EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Federation Fellowships for funding commencing in 2006
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education, Science and Training
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Federation Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2006
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
Federation Fellowships is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. The 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. The awards of Federation Fellowships are approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training.
In accordance with section 59 (2) of the Act, the Federation Fellowships Funding Rules for Funding Commencing in 2006 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 section 59 (2) of the Act, the Federation Fellowship Funding Rules for Funding Commencing in 2006, 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 Federation Fellowship Funding Rules for Funding Commencing in 2006 were approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, on 12 July 2005. No amendments have been made.
Documents incorporated by reference
The following documents have been incorporated by reference:
- 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 1.3.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Federation Fellowships: Instructions to Applicants for Funding commencing in 2006 (see subsections 7.2 ,7.4.2 and 7.4.4), available from (www.arc.gov.au);
- The draft Funding Agreement (see subsections1, 10.1 and 10.1.1), available from (www.arc.gov.au); and
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see subsection 11.4 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.
Retrospectivity
This determination has effect from 12 July 2005, the date the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP approved funding rules for proposals. Payments may have been made to eligible organisations under the Scheme from this date. The retrospective commencement of this determination is beneficial to, and does not disadvantage, eligible recipients.
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 Federation Fellowships scheme for research projects where funding will commence in 2006.
Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description
Section 1 outlines the National Competitive Grants Program objectives, describes Federation Fellowships, outlines the fundamental principles and requirements including ethics and research practices, 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, start-up project grant, duration of funding, the types of research supported, the areas of investigation/work not supported and the number of grants and applications.
Section 4 describes organisational types, roles and eligibility including eligible organisations and host organisations for fellows.
Section 5 outlines investigator eligibility (eligibility criteria for Federation Fellows).
Section 6 deals with cross-scheme funding (cross-scheme eligibility).
Section 7 outlines the application process, including applications, referees’ reports, certification, submission of applications, application format, application form and instructions to applicants, how to complete and submit applications, number of copies and the closing date for applications.
Section 8 describes the selection and approval process, including the selection criteria, institutional organisational support, National Research Priorities, assessment and selection procedure, exclusion, assignment of assessors, recommendations and offer of Fellowship.
Section 9 details the Appeals process.
Section 10 describes the Administration of Funding, including the Funding Agreement, varying the Funding Agreement and Reports.
Section 11 deals with other matters, such as applicable law, confidentiality, project titles, intellectual property, incomplete or misleading information and insurance and liabilities.