Australian Research Council Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2010L01970 Rules Not in force Legislative Instrument

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EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2011

 

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011

 

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

 

 

Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011

 

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

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development provides support for Indigenous Researchers to undertake research projects which may lead to an advance in the understanding of a subject or contribute to the solution of an important practical problem.

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 contains:

 

(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 Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 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.

 

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr MP, on 10 March 2010. 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/AVCC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007); and codes on animal research promulgated by the NHMRC (see Appendix A1.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
  • Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2011 (see subsection 12.3.1), available from (www.arc.gov.au)
  • National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see Appendix A1.7.4 of the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au); and
  • The draft Funding Agreement (see Appendix B1), available from (www.arc.gov.au).

 

Commencement

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 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 interpretations of the definitions.

 

Section 4 provides an overview and outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme, and conflict of interest requirements.

 

Section 5 provides details of changes from last year.

 

Section 6 outlines the level and period of funding, types of research supported, restrictions on budget items, areas of investigation/work not supported the number of proposals and funded projects, and duplication.

 

Section 7 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility.

 

Section 8 deals with eligibility criteria for projects including PhD or Masters (by research) stipend

 

Section 9 outlines with roles and eligibility for researchers including, Chief Investigators, Fellowships, Indigenous Researchers Fellowships, Mentors and Supervisors, and Australian Research Fellowships -.Indigenous.

 

Section 10 deals with cross-scheme issues such as cross-scheme eligibility, non-duplication and cross-scheme funding, and funding of medical and dental research.

 

Section 11 outlines the application process including eligibility exemption and proposals.

 

Section 12 deals with the preparation and submission of proposals including format, how to complete and submit a proposal, closing time for proposals through and certification.

 

Section 13 outlines the selection and approval process, including assessment and selection process, rejoinder process, recommendations and offer of funding and exclusion of proposals. 

 

Section 14 deals with the appeals process.

 

There are four appendices:

Appendix A. Fundamental principles and requirements

Appendix B. Administration of Funding

Appendix C. Eligible Organisations

Appendix D. Notional Fellowships salaries, relocation allowances and teaching relief contributions

Overview

The Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011, issued under the Australian Research Council Act 2001, aim to support Indigenous Researchers in undertaking research projects that advance understanding of various subjects or contribute to solving practical problems. These rules were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr MP, on 10 March 2010, and provide comprehensive guidelines for eligibility, application processes, assessment, and funding variations. They also incorporate by reference various codes and statements related to research conduct and intellectual property management. The rules, which took effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments, ensure consistency with funding caps and splits, and are designed to be in line with broader objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme.

Scope and Application

The Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011, issued under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, apply to Indigenous researchers who seek financial assistance for research projects that aim to advance understanding or solve significant practical problems. These rules are designed to support Indigenous researchers in undertaking research that may lead to important advancements in various fields. The rules apply to individuals and organisations eligible under the scheme, including educational institutions and research bodies that can demonstrate a commitment to fostering Indigenous research talent. The rules establish the eligibility criteria for applicants, specify how to apply for funding, outline the assessment process, and detail the ways in which funding approvals can be varied. They also incorporate various ethical and intellectual property management codes and principles, ensuring that funded research adheres to high standards of conduct and responsible research practices. Geographically, these funding rules apply within the Commonwealth of Australia, extending to all states and territories. They are subject to the funding cap and split determinations for the applicable year, ensuring alignment with broader funding policies. The rules do not specify any particular exclusions or exemptions but establish criteria for eligibility that must be met. Additionally, the application of these rules may be extended or modified through subordinate instruments issued by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, allowing for adjustments as needed to reflect changes in policy or research needs.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 (F2010L01970) outline the eligibility criteria for funding (section 4), the application process (section 11), and the preparation and submission of proposals (section 12). Section 4 details the eligibility criteria for organisations and researchers, the types of research supported, and the funding caps and splits. Section 11 specifies the steps applicants must follow to apply for funding, including eligibility exemptions and the proposal submission process. Section 12 provides detailed instructions on how to prepare and submit a proposal, including format requirements and certification processes. The obligations imposed on parties by these Funding Rules include meeting the eligibility criteria for both organisations and researchers, preparing and submitting proposals according to the specified guidelines, and complying with the assessment and selection process. Researchers and organisations must ensure that their proposals align with the objectives of the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme and adhere to the ethical standards outlined in incorporated reference documents such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Breaches of these Funding Rules can result in civil or criminal consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed in the explanatory statement. Generally, non-compliance with funding rules may lead to the withdrawal of funding, legal action, or other administrative penalties. It is important for applicants and funded entities to thoroughly understand and adhere to these rules to avoid any potential repercussions.

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Research & Development Law
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Eligibility Criteria
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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.