Australian Research Council Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Program (2017 edition)

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2017L01407 Rules Not in force Legislative Instrument

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EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001

Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Program—2017 edition

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education and Education

Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001—Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Program—2017 edition

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 instrument is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003 (the LA). These Funding Rules relate to schemes funded under the Discovery Program of the National Competitive Grants Program. The Discovery Program supports the growth of Australia’s research and innovation capacity, which generates new knowledge resulting in the development of new technologies, products and ideas, the creation of jobs, economic growth and an enhanced quality of life in Australia. In particular, these rules relate to the Australian Laureates Fellowships scheme, the Future Fellowships scheme, the Discovery Early Career Research Awards scheme, the Discovery Indigenous scheme and the Discovery Projects scheme.

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Program—2017 edition 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 programme 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 (4) of the Act, the Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Program—2017 edition 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 Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Program—2017 edition were approved by the Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, on 22 August 2017. No amendments have been made.

Documents incorporated by reference                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The following documents are incorporated by reference:

  • Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007);
  • National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007, updated 2015);
  • NHMRC Values and Ethics: Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (2003);
  • Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (2012);
  • Australia Council for the Arts Indigenous Cultural Protocols for Producing Indigenous Music, Writing, Visual Arts, Media Arts and Performing Arts (2007);
  • Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013) endorsed by the NHMRC, the ARC, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and UA; and
  • National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, available from (www.arc.gov.au).

 

 

 

 

 

Commencement

The Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Program—2017 edition shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. 

 

The provisions include;

Part A—Provides general rules for the schemes under the Discovery Program, which includes;

  • Name of Funding Rules
  • Commencement
  • Definitions
  • Introduction
  • Organisation General Eligibility Requirements
  • Participant General Eligibility Requirements
  • Funding
  • Submission of proposals
  • Selection and approval process
  • Appeals process
  • Reporting requirements
  • Fundamental principles of conducting research
  • Eligible Organisations

 

Part B—Scheme-specific rules for Australian Laureate Fellowships for funding commencing in 2018

  • Interpretation
  • Important Dates
  • Additional Definitions for Part B
  • Objectives
  • Organisation Eligibility
  • Participant Eligibility
  • Australian Laureate Fellows Operational Requirements
  • Funding
  • Selection Process
  • Reporting Requirements

 

Part C—Scheme-specific rules for Future Fellowships for funding commencing in 2018

  • Interpretation
  • Important Dates
  • Additional Definitions for Part C
  • Objectives
  • Organisation Eligibility
  • Administering Organisation Operational Requirements
  • Participant Eligibility
  • Future Fellows Operational Requirements
  • Funding
  • Selection Process

 

Part D—Scheme-specific rules for Discovery Early Career Research Award for funding applied for in 2019

  • Interpretation
  • Important Dates
  • Objectives
  • Organisation Eligibility
  • Participant Eligibility
  • DECRA Operational Requirements
  • Funding
  • Selection Process

 

Part E—Scheme-specific rules for Discovery Indigenous for funding commencing in 2019

  • Interpretation
  • Important Dates
  • Additional Definitions for Part E
  • Objectives
  • Organisation Eligibility
  • Participant Eligibility
  • Participant Operational Requirements
  • Funding
  • Selection Process

 

Part F—Scheme-specific rules for Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2019

  • Interpretation
  • Important Dates
  • Objectives
  • Organisation Eligibility
  • Participant Eligibility
  • Participant Operational Requirements
  • Funding
  • Selection Process

 

Consultation

The ARC consulted with the Department of Finance and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and they have determined the Funding Rules as low risk.

 

Regulatory Impact Statement

These Funding Rules include a number of measures that reduce regulatory burden on the higher education sector. This includes coordination with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to produce a timeline that minimises the burden on the sector in relation to preparation and submission of proposals

 

Statement of compatibility with human rights

Section 9(1) of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 requires the rule maker in relation to a legislative instrument to which section 42 (disallowance) of the LA applies to cause a statement of compatibility to be prepared in respect of that legislative instrument.

The legislative instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms. It is compatible with human rights, as it does not raise any human rights issues.

 

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001, enacted by the Australian Parliament, was introduced to facilitate the funding and management of competitive grants for research and development. This Act empowers the Minister for Education to approve funding rules for schemes under the Discovery Program, which supports Australia's research and innovation capacity. The primary objective of these rules, as stated, is to ensure the growth of research capacity and foster economic and social benefits. The 2017 Funding Rules, approved by the Minister for Education and Training, outline the eligibility criteria, application process, assessment methodology, and accountability requirements for various research schemes, including Australian Laureates Fellowships, Future Fellowships, and others. These rules also incorporate ethical guidelines and principles for responsible conduct of research, ensuring compliance with national standards and protocols.

Scope and Application

The Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 pertain to schemes funded under the Discovery Program, specifically those schemes supporting the growth of Australia’s research and innovation capacity. These rules apply to eligible organisations and participants seeking financial assistance for research activities through the Australian Laureates Fellowships scheme, Future Fellowships scheme, Discovery Early Career Research Awards scheme, Discovery Indigenous scheme, and Discovery Projects scheme. The rules set out eligibility criteria for applicants, the process for applying for and assessing proposals, conditions for funding approval variations, and any additional accountability requirements. They are consistent with the funding cap and funding split determination for the applicable years. The rules apply nationally, covering research conducted within Australia by eligible organisations and participants. The rules do not include specific exclusions or exemptions but establish eligibility criteria that must be met. The rules are subject to potential extensions or modifications through subordinate instruments or future amendments.

Key Provisions

The Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) govern the schemes under the Discovery Program, which aim to support research and innovation in Australia, leading to new knowledge, technologies, and economic growth. The rules, which were approved by the Minister for Education and Training on 22 August 2017, cover eligibility criteria for proposals, application processes, assessment methods, funding variations, and accountability requirements. These rules are applicable to various schemes, including the Australian Laureates Fellowships, Future Fellowships, Discovery Early Career Research Awards, Discovery Indigenous, and Discovery Projects. The obligations imposed by these Funding Rules require organisations and participants to meet specific eligibility criteria, adhere to the submission process for proposals, and comply with assessment and selection processes. These rules also include provisions for the reporting of funded projects and adherence to ethical guidelines and protocols. For instance, the rules specify the types of organisations that can receive funding, the eligibility criteria for participants, and the conditions under which funding approvals can be varied. Additionally, the rules incorporate by reference several ethical and protocol guidelines, such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Failure to comply with the Funding Rules can lead to various consequences. While the explanatory statement does not explicitly detail penalties for breaches, the Act provides a framework for enforcement. Breaches of the Act or its regulations can result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the breach. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties can result in imprisonment, reflecting the importance of adhering to the rules to maintain the integrity and purpose of the Discovery Program. In summary, the Funding Rules under the Discovery Program outline the framework for eligibility, application, assessment, and reporting of research grants. These rules are designed to support research and innovation in Australia while ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. The obligations are clear and comprehensive, aiming to facilitate the effective allocation of funds while maintaining accountability and ethical standards in research.

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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.