EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme 2016—Future Fellowships
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education and Education
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001—Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme 2016—Future Fellowships
Authority
Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister must approve ARC funding rules.
Purpose and effect
These Funding Rules relate to the Future Fellowships for funding commencing in 2016 funded under the Discovery Programme of the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program. The Discovery Program supports the growth of Australia’s research and innovation capacity, which generates new knowledge resulting in the development of new technologies, products and ideas, the creation of jobs, economic growth and an enhanced quality of life in Australia.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme 2016—Future Fellowships 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 (4) of the Act, the Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme 2016—Future Fellowships 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 Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme 2016—Future Fellowships were approved by the Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, on 23 January 2016. No amendments have been made.
Documents incorporated by reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference:
- NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007);
- NHMRC/ARC/UA National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
(2007, updated 2015);
- NHMRC Values and Ethics: Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (2003);
- Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (2012);
- Australia Council for the Arts Indigenous Cultural Protocols for Producing Indigenous Music, Writing, Visual Arts, Media Arts and Performing Arts (2007);
- Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013) endorsed by the NHMRC, the ARC, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and UA; and
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, available from (www.arc.gov.au).
Commencement
The Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme 2016—Future Fellowships shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
The provisions include;
Part A – Provides general rules for the schemes under the Discovery Programme which includes;
- Name of Funding Rules
- Commencement
- Definitions
- Introduction
- Funding
- General Eligibility requirements
- Submission of proposals
- Selection and approval process
- Appeals process
- Reporting requirements
- Fundamental principles of conducting research
- Eligible Organisations
Part B – Provides scheme specific rules for Discovery Programme 2016—Future Fellowships for funding commencing in 2014 which includes;
- Interpretation
- Additional Definitions for Part B
- Introduction to Future Fellowships
- Funding
- Host Organisations
- Scheme specific eligibility requirements
Overview
The Australian Research Council Act 2001, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, is designed to support and facilitate research and innovation within Australia. The Act establishes the Australian Research Council (ARC) as the principal advisory body for the Australian Government on research and training matters, with a focus on promoting excellence in research and its application. One of the key mechanisms through which the Act operates is by prescribing funding rules for various research schemes, including the Discovery Programme, which aims to enhance Australia’s research and innovation capacity. The explanatory statement for the Funding Rules for schemes under the Discovery Programme 2016—Future Fellowships clarifies that these rules, approved by the Minister for Education and Training on 23 January 2016, provide detailed guidelines on eligibility criteria, application processes, assessment methods, and accountability requirements. These rules are integral to ensuring that the funding supports high-quality research that contributes to new knowledge, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life in Australia.
Scope and Application
The F2016L00225 Funding Rules, made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, are specifically designed for the Future Fellowships within the Discovery Programme, which is part of the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. These rules apply to individuals or entities seeking funding for research projects that align with the objectives of enhancing Australia's research and innovation capacity. The rules set out the eligibility criteria for applicants, the process for submitting and assessing proposals, the conditions for funding approvals, and additional accountability requirements. These rules are applicable to entities that meet the eligibility criteria, such as eligible organisations including universities, public research institutions, and approved non-eligible organisations. The geographic reach of these rules is national, as they apply to research projects conducted anywhere within Australia. The rules do not explicitly state exclusions, but they do take into account the funding cap and funding split determination for the applicable years, ensuring consistency with broader financial constraints and priorities. The rules may be further extended or specified through subordinate instruments, allowing for adjustments to accommodate changes in policy or operational requirements.
Key Provisions
The Funding Rules, established under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, govern the Future Fellowships within the Discovery Programme for 2016. These rules are designed to support Australia's research and innovation capacity, aiming to develop new technologies, products, and ideas, thereby contributing to economic growth and enhancing the quality of life (subsection 59(2)). The rules specify eligibility criteria, the application process, assessment criteria, and the circumstances under which funding approvals can be varied (subsection 59(4)). The rules also incorporate various ethical guidelines, including the NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
The obligations imposed by these rules include meeting specific eligibility criteria for both organisations and research programs. Eligible organisations must be capable of managing the awarded funds and conducting high-quality research. Researchers must also adhere to ethical standards and guidelines as stipulated by the incorporated documents. Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format, and the selection process is rigorous, involving peer review to ensure that only the most promising research proposals are approved. Additionally, there are requirements for reporting and maintaining accountability, ensuring that the funds are used appropriately and the research objectives are met.
Breaches of these Funding Rules can lead to serious consequences. The Act does not specify maximum penalties within the rules themselves, but violations can result in the revocation of funding, legal action, and reputational damage. Organisations found to have breached the ethical guidelines may face additional scrutiny and potential sanctions from relevant authorities. It is crucial for both applicants and host organisations to comply with these rules to avoid any adverse outcomes and to ensure continued support for their research initiatives.