world-class capacity in Australia?
- what is the potential of the research project to result in economic, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia?
- what is the potential for the research to contribute to the National Research Priorities?
▪ how does the research program enhance innovation in Australia?
▪ is the project/program likely to expand Australia’s knowledge base and research capability?
▪ does the project/program build and sustain a world-class research team and linkages?
8.1.2 There is a limited number of Federation Fellowships available for funding. The recommending of Federation Fellowships is at the ARC’s discretion, having regard to the criteria in subsection 8.1.1 and the matters at subsections 1.3.4, 1.3.5 and 8.1.3.
8.1.3 Subject to the ARC receiving an adequate number of requests of the requisite type and of sufficient quality, the ARC will award up to five Federation Fellowships to support researchers who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents, but who can demonstrate that the Federation Fellowship would be of national benefit to Australia. Proposals for these Federation Fellowship candidates should demonstrate special expertise, extensive skills or exceptionally high performance levels, and the ability to build Australian research capacity by facilitating the transfer of critical knowledge to Australia and Australians.
8.2.1.1 Assessment of Proposals is undertaken by the ARC, which has the right to make decisions and recommendations solely on the basis of its expertise, and which may:
a. determine if a Proposal satisfies the eligibility criteria set out in these Funding Rules;
b. identify and determine any other matters that these Funding Rules state may result in the ARC’s not recommending a Proposal for approval;
c. assign assessors to review Proposals;
d. rank each Proposal relative to the others on the basis of the Proposal and any assessors’ reports;
e. assess and recommend the amount of funding to be made available for a Proposal; and
f. prepare funding recommendations for the Minister as required by the ARC Act.
8.2.1.2 The ARC College of Experts may assist with the assessment of Proposals. The ARC has procedures for managing organisational and personal conflicts of interest experienced by members of the College of Experts, members of other ARC committees, ARC members, and other assessors, and for enabling individuals to withdraw from the assessment process for particular Proposals where any actual or perceived conflict may exist.
8.2.2.1 The ARC will not recommend for approval, and the Minister will not approve for funding, any Proposal that fails to satisfy the “eligibility criteria” set out in these Funding Rules, including:
a. if the Proposal is not for a program of research, or a program that supports the conduct of a program of research, of a type specifically referred to in subsections 1.3.1 and 1.3.2;
b. if the Proposal was not submitted by an Eligible Organisation (Section 4.1);
c. if the ARC considers that a Federation Fellowship candidate nominated in the Proposal does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Federation Fellow as specified in Section 5;
d. if the ARC determines that a proposed project would fall within the area of clinical medical and dental research and training (Sections 3.4 and 6.4);
e. if the Proposal does not meet the requirement for contributions from the Administering Organisation (Sections 3.1 and 4.1 and Appendix 4); and/or
f. if a Proposal has not been submitted through the appropriate Research Office/Chief Executive Officer for certification (Section 7.2).
8.2.2.2 The ARC may in its absolute discretion decide not to recommend for approval a Proposal if:
a. in the opinion of the ARC, the Federation Fellowship candidate nominated in the Proposal has caused or has significantly contributed to the failure of an organisation to meet its obligations under any current or previous funding agreement with the ARC, or all obligations regarding previously funded projects involving the candidate have not been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the ARC (subsections 1.1.5 and 5.1.6);
b. the limits on the number of Proposals and projects permissible are exceeded (subsection 3.6.1);
c. in the opinion of the ARC, a Proposal duplicates or is likely to duplicate research already being funded by the Commonwealth (subsections 1.4.2 and 6.1.1);
d. where required the Proposal does not include details of other funding or funding requests (subsection 6.2.1);
e. the ARC considers inaccurate, false, or misleading material has been provided in relation to the Proposal or if the Administering Organisation and/or Federation Fellowship candidate nominated in the Proposal have provided the ARC with incomplete, false or misleading information in relation to the reporting of progress of a funded project (subsections 6.2.1 and 11.5.2);
f. the Proposal is submitted after the closing time (subsection 7.3.5); and/or
g. the Proposal fails to meet any format and other submission requirements (Section 7.3).
8.2.3.1 In addition to assessment by the ARC, a Proposal may at the ARC’s absolute discretion be assessed by external assessors. Assessors may be drawn from a range of organisations to reduce the potential for conflicts of interest. Proposals will be assessed against the criteria set out in these Funding Rules.
8.2.3.2 The ARC reserves the right to make recommendations for funding to the Minister based on any number of assessments or solely on the assessment of the ARC.
8.2.3.3 Administering Organisations may name any person or persons whom they do not wish to assess a Proposal. Detailed written justification must be submitted through the Administering Organisation’s Research Office in a separate letter which must not accompany the Proposal. The letter must be received by the ARC by the closing time for submission of Proposals,
5.00 pm (AEST) Friday 13 October 2006 , and be sent to:
Federation Fellowships CoordinatorAustralian Research Council
GPO Box 2702
CANBERRA ACT 2601
8.2.3.4 The ARC will consider the justification put forward to exclude any person as an assessor, but may choose not to give effect to such a request.
8.2.4.1 The ARC’s recommendations will be submitted in accordance with the ARC Act to the Minister for Education, Science and Training (the Minister) for consideration. The Minister determines which Proposals will be approved and the amount and timing of financial assistance to be paid to Administering Organisations for approved projects.
8.2.4.2 Under the ARC Act, the Minister may not approve for funding any Proposal that fails to meet the eligibility criteria set out in these Funding Rules
8.3.1 An Administering Organisation which has Proposal(s) approved will be:
a. notified in a letter of offer that will indicate the financial assistance to be offered; and
b. provided with a Funding Agreement for signing.
9.1.1 Appeals will be considered only against administrative process issues and not, for example, against committee recommendations or assessor ratings and comments.
9.1.2 Appeals must be made on the appeals form available on the ARC’s Web Site. The form must be lodged by the Administering Organisation and must be authorised by a Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Chief Executive Officer or equivalent. Appeals must be received by the ARC
within 28 days of the date on the letter notifying the outcome of Proposals.
9.1.3 Appeals should be addressed to:
The Appeals Officer
Australian Research Council
GPO Box 2702
CANBERRA ACT 2601
10.1.1 All parties involved in a Proposal should familiarise themselves with the draft Funding Agreement, but only the Administering Organisation and the ARC will be parties to this agreement. All parties involved in a funded project must accept the terms of the Funding Agreement and the Administering Organisation must sign the Funding Agreement before the ARC will commence payments.
10.1.2 Projects must commence as required by the Funding Agreement. Failure to do so may result in termination of the Funding Agreement.
10.1.3 Administering Organisations should note that the Funding Agreement covers the post-award management, including reporting requirements and financial management. The draft Funding Agreement can be viewed on the ARC’s Web Site.
10.1.4.1 Requests to vary the Funding Agreement must be forwarded in writing by the Administering Organisation’s Research Office to the ARC. Forms are available on the ARC’s Web Site. Amendment of any clauses of the draft Funding Agreement will be at the ARC’s absolute discretion.
10.1.5.1 Requests to vary the Funding Approval must be forwarded in writing by the Administering Organisation’s Research Office to the ARC.
10.1.5.2 The Funding Approval may be varied by varying the amount of financial assistance, the duration of financial assistance, the name of the person leading the research project, the description of the research project and/or the name of the organisation receiving financial assistance.
10.1.5.3 The Minister may vary the Funding Approval where:
a. any of the organisations involved in the project end, or substantially change, their involvement with the project;
b. the research project changes so that it is no longer consistent with the description in the Funding Approval; and/or
c. the ARC considers and recommends that the particular circumstances of the project warrant variation of the Funding Approval, providing such variation is reasonably justified upon the facts of the case and any variation or change to the project accords with the
Federation Fellowships scheme objectives.
10.1.6.1 Administering Organisations are required to submit reports to the ARC concerning funded projects, in the format and by the due dates detailed in the Funding Agreement.
11.1.1 The ARC is required to comply with the requirements of the
Privacy Act 1988 and theFreedom of Information Act 1982 .
11.2.1 The ARC will treat information contained in a Proposal as confidential. However, the ARC may disclose information contained in a Proposal, or otherwise provided to the ARC, to the extent that the information:
a. is disclosed by the ARC to its advisers (including external assessors), officers, employees or other third parties in order to assess, evaluate or verify the accuracy or completeness of a Proposal;
b. is disclosed to the ARC’s personnel to enable effective management or auditing of the
Federation Fellowships scheme or any Funding Agreement;c. is disclosed by the ARC to the Minister;
d. is shared by the ARC within the ARC’s organisation, or with another Commonwealth Department or agency, where this serves the Commonwealth’s legitimate interests;
e. is authorised or required by law to be disclosed;
f. is disclosed in accordance with any other provision of these Funding Rules or the Funding Agreement; or
g. is in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach by the ARC of any obligation of confidence.
11.2.2 Where information contained in a Proposal is made available to third parties for evaluation or assessment purposes the ARC will require the third parties to maintain the confidentiality of the material.
11.2.3 Notwithstanding the above, and in addition to the exemptions listed at subsection 11.2.1, the ARC may publicise and report offers or awards of funding, including information about the proposed research; the name of the Federation Fellows and their organisations; the name of the Administering Organisation and any other parties involved in or associated with the project; the title and summary descriptions of the project and its intended outcomes; and the level and nature of financial assistance from the ARC. Administering Organisations should ensure that information contained in the project title and summaries would not, if released, compromise their own requirements for confidentiality (such as future protection of intellectual property).
11.3.1 In making public information about a Proposal which has been approved for funding, the ARC may use a project description, including title and summary, which may differ from that provided in the Proposal.
11.4.1 The ARC does not claim ownership of any intellectual property in a Proposal or which is created or developed from the conduct of a project funded under
Federation Fellowships .11.4.2 However, all Proposals become the property of the ARC on submission. Administering Organisations submit their Proposals on the basis that the ARC may copy, modify and otherwise deal with information contained in a Proposal (and allow any external assessor or other third party to do the same) for any purpose related to:
a. the evaluation and assessment of Proposals;
b. verifying the accuracy, consistency and adequacy of information contained in a Proposal, or otherwise provided to the ARC;
c. the preparation and management of any Funding Agreement; or
d. the administration or management of the NCGP.
11.4.3 If a Proposal contains information belonging to a third party, the Administering Organisation must ensure that it has in place all necessary consents to allow the ARC to deal with that information in accordance with these Funding Rules, prior to the Administering Organisation’s submitting its Proposal.
11.4.4 Except with written approval from the ARC, all Proposals and ARC-funded research projects must comply with the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (available on the ARC’s Web Site) and accord with any intellectual property policies of the researchers’ organisations.
11.5.1 It is a serious offence to provide false or misleading information to the Commonwealth.
11.5.2 If the ARC considers that a Proposal is incomplete, inaccurate or contains false or misleading information, the ARC may in its absolute discretion decide to not recommend the Proposal for approval. If an Administering Organisation and/or the researcher nominated in a Proposal as a Federation Fellowship candidate provides the ARC with incomplete, inaccurate or misleading information in relation to either the Proposal for, or when reporting on progress of, a project the ARC may in its absolute discretion decide to not recommend the Proposal for approval or terminate the project if funded and require the Administering Organisation to repay some or all of the funding.
11.5.3 If the ARC considers that omissions, or inclusion of misleading information, are intentional, or if there is evidence of malpractice, the ARC may refer the matter for investigation with a view to prosecution under Commonwealth criminal law. The Commonwealth is committed to protecting its revenue, expenditure and property from any attempt, by members of the public, contractors, sub-contractors, agents, intermediaries or its own employees, to gain financial or other benefits by deceit.
11.5.4 Examples of malpractice include, but are not restricted to:
a. providing fictitious track records; or
b. making false claims in publications records (such as describing a paper as accepted for publication when it has only been submitted).
11.6.1 Organisations are subject to the liability, indemnity and insurance provisions of the Funding Agreement. The draft Funding Agreement can be viewed on the ARC’s Web Site.
Natural resources have traditionally fuelled our national and regional economies. They have the potential to generate further wealth and employment opportunities in the future. But our natural resources and biodiversity must be used on a sustainable basis so that the benefits continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
Australia faces significant environmental challenges:
• Efficient and sustainable water use is a critically important issue for our economic and social development;
• Significant land degradation issues, such as salinity, need to be arrested to underpin our agricultural production systems;
• Climate change can be expected to have complex, long-term consequences for the environment, for our agricultural and marine production systems and for communities; and
• The cleanliness and efficiency of our energy production systems should be enhanced.
There is substantial effort underway to develop more efficient water utilisation practices, to protect our rivers and groundwater resources, and to protect and remediate our fragile soils.
Our agricultural and mining industries are being transformed through the adoption of new technologies, and the development of new types of foods.
This will help to revitalise our regional communities and generate substantial export earnings for the nation over the coming decades.
The Government is committed to meeting the greenhouse gas emissions target set for Australia at Kyoto.
Australia is well placed to take an international lead in developing new and improved energy technologies and in capturing and ‘sequestering’ carbon dioxide.
Other opportunities lie in managing and using our unique, rich land- and marine-based biodiversity, and in developing our deep earth resources.
Australia has a strong record of achievement in research in fields in the natural sciences, such as agriculture, natural resource management, climate change, horticulture, forestry, mining, energy, and marine sciences, as well as in the social sciences and humanities.
We must build on these strengths to improve our competitive advantages while enhancing our understanding of natural systems and the interplay of human activities.
In particular, there needs to be an increased understanding of the contributions of human behaviour to environmental and climate change, and on appropriate adaptive responses and strategies.
To understand and manage these complex interactions better will require significant collaboration within the research community and with other stakeholders.
Priority goals for research fall in the seven areas of water utilisation, transforming resource-based industries, overcoming land degradation, developing cleaner, more efficient fuels and energy sources, managing biodiversity, deep earth resources and responding to climate change and variability.
Sustainable ways of improving water productivity, using less water in agriculture and other industries, providing increased protection of rivers and groundwater and the re-use of urban and industrial waste waters. Australia is one of the driest continents and is dependent upon access to freshwater supplies for economic and social development. It has a complex geological structure, a highly variable climate, unique ecosystems, flora and fauna and a distinctive indigenous and settler history. Enhancing our understanding of the links between these factors and water availability will result in a better understanding of sustainable water management practices.
New technologies for resource-based industries to deliver substantial increases in national wealth while minimising environmental impacts on land and sea. Resource-based industries underpin much of Australia’s prosperity and have the potential to do so in the future. For example, Australia remains highly prospective for minerals discoveries and highly attractive for the development of new era foods from agricultural and marine sources. Our competitive advantage and national well being will depend on research and on the development and adoption of new technologies.
Identifying causes and solutions to land degradation using a multidisciplinary approach to restore land surfaces. The Australian landscape is fragile: soil salinity, acidity, and nutrient levels pose significant, long term challenges for agriculture and the environment. Research is helping to find solutions to these problems. For example, the National Land and Water Resources Audit shows the extent of salinity, soil erosion and soil acidification in the Australian environment and illustrates Australia’s leading edge in national mapping of critical resource data. Further multidisciplinary effort is required to develop sustainable land management practices that are appropriate for Australian conditions and mitigate major land degradation processes and increase biodiversity.
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Reducing and capturing emissions in transport and energy generation
Alternative transport technologies and clean combustion and efficient new power generation systems and capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide. Australia is well positioned to produce world class solutions to reduce and capture greenhouse gas emissions and the Government is committed to meeting the emissions target set for Australia at Kyoto. We are also well placed to develop alternative energy technologies and ecologically sustainable transport and power generation systems.
Managing and protecting Australia’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity both for its own value and to develop long term use of ecosystem goods and services ranging from fisheries to ecotourism. Australia has a unique and rich flora and fauna. Many of our complex ecosystems – on which our agricultural, fisheries and tourism industries depend - have adapted to events such as drought and fire, and have been shaped by indigenous and settler management practices. There is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of these natural systems and the interplay with human activities, and the effects of management and protection measures.
Smart high-technology exploration methodologies, including imaging and mapping the deep earth and ocean floors, and novel efficient ways of commodity extraction and processing (examples include minerals, oil and gas) while minimising negative ecological and social impacts. Many of Australia’s known mineral assets may be nearly exhausted within the next decade. New land-based deposits are believed to be buried deeper in the crust and the deep marine areas surrounding Australia are also largely unexplored. New technologies, such as remote sensing, indicate scientists are on the brink of being able to ‘see’ inside the earth and identify deeply buried deposits.
Increasing our understanding of the impact of climate change and variability at the regional level across Australia, and addressing the consequences of these factors on the environment and on communities. Australia already has a highly variable climate, and climate change can be expected to have further significant impacts. It is important to enhance our understanding of the consequences of climate change and variability at the regional level across Australia, and the implications for the environment and for communities. It is also important to explore beneficial adaptation strategies to climate change and variability to ensure ongoing social, economic and environmental well being.
Average life expectancies have increased markedly in recent decades. Australians also expect to lead longer and healthier lives in the future, and to remain productive and independent over an extended period.
Enabling individuals and families to make choices that lead to healthy, productive and fulfilling lives will yield economic and social benefits and add materially to national well being.
Australians expect that their children and grandchildren should have a healthy start to life.
Developing strategies to promote the healthy development of young Australians, and addressing the causes and reducing the impact of the genetic, social and environmental factors which diminish their life potential will be critical.
A revolution is also underway at the other end of the life cycle. Australia, like many other developed nations, is undergoing a major demographic shift involving significant growth in the aged population.
To meet this challenge, it will be important to promote healthy ageing by developing better social and medical strategies to ensure that older Australians enjoy healthy and productive lives.
Informed insights into the causes of disease and of mental and physical degeneration will contribute to the achievement of this goal.
All Australians stand to benefit from preventive healthcare through the adoption of healthier attitudes, habits and lifestyles.
Evidence-based preventive interventions may help reduce the incidence and severity of many diseases, including major health problems such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, mental ill-health, obesity, diabetes, asthma and chronic inflammatory conditions. These could include interventions that reduce exposure to contamination of the physical environment (eg air pollution).
Improvements in the health and well being of the young, of older Australians and in preventive healthcare will be underpinned by research.
However, while Australia has an enviable record in health and medical research, the research effort is spread across the many universities, hospitals and health and medical research institutes, resulting in critical mass only in limited areas of research.
There is also a need to draw on multidisciplinary approaches that include research contributions from the social sciences and humanities.
This priority is designed to promote health and prevent disease through a more focused and collaborative effort.
Priority goals for research fall in the four areas of a healthy start to life, ageing well, ageing productively, preventive healthcare and strengthening Australia’s social and economic fabric.
Counteracting the impact of genetic, social and environmental factors which predispose infants and children to ill health and reduce their well being and life potential. Human health in the developing foetus and in early childhood is critical to the future well being of the adult. Research shows that health and well being in early childhood is predictive of later positive outcomes, and that health in middle and late childhood is also crucial. This goal supports the Government’s National Agenda for Early Childhood initiative.
Developing better social, medical and population health strategies to improve the mental and physical capacities of ageing people. Australia’s population is ageing, with a significant projected increase in the number of people aged over 65 and over 85. While Australia is relatively well placed compared with many OECD nations, major shifts in cultural expectations and attitudes about ageing are necessary to respond constructively, at both an individual and population level. A healthy aged population will contribute actively to the life of the nation through participation in the labour market or through voluntary work. This goal supports the Government’s National Strategy for an Ageing Australia.
New ethical, evidence-based strategies to promote health and prevent disease through the adoption of healthier lifestyles and diet, and the development of health-promoting products. Preventive healthcare research will improve the prediction and prevention of disease and injury for all Australians through the adoption of healthier behaviours, lifestyles and environments. Research will generate an improvement in the design, delivery and uptake of programmes such as exercise-based rehabilitation. There are several major disease targets amenable to immediate study, such as cardiovascular health, neurodegenerative diseases, mental ill-health, obesity, diabetes, asthma and chronic inflammatory conditions. Research on prevention will emphasise interdisciplinary approaches, including research on ethics, drawing on contributions from the social sciences and humanities, as well as from the health and medical sciences. It will also focus on developing new health promoting foods and nutraceuticals. This goal supports the Government’s Focus on Prevention initiative.
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Strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric
Understanding and strengthening key elements of Australia's social and economic fabric to help families and individuals live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. Living in today's society involves a complex web of choices, yet many of the traditional support structures are weaker than they have been in the past. Enabling people to make choices that lead to positive pathways to self reliance and supportive family structures is more important than ever. The interactions between the social safety net, social and economic participation, financial incentives and community and private sources of support are critical in helping people maximise their potential and achieve good, healthy, lifetime outcomes. In the decade ahead, it will be vital to understand and support the drivers for workforce participation and the broader social and economic trends influencing Australian families and communities. This goal supports the Government's welfare reform and participation agendas. Research in this area will emphasise interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on contributions from the economic, behavioural and social sciences.
Progress and wealth often derive from the unforeseen application of new discoveries. Australia must be at the leading edge if it is to stay abreast of international developments and take advantage of opportunities.
Our national capabilities in emerging sciences and their underpinning disciplines determine our capacity to develop and implement new technologies. Australia has a strong base of expertise, skills and technological capacities in the fundamental sciences and key technologies.
Our strengths are in a wide range of areas such as biotechnology, material sciences, information and communications technology (ICT), photonics, nanotechnology and sensor technology.
ICT is currently the critical enabling technology and is a major contributor to national productivity and growth.
But breakthrough science underpins technological advancements in many areas and Australia needs to foster an environment that stimulates creativity and innovation.
Applications for frontier technologies are potentially very large. Australia has the capacity to exploit niche markets for new products and services.
Australia also has an enviable track record as an innovator and developer of advanced materials and must grasp the opportunity to stay ahead.
Smart information use involving improved data management, intelligent transport systems and digital media to develop creative applications for digital technologies provides huge opportunities to improve the performance of key Australian industries.
Australia needs to invest in this research area as it is fundamental to our future competitiveness and well being.
This priority will help to strengthen the capacity of Australian researchers to participate in new areas of research, enhance Australia’s international scientific reputation, stimulate local expertise, and help create vibrant new industries.
A better understanding of the conditions that are conducive to innovation will ensure that Australia’s investment in research will maximise the benefits for Australia.
Enhanced research effort will also be achieved through initiatives that develop a critical mass of researchers in key areas.
Priority goals for research fall in the five areas of breakthrough science, frontier technologies, advanced materials, smart information use, and promoting an innovation culture and economy.
Better understanding of the fundamental processes that will advance knowledge and facilitate the development of technological innovations. Breakthrough science underpins technological innovation across a range of industries critical to maintaining Australia’s position as a developed country. Some examples include bio-, cultural- and geo-informatics, nano-assembly and quantum computing. Technological advances are often unexpected and a strong foundation in mathematics and the fundamental sciences will provide an environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Early participation in leading edge areas of research will enable Australian researchers to benefit more fully from international developments.
Enhanced capacity in frontier technologies to power world-class industries of the future and build on Australia’s strengths in research and innovation (examples include nanotechnology, biotechnology, ICT, photonics, genomics/phenomics, and complex systems). The potential applications of frontier technologies across a range of industries in Australia are vast. Australia has significant capacity to exploit niche markets for new products and services emerging from frontier technologies. Australia has world-class research expertise in many such areas. Some examples include nanotechnology, biotechnology, ICT, photonics, genomics and phenomics. Also important are advanced frameworks such as complex systems in which these technologies are applied. Future directions in this priority area need to target the cutting-edge science critical for each emerging technology.
Advanced materials for applications in construction, communications, transport, agriculture and medicine (examples include ceramics, organics, biomaterials, smart material and fabrics, composites, polymers and light metals). The development of advanced materials will underpin growth in many areas of industrial and economic activity in Australia. Australia has substantial infrastructure in this area and an enviable track record as an innovator and developer of advanced materials. The era of advanced materials is just beginning, in spite of the tremendous progress in recent years. Substantial scientific and technological challenges remain ahead, including the development of more sophisticated and specialised materials. Some examples include ceramics, organics, biomaterials, smart materials and fabrics, composites, polymers, and light metals.
Improved data management for existing and new business applications and creative applications for digital technologies (examples include e-finance, interactive systems, multi-platform media, creative industries, digital media creative design, content generation and imaging). ICT applications are providing huge opportunities to deliver new systems, products, business solutions, and to make more efficient use of infrastructure. Examples include e-finance, multi-media, content generation and imaging. Improved data management is central to the future competitiveness of key industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, finance, banking, education, transport, government, and health and ‘info-tainment’. The ability of organisations to operate virtually and collaborate across huge distances in Australia and internationally hinges on our capabilities in this area. The media and creative industries are among the fastest growing sectors of the new economy. Research is needed to exploit the huge potential in the digital media industry.
Maximising Australia’s creative and technological capability by understanding the factors conducive to innovation and its acceptance. Understanding the factors that lead to highly creative and innovative ideas and concepts, and the conditions that lead to their introduction, transfer and uptake is critical for any nation that aspires to lead the world in breakthrough science, frontier technologies, and in other forms of innovation. Promoting an innovation culture and economy requires research with a focus on developing and fostering human talent, societal and cultural values favourable to creativity and innovation, and structures and processes for encouraging and managing innovation.
The importance of security and safety to Australia has been underscored by recent events.
Australia has to be capable of anticipating and tackling critical threats to society, strategic areas of the national economy and the environment.
The threats can potentially come from within and outside Australia.
The world is now characterised by the widespread and rapid movements of people, digitally coded data, goods and services, and exotic biological agents.
Critical infrastructure in Australia is increasingly dependent on digital technology for its management and integration.
Information protection and the integrity of security systems are now more important than ever before.
It is also necessary to protect the status of Australia as a nation free of many of the diseases affecting primary production around the world.
Terrorism has emerged as a very real global threat and crime is taking a significant toll on Australian society and economy.
Maintaining the operational advantage of Australia’s defence forces through superior capabilities is also fundamental to our national security.
Enhancing our nation’s understanding of social, political and cultural issues will help Australia to engage with our neighbours and the wider global community and to respond to emerging issues.
Leading edge research in Australia is already yielding high dividends and as a national research priority will improve the effectiveness of that contribution.
Stronger research capabilities will ensure that solutions are tailored to Australia’s unique circumstances, reflecting its geographic features and small population.
Greater collaboration within the research community and with other stakeholders will allow us to better understand and manage potential threats to Australia.
Harnessing the knowledge and capabilities across Australia offers us the best chance of developing innovative and rapid solutions to serious threats.
Australia’s international relations and its regional influence will be strengthened through new collaborative approaches and new science and technologies that enhance security and safety.
The heightened interest in personal and electronic security across the world also provides opportunities for Australian solutions.
Priority goals for research fall in the five areas of critical infrastructure, understanding our region and the world, protecting Australia from invasive diseases and pests, protecting Australia from terrorism and crime, and transformational defence technologies.
Protecting Australia’s critical infrastructure including our financial, energy, communications, and transport systems. Protecting our critical infrastructure is important to national security and to the social and economic well being of Australia. An important aspect of this priority goal is e-security which is an enabler of e-commerce. Maintaining a critical mass of research in e-security will be essential in providing Australia with the tools to protect our way of life.
Enhancing Australia’s capacity to interpret and engage with its regional and global environment through a greater understanding of languages, societies, politics and cultures. Social, cultural and religious issues are of growing significance due to the insecurities of globalisation and the increasing role of non-state players in the security environment. Australia’s capacity to interpret and engage with its regional and global environment will be substantially improved by enhancing its research base in apposite languages, societies and cultures. An approach that enhances Australia’s capacity to interpret itself to the rest of the world is also needed.
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Protecting Australia from invasive diseases and pests
Counteract the impact of invasive species through the application of new technologies and by integrating approaches across agencies and jurisdictions. Australia is free of many of the pests and diseases affecting primary production around the world. This status needs to be protected as the introduction of exotic species has the potential to adversely affect our exports and the environment. Australia already has strong skills and expertise in this area of research and further work will offer immediate benefits to the community. A greater level of coordination of our research effort will mean that Australia can more effectively develop innovative and rapid solutions to serious threats.
By promoting a healthy and diverse research and development system that anticipates threats and supports core competencies in modern and rapid identification techniques. Protecting Australia from terrorism is now more important than ever before in light of recent events and our involvement in the ‘war on terror’. The new threat requires a more sophisticated response which should harness Australia’s research capabilities, and which will focus on all phases of counter-terrorism; prevention, preparedness, detection, response and recovery. Crime takes a significant toll on Australian society and economy. The June 2000 report from the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council estimated that crime costs Australia at least $18 billion per annum. Personal identification, information protection and the integrity of security systems are fundamental towards ensuring the national security of Australia. An effective solution will include building on Australia’s existing strengths in rapid detection using new analytical technologies and managing significant data collections.
Transform military operations for the defence of Australia by providing superior technologies, better information and improved ways of operation. Australia has a small defence force to protect a large continent and a substantial maritime region of responsibility. Its operational advantage has been maintained through a superior capability which is dependent on leveraging innovative technologies. Although some benefits can be gained from overseas research, Australia has to conduct its own research to address uniquely Australian demands. A systems approach which harnesses the research capabilities of all stakeholders is essential to the successful development and introduction of innovative technologies.
New South Wales
Charles Sturt University
Macquarie University
Southern Cross University
The University of New England
The University of New South Wales
The University of Newcastle
The University of Sydney
University of Technology, Sydney
University of Western Sydney
University of Wollongong
Victoria
Deakin University
La Trobe University
Melbourne College of Divinity
Monash University
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University)
Swinburne University of Technology
The University of Melbourne
University of Ballarat
Victoria University of Technology
Queensland
Bond University
Central Queensland University
Griffith University
James Cook University
Queensland University of Technology
The University of Queensland
The University of the Sunshine Coast
University of Southern Queensland
Western Australia
Curtin University of Technology
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
The University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Western Australia
South Australia
The Flinders University of South Australia
The University of Adelaide
University of South Australia
Tasmania
Australian Maritime College
University of Tasmania
Northern Territory
Charles Darwin University
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian National University
University of Canberra
Multi-State
Australian Catholic University
Museums and herbaria which are Australian publicly funded organisations not directly funded to carry out research, but with research-related purposes and objectives.
Australian research organisations that are funded for research from State/Territory or Australian Government sources.
Salaries are indexed annually.
Federation Fellowship | $250,970 | $70,272 | $321,242 |
North America $17,000;
Europe/Asia (Northern Hemisphere)/Africa/South America $14,000;
Asia (Southern Hemisphere)/Oceania $11,000; or
Within Australia $8,000.
1. Administering Organisations must provide a high level of financial support (cash and in-kind) for Federation Fellows.
2. These contributions must at a minimum meet the following requirements:
a. the total support provided by the Administering Organisation, including both cash and in-kind contributions, must at least match the total level of funding provided by the Commonwealth for the Federation Fellowship less the value of any Start-up Funding;
b. the level of
cash contribution must at least match the total level of salary funding provided by the Commonwealth (excluding on-costs);c. the Administering Organisation must provide suitable facilities and access to support requirements for the Federation Fellow(s) such as qualified technicians, all library services and any equipment necessary for the conduct of the research;
d. the support and facilities must be adequate and appropriate to support the research plan put forward in the Proposal;
e. a commitment of funds for postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers to work with the Federation Fellowship holder should form a significant part of the package of matching support; and
f. the contributions must not be sourced from Commonwealth competitive research funding.
3. Only contributions directly relevant to the Proposal are taken into account as eligible “minimum funding contributions” from Administering Organisations. The ARC reserves the right to determine if a Proposal includes contributions which are not directly relevant to the Proposal and to deem a notional amount for such costs.
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