EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2007
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 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
Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. The objectives of the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme are to support programs of research, or programs that support the conduct of programs of research, undertaken by one or more of the Eligible Organisations, and are approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training which:
(a) capitalise on their unique capabilities;
(b) assist programs of research undertaken by organisations; and
(c) may be expected to have results of broad benefit for research and scholarship in the natural and applied sciences, technological development and applied technology, the social sciences and the humanities
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects 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;
(e) any additional accountability requirements that the CEO thinks desirable.
The rules may also deal with such other matters as the CEO considers appropriate.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2007 must 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 2007 were approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, on 31 July 2006. No amendments have been made.
Documents incorporated by reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference:
- The standard Funding Agreement (see subsection 1.1.2), 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);
- Proposal form (see subsection 7.4.3.1) 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 28 April 2006, the ARC invited comments and feedback from all organisations eligible for ARC funding on funding rules for ARC schemes. Submissions were received by the ARC in late May/early June 2006 from a number of organisations. The ARC considered these submissions and, where appropriate, the funding rules approved by the Minister reflected this feedback.
Commencement
The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects 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 Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme for research projects where funding will commence in 2007.
Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description
Section 1 outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program, the Learned Academies Special Projects scheme, and the fundamental principles and requirements, including ethics and research practice, non-duplication, conflict of interest, and acknowledging ARC support.
Section 2 outlines changes from last year.
Section 3 outlines the level and duration of funding, types of research supported, areas of investigation/work not supported, restrictions on budget items, and the number of proposals allowed.
Section 4 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility, including eligible organisations, collaborating organisations and partner organisations.
Section 5 outlines roles and eligibility for researchers, including eligibility criteria for Chief Investigators and for Partner Investigators.
Section 6 outlines cross-scheme issues.
Section 7 outlines with the application process, including eligibility rulings, proposals, certification and submission of proposals.
Section 8 outlines the selection and approval process, including selection criteria, assessment and selection procedure and offer of funding.
Section 9 deals with the appeals process.
Section 10 deals with the administration of funding, including the Funding Agreement, varying the Funding Agreement or Funding Approval, and reporting,
Section 11 refers to other relevant matters, including applicable law, confidentiality, project description, intellectual property, incomplete or misleading information, and insurance and liabilities.