EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Australian Laureate Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Australian Laureate Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010
Authority
Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research must approve ARC funding rules.
Purpose and effect
Australian Laureate Fellowships is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. The Australian Laureate Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 sets out the eligibility and accountability requirements and other relevant matters for research programs which may be funded under this scheme. The scheme supports the movement of researchers between eligible Australian research organisations and to foster collaboration and networking between Australia-based and overseas researchers. Funding under this scheme is approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Australian Laureate Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 contain:
(a) the eligibility criteria to be met in order for a proposal to be approved for financial assistance (including criteria relating to the kinds of organisation that may receive assistance and the kinds of research program in respect of which assistance may be provided);
(b) how to apply for financial assistance;
(c) the assessment process for deciding which proposals will be recommended for approval;
(d) the ways in which, and circumstances in which, a funding approval may be varied; and
(e) any additional accountability requirements that the ARC thinks desirable.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Australian Laureate Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 rules take account of, and are consistent with:
(a) the funding cap for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply; and
(b) the funding split determination for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply.
The Australian Laureate Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, on 1 October 2009. No amendments have been made.
Commencement
The Australian Laureate Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
Likely impact and effect
These Funding Rules provide the key criteria and requirements for proposals for, and the allocation and administration of, funding under the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme for research projects where funding will commence in 2011.
Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description
Section 1 provides the name of the Funding Rules.
Section 2 provides the commencement details.
Section 3 provides interpretation of the Funding Rules.
Section 4 provides an overview and outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme, and the fundamental principles and requirements, including ethics and research practice, non-duplication, conflict of interest, acknowledging ARC support and dissemination of research outputs.
Section 5 outlines the Changes from Last Year.
Section 6 outlines the Funding.
Section 7 deals with Organisational Types, Roles and Eligibility.
Section 8 deals with Roles and Eligibility for Australian Laureate Fellows.
Section 9 outlines Cross-scheme Issues.
Section 10 deals with the Application process.
Section 11 outlines the Submission of Proposals.
Section 12 deals with the Selection and Approval Process.
Section 13 deals with the Appeals Process.
There are five appendices:
Appendix A: Fundamental principles and requirements
Appendix B: Administration of Funding
Appendix C: Eligible Organisations
Appendix D: Salary support and relocation costs
Appendix E: National Research Priorities and associated Priority Goals