EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Discovery Projects 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
Discovery Projects 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 Discovery Projects scheme provides funding for research projects that can be undertaken by individual researchers or research teams. The Discovery Projects Funding Rules 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 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 Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 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 Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 were approved by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, on 14 December 201. No amendments have been made.
Documents 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, available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Instructions to Applicants, available from www.arc.gov.au)
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Commencement
Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
Explanation of provisions:
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 program and the selection criteria.
Section 5 outlines the level of funding, restrictions on budget items, and types of research not supported.
Section 6 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility.
Section 7 deals with roles and eligibility for researchers.
Section 8 outlines the eligibility for Discovery Outstanding Researcher Award
Section 9 number of proposals and eligibility exemption
Section 10 outlines the submission of proposals, the closing time and Conflict of Interest
Section 11 outlines the selection process and approval processes
Section 12 outlines the appeals process
Section 13 outlines the reporting requirements for End of Year and final reporting
Section 14 provides details for fundamental principles of conducting research including ethics and research practices, applicable law, confidentiality, intellectual property and incomplete or misleading information.
Appendix A: Eligible Organisations