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 2008
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 2008
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 2008 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 Funding Rules for Funding Commencing in 2008 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 Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects Funding Rules for Funding Commencing in 2008 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 2008 were approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, on 14 June 2007. 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)/as applicable the NHMRC’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007); and/as applicable, the NHMRC’s other codes on animal research (see subsection 4.4.1.1 of the rules), available from (http://www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- The draft Funding Agreement (see subsections 13.1; and 14.6.1), available from (http://www.arc.gov.au); and
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see subsection 14.4.4 of the rules), available from (http://www.arc.gov.au).
Consultation
The ARC, itself, has not formally consulted with the Academies in relation to the proposed funding rules as the proposed changes are relatively minor in nature. However, in late 2006, following concerns expressed by the Australian Academy of Science (AAS) regarding some eligibility issues regarding projects in a previous round, the Department of Education Science and Training (DEST) consulted with the Academies regarding the operation of the scheme. DEST has advised that the AAS and the other Learned Academies are still considering the matter and have no objection to the funding rules not being amended at this time.
Commencement
The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects Funding Rules for Funding Commencing in 2008 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Intruments.
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 2008.
Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description
Sections 1-3 cover the name, commencement and interpretation of the funding rules.
Section 4 covers overview, objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program, the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme, and fundamental principles and requirements, including ethics and research practices, non-duplication, conflict of interest, acknowledging ARC support and dissemination of research outputs.
Section 5 outlines changes from last year.
Section 6 deals with funding matters including the level of funding, period of funding, the types of research supported, the areas of investigation/work not supported, restrictions on budget items and the number of proposals and funded projects.
Section 7 describes organisational types, roles and eligibility including eligible organisations, collaborating organisations and partner organisations.
Section 8 outlines roles and eligibility for researchers including researcher roles and eligibility, eligibility criteria for LASP Chief Investigators and Partner Investigators.
Section 9 deals with cross-scheme issues.
Section 10 outlines the application process, including eligibility exemption and eligibility ruling process, proposals, certification and submission of proposals.
Section 11 describes the selection and approval process, including the selection criteria, assessment and selection procedure and offer of funding.
Section 12 details the Appeals process.
Section 13 describes the Administration of Funding, including the Funding Agreement, varying the Funding Agreement, varying the Funding Approval and Reports.
Section 14 deals with other matters, such as applicable law, confidentiality, project description, intellectual property, incomplete or misleading information and insurance and liabilities.
There are two appendices:
Appendix 1: Descriptions of National Research Priorities and Priority Goals
Appendix 2. Eligible Organisations