Australian Research Council ARC Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011

Overview

The Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011, made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, were introduced to establish the criteria and requirements for the allocation and administration of funding under the Centres of Excellence scheme for research projects beginning in 2011. These rules were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, on 1 October 2009, and aim to facilitate the movement of researchers between Australian research organisations and overseas centres of excellence, fostering collaboration and networking between researchers in both locations. The rules delineate eligibility criteria for proposals, the application process, assessment procedures, and the ways in which funding approvals may be varied, all of which are consistent with the funding cap and split determination for the applicable years. The rules were enacted by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, with the overarching policy objective of supporting the national research and innovation ecosystem by promoting international collaboration and excellence in research.

Scope and Application

The Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011, made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, pertain to research programs that may receive funding through the Centres of Excellence scheme, which is a part of the Australian Research Council's National Competitive Grants Program. These rules apply to eligible Australian research organisations and researchers who are seeking funding to support research activities, including facilitating the movement of researchers between Australian and overseas institutions, and fostering collaboration with international centres of excellence. The rules set out the eligibility criteria, application process, assessment process, funding variations, and additional accountability requirements. The application of these rules is governed by the funding cap and funding split determination for the applicable years, as stipulated under subsection 59(2) of the Act. These rules apply on a national level, as they are approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. The rules do not explicitly mention exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but they are designed to ensure that funded research aligns with national research priorities and innovation goals. The scope and application of these funding rules can be further detailed or refined through subordinate instruments, ensuring that they remain adaptable to changing research landscapes and funding needs.

Key Provisions

The Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011, approved under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, provide the framework for eligibility, application, assessment, and accountability of research programs seeking funding through the Centres of Excellence scheme. This scheme, part of the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program, aims to support researcher mobility and foster collaboration between Australian and overseas research institutions. Key provisions include the eligibility criteria for proposals (Section 4), the application process (Sections 13 and 14), the assessment criteria and process (Sections 5, 6, and 15), funding levels and distribution (Section 8), and the roles and eligibility of both organisations and researchers (Sections 10 and 11). Organisations and researchers must adhere to the eligibility requirements, submit their Expressions of Interest and Proposals according to the prescribed guidelines, and ensure that their research aligns with the National Research Priorities and associated Priority Goals (Appendix D). The Act requires that proposals be ethical, non-duplicative, and free from conflicts of interest, and that researchers acknowledge ARC support in all dissemination of research outputs (Section 7). Additionally, the funding must be used in accordance with the administration guidelines set out in Appendix B. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Centres of Excellence Funding Rules can result in various consequences. While the explanatory statement does not detail specific offences, breaches of ethical requirements or misuse of funds could potentially lead to administrative penalties or revocation of funding. Researchers and organisations are expected to maintain high standards of research integrity and governance, and any significant deviation could be grounds for appeal or further investigation (Section 17). Penalties for non-compliance, though not explicitly stated, could include financial penalties or legal action under the broader administrative and research governance frameworks.