Australian Research Council Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme (2016 edition)

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2016L01611 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 Programme (2016 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 Programme (2016 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

These Funding Rules relate to the Discovery Programme (2016 edition) which is under the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Programme. The Discovery Programme 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 accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme (2016 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 Programme (2016 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 Programme (2016 edition) were approved by the Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, on 7 September 2016.  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 Programme (2016 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 Programme which includes;

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

 

 

Part B—Provides scheme specific rules for Australian Laureate Fellowships for Funding Commencing in 2017 which includes;

  • INTERPRETATION
  • COMMENCEMENT DATE
  • ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS FOR PART B
  • OBJECTIVES
  • SELECTION CRITERIA
  • FUNDING
  • EMPLOYMENT OF AUSTRALIAN LAUREATE FELLOWS
  • ROLES AND ELIGIBILITY
  • KATHLEEN FITZPATRICK AUSTRALIAN LAUREATE FELLOWSHIP AND GEORGINA SWEET AUSTRALIAN LAUREATE FELLOWSHIP
  • SALARY SUPPORT
  • REPORTING REQUIREMENT

 

Part C—Provides scheme specific rules for Future Fellowships for Funding commencing in 2017 which includes;

  • INTERPRETATION
  • COMMENCEMENT DATE
  • ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS FOR PART C
  • OBJECTIVES 
  • SELECTION CRITERIA
  • STATEMENT BY THE ADMINISTERING ORGANISATION OUTLINING STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
  • FUNDING
  • HOST ORGANISATIONS
  • SCHEME-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

 


Part D—Provides scheme specific for Discovery Early Career Research Award for funding commencing in 2018 which includes;

  • INTERPRETATION
  • COMMENCEMENT DATE
  • ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS FOR PART D
  • OBJECTIVES
  • SELECTION CRITERIA
  • STATEMENT BY THE ADMINISTERING ORGANISATION
  • FUNDING
  • SCHEME-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
  • ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE DECRA CANDIDATE

 

Part E—Provides scheme specific rules for Discovery Indigenous for funding commencing in 2018 which includes;

  • INTERPRETATION
  • COMMENCEMENT DATE
  • ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS FOR PART E
  • INTRODUCTION TO DISCOVERY INDIGENOUS
  • SELECTION CRITERIA
  • FUNDING
  • ROLES AND ELIGIBILITY FOR RESEARCHERS
  • DISCOVERY AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AWARD (DAATSIA)
  • HOST ORGANISATIONS

 

Part F—Provides scheme specific rules for Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2018 which includes;

  • INTERPRETATION
  • COMMENCEMENT DATE
  • ADDITIONAL DEFINITION FOR PART F
  • OBJECTIVES
  • SELECTION CRITERIA
  • FUNDING
  • ROLES AND ELIGIBILITY FOR RESEARCHERS

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001 was enacted to facilitate the promotion and support of research and innovation in Australia. This Act addresses the need for a structured approach to funding research projects and initiatives that contribute to the nation's knowledge base, technological advancements, and economic growth. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia, with the objective of enhancing Australia's research and innovation capacity through the Australian Research Council (ARC). In line with this objective, the Act outlines the procedures for the establishment of funding rules, which were subsequently issued as the Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme (2016 edition). These rules, approved by the Minister for Education and Training, provide the framework for eligibility criteria, application processes, assessment procedures, and accountability measures for research proposals under the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Programme.

Scope and Application

The Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 specifically govern the Discovery Programme, which is a part of the Australian Research Council's (ARC) National Competitive Grants Programme. These rules, approved by the Minister for Education and Training on 7 September 2016, establish criteria and procedures for eligibility, application, assessment, funding variations, and accountability requirements for research proposals seeking financial assistance. They apply to eligible organisations, including universities, research institutions, and other entities capable of conducting high-quality research. The rules are designed to support the growth of Australia's research and innovation capacity, promoting the development of new technologies, products, and ideas, contributing to job creation, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life in Australia. The rules take into account the funding cap and split for the relevant years, ensuring consistency with the overarching financial guidelines set by the ARC. The rules are applicable across Australia, as they fall under the Commonwealth jurisdiction, and are subject to incorporation by reference of various ethical and conduct guidelines to ensure responsible and ethical research practices.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, specifically for the Discovery Programme (2016 edition), encompass a range of provisions that define the eligibility criteria for financial assistance, the application process, the assessment and selection procedures, and the reporting requirements. Section 1 sets the general rules for the schemes, while sections 2 through 6 provide scheme-specific rules for different funding categories such as Australian Laureate Fellowships, Future Fellowships, Discovery Early Career Research Awards, Discovery Indigenous, and Discovery Projects. Each section includes definitions, objectives, selection criteria, and specific funding details pertinent to its category. These Funding Rules impose several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, organisations must meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Rules to be considered for funding. This includes being an eligible organisation as defined in Part A and meeting any additional requirements specific to the scheme, such as those outlined in Parts B to F. Applicants must also submit their proposals in accordance with the specified format and deadlines. The ARC has the responsibility to assess proposals based on the criteria provided and to decide which proposals will be recommended for approval. Additionally, once funding is granted, recipients are required to adhere to the reporting requirements and any additional accountability measures stipulated in the Rules. Breach of the Funding Rules may lead to various consequences. While the explanatory statement does not detail specific offences or penalties, breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research or other ethical guidelines incorporated by reference could result in serious repercussions for researchers and institutions. These might include the revocation of funding, exclusion from future funding opportunities, or other administrative sanctions as deemed necessary by the ARC. It is also worth noting that failure to comply with the ethical guidelines could lead to legal or disciplinary action as per the relevant professional or institutional standards. Overall, the Funding Rules serve to establish a structured and transparent framework for the allocation of research funding under the Discovery Programme. By clearly defining eligibility, application processes, and ethical standards, the Rules aim to ensure that funding is awarded to projects that contribute to Australia’s research and innovation capacity effectively and responsibly.

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Area of Law
Research Law
Instrument
Regulation
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Eligibility Criteria
Compliance Obligations
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations

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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.