EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2014 – Special Research Initiatives and Learned Academies Special Projects
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001– Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2014 – Special Research Initiatives and Learned Academies Special Projects
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 Special Research Initiative for Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes for
funding commencing in 2014 and Learned Academies Special Projects for funding commencing in
2014 funded under the Linkage Program of the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program. The
Linkage Program supports research partnerships within Australia and internationally to encourage
the exchange and transfer of knowledge, ideas and skills as a basis for building capacity to deliver
high quality research outcomes and secure commercial and other benefits of research.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2014 – Special Research Initiatives and Learned Academies Special Projects 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 Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2014 – Special Research Initiatives and Learned Academies Special Projects 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 Linkage Program for 2014 – Special Research Initiatives and Learned Academies Special Projects were approved by the Minister for Education, the Hon Christopher Pyne, on 16 March 2014. No amendments have been made.
Documents incorporated by reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference:
- NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007);
- NHMRC/ARC/UA National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
(2007, updated 2013);
- 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 (2011);
- 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 Linkage Program for 2014 – Special Research Initiatives and Learned Academies Special Projects 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 Linkage Program 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
Part B – Provides scheme specific rules for Special Research Initiative for Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes for funding commencing in 2014 which includes;
- Interpretation
- Objectives
- Selection criteria
- Funding
- Roles and eligibility for researchers
- Scheme specific eligibility requirements
Part C – Provides scheme specific rules for Learned Academies Special Projects for funding commencing in 2014 which includes;
- Interpretation
- Objectives
- Selection criteria
- Funding
- Roles and eligibility for researchers
- Scheme specific eligibility requirements
Overview
The Australian Research Council Act 2001 was enacted to provide a legislative framework for the Australian Research Council (ARC), ensuring that research funding is allocated effectively to support high-quality research outcomes and deliver tangible benefits. The Act addresses the need for structured and transparent criteria for research funding, aiming to foster partnerships and encourage the exchange of knowledge both domestically and internationally. The Australian Parliament enacted this legislation to establish clear guidelines and accountability mechanisms for research funding. The explanatory statement for the Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Act details the specific rules governing the Special Research Initiatives and Learned Academies Special Projects for 2014, setting out the eligibility criteria, application processes, assessment procedures, and accountability requirements. These rules were approved by the Minister for Education and are intended to ensure that research projects align with the national objectives of enhancing research capacity and delivering commercial and other benefits.
Scope and Application
The Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act) pertain to the Special Research Initiative for Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes and the Learned Academies Special Projects, both for funding commencing in 2014. These rules apply to entities and individuals who wish to apply for financial assistance under the Linkage Program of the Australian Research Council's National Competitive Grants Program. The Linkage Program aims to foster research partnerships within Australia and internationally, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and skills to enhance research capacity and secure benefits from research activities. The rules detail the eligibility criteria for applicants, the application process, the assessment procedures, the conditions under which funding may be varied, and any additional accountability requirements deemed necessary by the ARC. These rules are consistent with the funding caps and funding split determinations for the relevant years and are subject to the overarching ethical and intellectual property management guidelines referenced in the document. The rules were approved by the Minister for Education and came into effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of these Funding Rules (F2014L00403) provide detailed guidelines for the Special Research Initiative for Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes and the Learned Academies Special Projects, both under the Linkage Program of the Australian Research Council (ARC) for 2014. Section 1 of Part A outlines general rules applicable to both schemes, including eligibility criteria, the submission process, assessment methods, and reporting requirements. These provisions ensure that research proposals are aligned with the objectives of the ARC and the specific needs of the schemes. Section 2 of Part B and Section 3 of Part C detail scheme-specific rules, including objectives, selection criteria, and roles and responsibilities for researchers involved in these initiatives.
These Funding Rules impose specific obligations and requirements on applicants and recipients of funding. For instance, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being an eligible organisation and having a research program that aligns with the objectives of the schemes. They are also required to submit detailed proposals that outline their research plans, expected outcomes, and how the research will be conducted in partnership with relevant stakeholders. Additionally, recipients must adhere to the fundamental principles of conducting research as outlined in the incorporated documents, ensuring ethical standards are maintained throughout the research process. Reporting requirements mandate that recipients submit regular progress reports and a final report detailing the outcomes and impact of the funded research.
Breach of the obligations and requirements outlined in these Funding Rules can lead to various consequences. While the explanatory statement does not explicitly detail penalties, breaches may result in the suspension or termination of funding, depending on the severity of the non-compliance. For example, failure to adhere to ethical research standards could result in disciplinary actions against the researchers or institutions involved. Additionally, non-compliance with reporting requirements may lead to administrative penalties or the requirement to repay any misused funds. The maximum penalties are not specified in the text, but they would likely be determined in accordance with the applicable sections of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 and other relevant legislation.