EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009
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
Future Fellowships is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. The scheme aims to: attract and retain outstanding mid-career researchers; build collaboration across industry and/or research institutions and/or disciplines; support research in national priorities across all disciplines that will result in economic, environmental, social, health or cultural benefits for Australia; and strengthen Australia’s research capacity by supporting innovative, internationally competitive research.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009 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 Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009 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 Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr MP, on 3 October 2008. 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) (see subsection 4.3.3 and Appendix A1.1 of the rules); the NHMRC/ARC/AVCC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (see Appendix A1.1 of the rules); and codes on animal research promulgated by the NHMRC (see Appendix A1.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Future Fellowships Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2009 (see subsection 8.4.4.1), 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 Appendices B1.1, B1.2), available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Commencement
The Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009 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 Future Fellowships scheme, and conflict of interest requirements.
Section 5 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility, including eligible organisations and host organisations.
Section 6 deals with roles and eligibility for Future Fellows, and support and salary levels.
Section 7 outlines the level and period of funding, types of research supported, restrictions on budget items, areas of investigation/work not supported, and the number of proposals.
Section 8 deals with the application process, including eligibility exemption and advice, proposals, certification and submission of proposals.
Section 9 outlines the selection and approval process, including selection criteria, assessment and selection procedure.
Section 10 outlines cross-scheme issues relating to funding, eligibility and non-duplication.
Section 11 deals with funding outcomes including offer of funding and appeals process.
There are five appendices:
Appendix A. Fundamental principles and requirements
Appendix B. Administration of Funding
Appendix C. Eligible Organisations
Appendix D. Notional Future Fellowships salaries and relocation allowances
Appendix E. National Research Priorities and associated Priority Goals