EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development for funding commencing in 2007
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education, Science and Training
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for Funding commencing in 2007
Authority
Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister for Education, Science and Training must approve ARC funding rules.
Purpose and effect
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. The scheme provides support for Indigenous Researchers to undertake research projects which may lead to an advance in the understanding of a subject or contribute to the solution of an important practical problem. The award of Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development projects are approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for Funding Commencing in 2007 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 Board thinks desirable.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for Funding commencing in 2007, the 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 Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for Funding commencing in 2007 were approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, on 10 April 2006. No amendments have been made.
Documents incorporated by reference
The following documents have been incorporated by reference:
- The draft Funding Agreement (see subsections 1 and 10.1), available from (www.arc.gov.au);
- The Joint NHMRC/AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (1997)/the NHMRC’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans; and/as applicable, the NHMRC’s other codes on animal research (see subsection 1.4.1.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Instructions to Applicants for Funding commencing in 2007 (see subsection 7.5), available from (www.arc.gov.au); and
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see subsection 11.4.4 of the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Consultation
On 21 June 2005, the ARC invited comments and feedback from all organisations eligible for ARC funding on funding rules for ARC schemes. The ARC also met with a number of key higher education institutions known as the ‘Group of Eight’ in the period 11-15 July 2005. Submissions were received by the ARC from a number of institutions in June/July 2005. The ARC considered these submissions and, where appropriate, the funding rules approved by the Minister reflected this feedback.
Commencement
The Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2007 commence the day after they are registered 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 Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme for research projects where funding will commence in 2007.
Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description
Section 1 provides an overview and outlines the National Competitive Grants Program objectives, describes Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development, outlines the fundamental principles and requirements including ethics and research practices, non-duplication, conflict of interest and acknowledging ARC support.
Section 2 outlines changes from last year.
Section 3 deals with funding matters including the level of funding, duration of funding, the types of research supported, the areas of investigation/work not supported, restrictions on budget items and the number of proposals and funded projects.
Section 4 describes organisational types, roles and eligibility including eligible organisations and host organisations for fellows.
Section 5 outlines eligibility, including researchers roles, general eligibility, eligibility criteria for Chief Investigators, Eligibility criteria for Indigenous Researcher Fellows, and Mentors and Supervisors.
Section 6 deals with cross-scheme issues, including cross-scheme funding, cross-scheme eligibility, and funding of clinical medial and dental research.
Section 7 outlines the application process, including eligibility rulings, proposals, certification, submission of proposals, format, how to complete and submit a Proposal, number of copies and the closing time for proposals.
Section 8 describes the selection and approval process, including the selection criteria, assessment and selection procedure, exclusion, assessment, rejoinder, recommendations and offer of funding.
Section 9 details the Appeals process.
Section 10 describes the Administration of Funding, including the Funding Agreement, varying the Funding Agreement, varying the Funding Approval and Reports.
Section 11 deals with other matters, such as applicable law, confidentiality, project description, intellectual property, incomplete or misleading information and insurance and liabilities.