Australian Research Council Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012

Overview

The Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012, made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, aim to establish the framework for the Future Fellowships scheme, a component of the Australian Research Council's National Competitive Grants Program. These rules were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr MP, on 10 February 2011, and they serve to support outstanding mid-career researchers by attracting and retaining them in Australia, fostering collaboration across various sectors, and enhancing research in national priorities. The scheme's objective is to bolster Australia's research capacity by backing innovative, internationally competitive research that yields economic, environmental, social, health, or cultural benefits. The rules incorporate various criteria and processes, including eligibility requirements for applicants and organisations, application procedures, assessment processes, and accountability measures. The Future Fellowships Funding Rules ensure consistency with the funding cap and split determination for the applicable years, reflecting the strategic objectives of the Australian Research Council.

Scope and Application

The Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 apply to the Future Fellowships scheme, which is part of the Australian Research Council's National Competitive Grants Program. The scheme aims to attract and retain outstanding mid-career researchers, support research in national priorities across all disciplines, and enhance Australia's research capacity by fostering innovative, internationally competitive research. These rules govern the eligibility criteria for applicants, the process for submitting and assessing proposals, the conditions under which funding approvals may be varied, and additional accountability requirements. The rules apply to eligible organisations, which include higher education institutions, public research institutions, and eligible not-for-profit organisations. The Future Fellowships scheme is open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and Australian businesses. The rules also incorporate by reference various codes and principles related to the responsible conduct of research, ethical conduct in human research, animal research, and intellectual property management. The Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 are Commonwealth legislation and apply across Australia. The rules are subject to amendments through subordinate instruments, but no changes have been made since their approval by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. The rules take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. They outline specific eligibility criteria for both organisations and future fellows, detailing the types of research programs that are supported and the conditions under which funding may be provided. The assessment process, including the criteria for evaluating proposals and the timeline for submission, is also specified. Furthermore, the rules address the role of ethics and responsible conduct in research, the management of intellectual property arising from the research, and the reporting requirements for funded projects. The provisions ensure that the Future Fellowships scheme operates in accordance with national research priorities and standards.

Key Provisions

The Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 (sections 1 to 15) establish the framework for the Future Fellowships scheme, a program designed to attract and retain outstanding mid-career researchers in Australia. Section 4 outlines the scheme's goals, including supporting research in national priorities and building collaboration across various sectors. Section 5 details the funding amount, which is a maximum of $600,000 over five years, and specifies the budget items that can be funded, such as research expenses and indirect costs. Section 6 outlines the types of organisations eligible to apply, including educational institutions and eligible non-educational organisations. Section 7 specifies the eligibility criteria for the future fellow, who must be a mid-career researcher with a proven track record of research excellence. Section 8 provides details on salary levels, stipulating that the future fellow must be offered a salary within the range of $100,000 to $160,000 per annum. Section 9 discusses the number of proposals that can be submitted, the number of funded projects, and cross-scheme eligibility, ensuring that applicants can only have one active fellowship at a time. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 are comprehensive and multifaceted. Applicants must adhere to the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 6, ensuring that they are a mid-career researcher and that their employing organisation is eligible. Section 10 details the submission process for proposals, including the closing time for proposals and the requirement to disclose any conflicts of interest. Section 12 outlines the rigorous selection and approval process, which involves peer review and assessment against the specified criteria. Section 14 details the reporting requirements, including the submission of progress reports, end-of-year reports, a final report, and an audited financial statement. These reporting obligations ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds. Any breaches of the Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 may result in significant consequences. Section 15 underscores the importance of adhering to ethical and research practices, applicable law, and confidentiality requirements. Failure to comply with these provisions can lead to the termination of funding and may result in legal action. Additionally, providing incomplete or misleading information during the application process (Section 15) can lead to disqualification from the scheme. The maximum penalties for breaches are not explicitly stated in the explanatory statement, but they could include financial penalties, the recovery of funds, and exclusion from future funding opportunities. The rules also incorporate by reference several codes and statements, such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, which further outline the standards and expectations for ethical conduct and intellectual property management.