EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Linkage Projects
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education, Science and Training
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Linkage 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 Australian Research Council (ARC) funding rules.
Purpose and effect
Linkage Projects is a scheme funded under the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program. The Linkage Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2007 sets out the eligibility and accountability requirements and other relevant matters for research programs which may be funded under this scheme. The scheme supports research and development projects which are collaborative between higher education researchers and other parts of the national innovation system, which are undertaken to acquire new knowledge and which involve risk or innovation and which are approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Linkage 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; and
(e) any additional accountability requirements that the ARC Board thinks desirable.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Linkage Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2007 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 Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2007 were approved by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, on 20 December 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 1.4.1.1 of the rules), available at (http://www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Linkage Projects Instructions to Applicants for Funding Commencing in 2007 (see subsection 7.4.3.2) available at (http://www.arc.gov.au);
- The draft Funding Agreement (see subsection 10.1) available at (http://www.arc.gov.au); and
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see subsection 11.4.4 of the rules) available at (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 reflect this feedback.
Retrospectivity
This determination has effect from 20 December 2005, the date the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP approved funding rules for proposals. 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 Projects scheme for research projects where funding will commence in 2007.
Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description
Section 1 includes an overview, the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and Linkage Projects scheme, and fundamental principles and requirements, including ethics and research practices, non-duplication, conflict of interest, and acknowledging ARC support.
Section 2 outlines the changes from last year.
Section 3 covers funding details, including funding rounds, level and duration of funding, types of research supported, areas of investigation/work not supported, restrictions on budget items, Linkage Industry Fellowships (LIFs), and the number of proposals and funded projects permitted.
Section 4 covers organisational types, roles and eligibility, including eligible organisations and partner organisations.
Section 5 covers roles and eligibility for researchers, including researcher roles and general eligibility, Early Career Researchers, eligibility criteria for Chief Investigators, Partner Investigators and APDI Fellows, and requests for exemptions.
Section 6 outlines cross-scheme issues relating to funding, eligibility, researchers from Commonwealth-funded Research Centres, and funding of clinical medical and dental research.
Section 7 deals with the application process, including eligibility rulings, proposals, certification, and submission of proposals.
Section 8 covers the selection and approval process, including selection criteria, assessment and selection procedures, and the offer of funding.
Section 9 outlines the appeals process.
Section 10 deals with the administration of funding, including the Funding Agreement, variations to the Funding Agreement or Funding Approval, and reporting requirements.
Section 11 covers other relevant matters, including applicable law, confidentiality, project descriptions, intellectual property, incomplete or misleading information, and insurance and liabilities.