Australian Research Council Act 2001 - Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 - Variation (No. 1)

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001 was enacted to facilitate the funding of research and development projects that contribute to Australia's economic, social, cultural, and environmental prosperity. This Act establishes the Australian Research Council (ARC) and provides the framework for the administration and management of competitive grants for research activities. One of the key objectives of the Act is to support the movement of researchers and foster collaboration between Australian research organisations and their international counterparts. To this end, the Act includes provisions for various funding schemes, one of which is the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP). The explanatory statement details the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010, which outline the eligibility and accountability requirements for research programs funded under this scheme. These rules were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and were subject to a variation that was formally approved on 13 November 2009. The rules are designed to ensure that the funding supports the intended policy objectives of enhancing collaboration and researcher mobility within the Australian research landscape.

Scope and Application

The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 apply to research programs that may receive funding under the LASP scheme, a component of the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. These rules govern the eligibility and accountability requirements for entities and individuals participating in research activities under the scheme. The primary aim is to facilitate the movement of researchers between eligible Australian research organisations and to promote collaboration and networking between Australian and overseas researchers. The rules are applicable to research organisations, researchers, and any entities involved in the research programs eligible for funding under this scheme. Geographically, the application of these rules extends to all research activities taking place within Australia, in alignment with the Commonwealth's jurisdiction. The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has the authority to approve variations to these rules, as per section 61 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001. The rules were subject to a variation approved by the Minister on 13 November 2009, which involved correcting specific dates within the document. The rules took effect upon their registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

Key Provisions

The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010, made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, outline the eligibility, accountability requirements, and other relevant matters for research programs that may be funded under the scheme. These rules are crucial for entities seeking funding under the LASP program, which aims to facilitate the movement of researchers between eligible Australian research organisations and to foster collaboration and networking between Australia-based and overseas researchers. The rules specify that funding under this scheme is approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. The rules were subject to a variation approved under section 61 of the Act by the Minister, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, on 13 November 2009, which was registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. The rules impose certain obligations and requirements on the entities applying for funding under the LASP scheme. Firstly, eligible applicants must be Australian research organisations as defined in the rules. Secondly, research programs must demonstrate a clear linkage between Australian research organisations and overseas researchers or institutions. Thirdly, the applications must detail how the research program will foster collaboration and networking between Australia-based and overseas researchers. Fourthly, applicants must ensure that the research program aligns with the objectives of the LASP scheme, which is to support the movement of researchers and foster collaboration. These obligations ensure that the funding is used for the intended purposes and that the scheme's goals are met. The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) Funding Rules also outline the penalties and consequences for non-compliance. Any entity found to be in breach of the rules may face civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the breach. The specific consequences and penalties are not detailed in the rules but are governed by the Australian Research Council Act 2001 and other relevant legislation. For instance, a breach of the rules could lead to the revocation of funding, legal action, or other administrative consequences. It is essential for applicants and funded entities to adhere to the rules to avoid any potential penalties.