Australian Research Council Act 2001 - Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects - Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2006

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001

Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education, Science and Training

Subject:  Australian Research Council Act 2001

 Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects 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

Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program.  The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2006 sets out the eligibility and accountability requirements and other relevant matters for research programs which may be funded under this scheme. The scheme funds the Learned Academies and the National Academies Forum to undertake research-related projects which are approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training.

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects 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 Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2006 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 Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2006 were approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, on 6 September 2005.  No amendments have been made.

Documents incorporated by reference

The following documents are incorporated into the Funding Rules 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 2.1.1 of the rules), available from (http://www.nhmrc.gov.au);
• The draft Funding Agreement (see subsection 10.1.4 of the rules), available from (http://www.arc.gov.au); and
• National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see subsection 11.4.1 of the rules), available from (http://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 6 September 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 Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme for research projects where funding will commence in 2006.

Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description

Section 1 outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants program and the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme.

Section 2 outlines fundamental principles and requirements, including ethics and research practices, duplication, conflict of interest, and acknowledging ARC support.

Section 3 outlines the changes from last year.

Section 4 outlines funding details, including duration of funding, areas of investigation/work not supported, and limit on numbers of proposals allowed.

Section 5 outlines organisational types, roles and eligibility.

Section 6 outlines cross-scheme funding issues.

Section 7 outlines the application process, including application requirements and format, certification, submission procedures, and the closing date.

Section 8 outlines the selection and approval process, including selection criteria, assessment and selection procedure, recommendations, and offer of funding. 

Section 9 outlines the appeals process.

Section 10 outlines the administration of funding, including the funding agreement, varying the funding agreement or funding approval, and reporting requirements.

Section 11 outlines other relevant matters, including applicable law, confidentiality, project descriptions, intellectual property, incomplete or misleading information, and insurance and liabilities.