EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Special Research Initiatives
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Special Research Initiatives Funding Rules for funding commencing in
2011
Authority
Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research must approve ARC funding rules.
Purpose and effect
Special Research Initiatives is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. The Special Research Initiatives Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 sets out the eligibility and accountability requirements and other relevant matters for research programs which may be funded under this scheme. The scheme supports high-quality research which will assist in advancing Australia’s research excellence to be globally competitive and deliver benefits to the community which are approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Special Research Initiatives Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 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 Board thinks desirable.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Special Research Initiatives Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011, the 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 Special Research Initiatives Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, on
28 April 2010. No amendments have been made.
Commencement
The Special Research Initiatives Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
Likely impact and effect
These Funding Rules provide the key criteria and requirements for proposals for, and the allocation and administration of, funding under the Special Research Initiatives scheme for projects where funding will commence in 2011.
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 interpretations of the definitions.
Section 4 provides an overview and outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and the Special Research Initiatives scheme, and the fundamental principles and requirements, including ethics and research practice, non-duplication, conflict of interest, acknowledging ARC support and dissemination of research outputs.
Section 5 outlines changes from last year.
Section 6 outlines the level and period of funding, types of research supported, restrictions on budget items, areas of investigation/work not supported, and the number of proposals and funded projects.
Section 7 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility, including eligible and partner organisations.
Section 8 outlines roles and general eligibility for researchers.
Section 9 outlines cross-scheme issues relating to funding, eligibility, and funding of medical and dental research.
Section 10 deals with the application process, including eligibility exemption and eligibility ruling process, proposals, certification and submission of proposals.
Section 11 outlines the selection and approval process, including selection criteria, assessment and selection procedure and offer of funding.
Section 12 deals with the appeals process.
Section 13 deals with the administration of funding, including the Funding Agreement, varying the Funding Agreement or Funding Approval, and reporting.
Section 14 refers to other relevant matters, including applicable law, confidentiality, project description, intellectual property, incomplete or misleading information, and insurance and liabilities.
There are three appendices:
Appendix 1—Eligible Organisations
Appendix 2—Particular SRI initiatives undertaken under these Funding Rules
Appendix 3—Investigator types, roles and eligibility