EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development 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
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development 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
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development 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.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 contains:
(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 Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 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.
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr MP, on 30 January 2009. No amendments have been made.
Documents incorporated by reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference:
- the NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007); the NHMRC/ARC/AVCC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007); and codes on animal research promulgated by the NHMRC (see Appendix A1.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2010 (see subsection 12.2), available from (www.arc.gov.au)
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see Appendix A1.7.4 of the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au); and
- The draft Funding Agreement (see Appendix B1), available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Commencement
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
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 interpretations of the definitions.
Section 4 provides an overview and outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme, and conflict of interest requirements.
Section 5 provides details of changes from last year.
Section 6 outlines the level and period of funding, types of research supported, restrictions on budget items, areas of investigation/work not supported the number of proposals and funded projects, and duplication.
Section 7 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility.
Section 8 deals with roles and eligibility for researchers including, Chief Investigators, Partner Investigators, Fellowships, Indigenous Researchers Fellowships, Mentors and Supervisors, and Australian Research Fellowships -.Indigenous.
Section 9 outlines cross-scheme issues relating to eligibility and funding, and medical and dental research.
Section 10 deals with the application process, including eligibility exemption and advice, and proposals.
Section 11 outlines the submission of proposals.
Section 12 deals with the preparation and submission of proposals including format, how to complete and submit a proposal and closing time for proposals through GAMS.
Section 13 deals with the preparation and submission of proposals including format, how to complete and submit a proposal and closing time for proposals through RMS.
Section 14 outlines the selection and approval process, including assessment and selection process, rejoinder process, recommendations and offer of funding and exclusion of proposals.
Section 15 deals with the appeals process.
There are five appendices:
Appendix A. Other Matters
Appendix B. Administration of Funding
Appendix C. Eligible Organisations
Appendix D. Notional Fellowships salaries, relocation allowances and teaching relief contributions
Appendix E. National Research Priorities and associated Priority Goals