EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) 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
Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) 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
Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009 set out the eligibility and accountability requirements and other relevant matters for research programs which may be funded under this scheme. The scheme supports programs of research, or programs that support the conduct of a program of research undertaken by one or more of the Eligible Organisations 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 (LASP) 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 Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) 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 Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, on 4 August 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; as applicable the NHMRC’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research; and as applicable the NHMRC’s other codes on animal research (see subsection 4.4.1.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- The draft Funding Agreement (see subsections 5.1, 13.1 and Appendix 2 of the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au); and
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see subsection 16.4.4 of the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Commencement
The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
Likely impact and effect
The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2009 provide the key criteria and requirements for proposals for, and the allocation and administration of, funding under the Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) scheme for research projects where funding will commence in 2009.
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 interpretation of definitions of the Funding Rules.
Section 4 provides an overview and outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) scheme, and the fundamental principles and requirements, including ethics and research practice, non-duplication, conflict of interest, acknowledging ARC support and dissemination of research outputs.
Section 5 outlines changes from last year.
Section 6 outlines the level and period of funding, types of research supported, project budget and use of funding, and the number of proposals and funded projects.
Section 7 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility.
Section 8 outlines roles and general eligibility for researchers, including LASP Chief Investigators and Partner Investigators.
Section 9 deals with the applications, including proposals, application process, closing time for proposals and format.
Section 10 outlines the selection and approval process, including selection criteria, assessment and selection process.
Section 11 deals with exclusion of proposals.
Section 12 deals with recommendations.
Section 14 deals with appeals process.
Section 15 deals with reports
Section 16 refers to other matters, including applicable law, confidentiality, project description, intellectual property, incomplete or misleading information, and insurance and liabilities.
Appendices
There are three appendices:
Appendix 1: Eligible Organisations
Appendix 2: Administration of Funding
Appendix 3: Descriptions of National Research Priorities and associated Priority Goals