EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
ARC Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
ARC Future Fellowships 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 Future Fellowships scheme was announced by the Australian Government in 2008 and was implemented to promote research in areas of critical national importance by giving outstanding researchers incentives to conduct their research in Australia. This round of Future Fellowships, totalling $135.3 million, will offer up to 150 four-year fellowships to mid-career researchers.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the ARC Future Fellowships 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 ARC Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 rules 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 ARC Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr, on
16 July 2013. No amendments have been made.
Documents incorporated by reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference:
- the NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007); the NHMRC/ARC/UA 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 for funding commencing in 2014, available from (www.arc.gov.au)
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Commencement
The ARC Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description
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 objectives of the ARC Future Fellowships scheme and selection criteria.
Section 5 outlines the level of funding, restrictions on budget items, and types of research not supported.
Section 6 outlines organisational types, roles, eligibility.
Section 7 outlines roles and eligibility for the Future Fellow.
Section 8 outlines the salary levels.
Section 9 outlines proposals including number of proposals and cross-scheme eligibility.
Section 10 outlines the submission of proposals in RMS, closing time for proposals and conflict of assessment.
Section 11 provides the selection and approval process.
Section 12 appeals process.
Section 13 outlines reporting requirements including end of year report and final report.
Section 14 outlines fundamental principles of conducting research including ethics and research practices, applicable law, confidentiality, intellectual property and incomplete or misleading information.
Appendix A: Eligible Organisations