Australian Research Council Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011

Overview

The Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011, issued under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, were enacted to establish the eligibility criteria, accountability requirements, and other relevant matters for research programs that may be funded under the Discovery Projects scheme. This scheme is part of the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program and is designed to support the movement of researchers between eligible Australian research organisations and overseas centres of research excellence, as well as to foster collaboration and networking between Australian and overseas researchers. Approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, on 1 October 2009, these rules aim to ensure that funding is allocated efficiently and in accordance with the fundamental principles and requirements of the scheme. The rules outline the eligibility criteria for organisations and researchers, the application process, assessment and selection criteria, and accountability measures. The rules also take into account the funding cap and funding split determination for the applicable years.

Scope and Application

The Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011, issued under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, set forth the criteria and processes for eligibility, application, assessment, and accountability of research proposals seeking funding under the Discovery Projects scheme. These rules apply to research programs proposed by eligible Australian research organisations and researchers, including universities, research institutes, and other entities authorised to engage in research activities. The rules encompass the eligibility criteria for both the organisations and researchers, the application and assessment process, and the mechanisms for varying funding approvals, all of which are designed to ensure alignment with the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program. The rules also incorporate the funding cap and funding split determination for the applicable year. These provisions are intended to foster collaboration, support the mobility of researchers, and enhance the dissemination of research outputs. The rules apply nationally, as they are made under Commonwealth legislation, and are subject to the approval of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. The rules take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments and have been in force since their approval on 1 October 2009 without any amendments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 (sections 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13) provide the key criteria and requirements for proposals for, and the allocation and administration of, funding under the Discovery Projects scheme. Section 4 outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and the Discovery Projects scheme, as well as fundamental principles and requirements, including ethics and research practice, non-duplication, conflict of interest, acknowledging ARC support, and dissemination of research outputs. Section 7 deals with Organisational Types, Roles and Eligibility, specifying the kinds of organisations that may receive assistance and the roles and eligibility criteria for researchers. Section 8 outlines the Roles and Eligibility for Researchers, including the eligibility criteria for researchers to participate in the scheme. Section 9 addresses Cross-scheme Issues, ensuring that the scheme aligns with other funding and research initiatives. Section 10 details the Application Process, including how to apply for financial assistance. Section 11 outlines the Submission of Proposals, specifying the format and content requirements for proposals. Section 12 details the Selection and Approval Process, including the assessment process for deciding which proposals will be recommended for approval. Section 13 deals with the Appeals Process, providing a mechanism for applicants to appeal decisions regarding their funding applications. The Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 impose several obligations and requirements on the parties or entities it governs. Firstly, eligible organisations must meet the eligibility criteria set out in section 7, including being an Australian research organisation or a recognised centre of research excellence overseas. Researchers must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in section 8, including being appropriately qualified and experienced in the relevant field of research. Applicants must follow the application process and submit proposals in accordance with sections 10 and 11, ensuring that all required information and documentation is provided. Once proposals have been submitted, they will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the selection and approval process outlined in section 12. If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their application, they may appeal the decision in accordance with the appeals process outlined in section 13. The Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 do not explicitly outline any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, failure to comply with the requirements of the scheme, such as providing false or misleading information in an application or failing to meet the eligibility criteria, may result in a funding approval being revoked or not being granted in the first place. Additionally, researchers who engage in unethical or improper research practices may be subject to disciplinary action by their employing organisation or research institution, or may be subject to legal action if their actions give rise to civil or criminal liability. It is important for applicants and researchers to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the scheme and to ensure that they comply with all relevant laws and regulations.