Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2013L00995 Rules Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

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

 

Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013

 

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research

 

Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001

  Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in                             2013

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 Industrial Transformation Research Program includes several elements; these Funding Rules specifically address one element, the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs, a scheme that will engage Australia’s best researchers in issues facing the new industrial economies and training the future workforce. This scheme will support collaborative research activity between the Australian higher education sector and industry designed to focus on strategic outcomes not independently realisable.

 

The Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme is funded under the Linkage Program of the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program.

 

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 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 Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 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 Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 were approved by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skill, Science and Research, Chris Emerson, on 16 May 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 (see section 13.1 of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
  • Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2013 (see section 9.2), available from (www.arc.gov.au)
  • National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see section 13.4 the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au).

 

 

 

 

Commencement

The Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 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 Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme and selection criteria.

 

Section 5 outlines the level of funding, restrictions on budget items, and types of research not supported.

 

Section 6 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility.  This includes eligible, collaborating and partner organisations.

 

Section 7 outlines roles and general eligibility for researchers and eligibility criteria for Chief Investigators and Partner Investigators.

 

Section 8 outlines number of proposals and cross-scheme eligibility

 

Section 9 deals with submission of proposals, closing time and conflict of interest

 

Section 10 outlines the assessment and selection process

 

Section 11 outlines the appeals process

 

Section 12 outlines reporting requirements including progress reports, end of year reports, final report and audited financial statement.

 

Section 13 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

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provides the legislative framework for the Australian Research Council (ARC), which aims to support research and training of the highest quality and impact in Australia. To implement its functions, the ARC requires funding rules to govern specific programs. One such program is the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme, which was introduced to address the need for collaborative research activities between the Australian higher education sector and industry, focusing on strategic outcomes that are not independently achievable. The Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013, approved by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, outline the eligibility criteria, application process, assessment criteria, and accountability requirements for the scheme. These rules are designed to be consistent with the funding cap and split determination for the applicable years and incorporate relevant ethical and intellectual property codes.

Scope and Application

The Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013, issued under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, apply specifically to entities engaged in collaborative research between the Australian higher education sector and industry, with a focus on strategic outcomes that cannot be achieved independently. These rules provide the framework for eligibility, application, assessment, and funding of proposals within the Industrial Transformation Research Program, which is part of the Linkage Program of the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program. Eligible organisations include eligible, collaborating, and partner entities, with specific roles and eligibility criteria for researchers, Chief Investigators, and Partner Investigators. The rules also detail the submission process, assessment criteria, and reporting requirements, ensuring that funded research adheres to ethical standards, applicable laws, and intellectual property regulations. The geographic reach of these rules is national, applying across Australia, and they incorporate by reference several codes and principles governing research conduct and intellectual property management. The rules were approved by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research and are subject to the funding cap and split determination for the applicable years.

Key Provisions

The Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013, as outlined in section 1, provide the specific guidelines and criteria for the funding of Industrial Transformation Research Hubs under the Australian Research Council Act 2001. These rules, which were approved by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, are designed to support collaborative research between the Australian higher education sector and industry, focusing on strategic outcomes that are not achievable independently. The rules detail eligibility criteria (section 4), application processes (section 9), assessment procedures (section 10), and reporting requirements (section 12), ensuring that the funding is used effectively to engage Australia's best researchers in issues facing the new industrial economies. Under these rules, eligible organisations (section 6) must meet specific criteria, such as being a registered Australian higher education institution or a research institution. These organisations must also demonstrate a collaborative approach with industry partners, as the scheme is intended to support research that benefits both sectors. Researchers involved in the proposals must meet certain eligibility criteria, including the roles of Chief Investigators and Partner Investigators (section 7). Additionally, the rules specify the types of research that are not supported, such as activities that are purely commercial or those that do not align with the strategic objectives of the scheme (section 5). The rules also include provisions for the submission of proposals, ensuring that they adhere to the specified deadlines and conflict of interest guidelines (section 9). The obligations imposed by the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules include adherence to ethical standards and responsible conduct of research, as stipulated by the NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007) and the NHMRC/ARC/UA National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). Researchers must ensure that their projects comply with applicable laws, maintain confidentiality where necessary, and manage intellectual property in accordance with the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research. Any incomplete or misleading information in the proposal submissions can lead to disqualification. Moreover, recipients of funding are required to submit regular progress reports, end-of-year reports, and a final report, along with an audited financial statement, to ensure transparency and accountability (section 12). Breaches of the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Funding Rules can lead to various consequences, including the potential revocation of funding and legal action. While the rules do not explicitly state penalties, the Act under which these rules are made provides for general penalties for breaches of legislative rules. Such breaches may also lead to civil or criminal consequences depending on the nature and severity of the infraction. The rules emphasise the importance of ethical conduct, proper management of intellectual property, and adherence to legal requirements, thereby underscoring the seriousness with which the Australian Research Council treats compliance with these provisions.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Funding & Grants Law
Instrument
Regulation
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations
Compliance Obligations

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

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.