EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Industrial Transformation Training Centres Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Industrial Transformation Training Centres 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
4.1.1 The Industrial Transformation Research Program includes several elements; these Funding Rules specifically address one element, the Industrial Transformation Training Centres, a scheme that fosters close partnerships between university-based researchers and other research end-users to provide innovative Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and postdoctoral training for the end-user focused research industries vital to Australia’s future.
The Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme is funded under the Linkage Program of the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP).
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Industrial Transformation Training Centres 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 Industrial Transformation Training Centres 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 Industrial Transformation Training Centres Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2014
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 14.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2014 (see section 10.2), available from (www.arc.gov.au)
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see section 14.4 the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Commencement
The Industrial Transformation Training Centres 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 Industrial Transformation Training Centres 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 the roles and eligibility.
Section 9 outlines the submission of proposals, cross-scheme eligibility
Section 10 deals with submission of proposals, closing time and conflict of interest.
Section 11 outlines the assessment and selection process
Section 12 outlines the appeals process
Section 13 outlines reporting requirements including progress reports, end of year reports, final report and audited financial statement.
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