EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013
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
The Discovery Projects scheme provides funding for research projects that can be undertaken by individual researchers or research teams. The Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 sets out the eligibility and accountability requirements and other relevant matters for research programs which may be funded under this scheme. The objectives of the scheme are to: support excellent basic and applied research by individuals and teams; enhance the scale and focus of research in the National Research Priorities; expand Australia’s knowledge base and research capability; encourage research and research training in high-quality research environments; enhance international collaboration in research; and foster the international competitiveness of Australian research.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 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 Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 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 Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, on 8 December 2011. 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 14.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2013 (see subsection 10.2.2), available from (www.arc.gov.au)
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see 14.4 of the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au); and
Commencement
The Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
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 Discovery Projects scheme for research projects where funding will commence in 2013.
Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights
The funding rules are compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.
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 Discovery Projects scheme and the selection criteria.
Section 5 outlines the level of funding, restrictions on budget items, and types of research not supported.
Section 6 outlines organisational types, roles and eligibility.
Section 7 outlines roles and eligibility criteria for researchers.
Section 8 outlines the eligibility and funding for the Discovery Outstanding Researcher Award (DORA)
Section 9 deals with number of proposals, funded projects and cross-scheme eligibility.
Section 10 outlines submission of proposals including the closing time for proposals and conflict of interest.
Section 11 outlines the selection and approval process.
Section 12 outlines the appeals process.
Section 13 outlines reporting requirements including progress reports, end of year reports, final report and audited financial statement.
Section 14 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