EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
ARC Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
ARC Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014
Authority
Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister must approve ARC funding rules.
Purpose and effect
The ARC Centres of Excellence scheme is a scheme funded under the ARC National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) Linkage Program. The Centres are prestigious foci of expertise through which high-quality researchers collaboratively maintain and develop Australia’s international standing in research areas of national priority.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the ARC Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 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 ARC Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 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 ARC Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 were approved by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skill, Science and Research, the Hon Chris Bowen, on
19 March 2013. 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 (2007); the NHMRC/ARC/UA National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007); and codes on animal research promulgated by the NHMRC, available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2014, available from (www.arc.gov.au)
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Commencement
The ARC Centres of Excellence Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
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 definitions.
Section 4 provides an overview and outlines the objectives of the ARC Centres of Excellence scheme and selection criteria.
Section 5 outlines the level of funding, restrictions on budget items, and types of research not supported.
Section 6 outlines the Governance structure and arrangements.
Section 7 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility. This includes eligible, collaborating and partner organisations.
Section 8 outlines roles and general eligibility for researchers and eligibility criteria for Chief Investigators and Partner Investigators.
Section 9 outlines the number of proposals, funded projects and cross-scheme eligibility.
Section 10 outlines the submission of proposals, including proposal content and format, how to complete and submit proposals, closing time for proposals and certification of proposals.
Section 11 outlines the assessment and section process for expressions of interest.
Section 12 provides details on the Submission of Proposals including closing time.
Section 13 outlines the Assessment, selection and approval process for Proposals, recommendations and offer of funding.
Section 14 deals with the Appeals process.
Section 15 outlines reporting requirements and performance reviews.
Section 16 outlines fundamental principles of conducting research including ethics and research practices, applicable law, confidentiality, intellectual property and incomplete or misleading information.
Appendix A: Eligible Organisations