Grant Guidelines for the Discovery Program (2018)

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2018L01531 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

 

 

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

Grant Guidelines made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001

Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education

Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001— Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition

Authority

Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister must approve ARC Grant Guidelines. 

Purpose and effect

The instrument is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003 (the LA). These Grant Guidelines relate to schemes funded under the Discovery Program of the 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 particular, these rules relate to the Australian Laureates Fellowships scheme, the Future Fellowships scheme, the Discovery Early Career Research Awards scheme, the Discovery Indigenous scheme and the Discovery Projects scheme.

 

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition

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 programme 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 Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition

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 Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition were approved by the Minister for Education, Hon Dan Tehan MP, on 13 September 2018.

Documents incorporated by reference                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The following documents are incorporated by reference:

  • the ARC Research Integrity and Research Misconduct Policy (2016);
  • the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (2017);
  • the ARC Open Access Policy (2017);
  • the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018);
  • as applicable, the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (updated July 2018);
  • as applicable, NHMRC Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders (2018);
  • as applicable, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (2012);
  • as applicable, Australia Council for the Arts Protocols for Producing Indigenous Australian Music; Writing; Visual Arts; Media Arts; and Performing Arts (2007); and
  • as applicable, the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (2013).

 

 

Commencement

The Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. 

 

The provisions include;

These Guidelines contain information relating to the Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition, this includes: grant amount, eligibility, assessment criteria, application process and delivery or grant activities.

Consultation

The ARC consulted with the Department of Finance and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and they have determined the Grant Guidelines as low risk.

 

Regulatory Impact Statement

These Grant Guidelines include a number of measures that reduce regulatory burden on the higher education sector. This includes coordination with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to produce a timeline that minimises the burden on the sector in relation to preparation and submission of proposals

 

Statement of compatibility with human rights

Section 9(1) of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 requires the rule maker in relation to a legislative instrument to which section 42 (disallowance) of the LA applies to cause a statement of compatibility to be prepared in respect of that legislative instrument.

The legislative instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms. It is compatible with human rights, as it does not raise any human rights issues.

 

Overview

The Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition, issued under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, were approved by the Minister for Education, Hon Dan Tehan MP, on 13 September 2018. These guidelines are designed to regulate the grant schemes that support Australia’s research and innovation capacity by providing financial assistance for various research programs, including Australian Laureates Fellowships, Future Fellowships, Discovery Early Career Research Awards, the Discovery Indigenous scheme, and the Discovery Projects scheme. The guidelines establish criteria for eligibility, application processes, assessment procedures, and accountability requirements to ensure the effective and efficient distribution of grants. They are intended to facilitate the growth of new knowledge, technologies, products, and ideas, thereby contributing to economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Australia. The guidelines are consistent with the funding cap and funding split determinations for the applicable years, and they take into account relevant policies and ethical standards to maintain research integrity and responsible conduct.

Scope and Application

The Grant Guidelines made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 apply to entities and individuals seeking financial assistance for research projects under the Discovery Program. This program encompasses several specific schemes, including the Australian Laureates Fellowships, Future Fellowships, Discovery Early Career Research Awards, Discovery Indigenous, and Discovery Projects. These guidelines are designed to ensure that applicants meet the eligibility criteria, understand the application process, and adhere to the assessment and accountability requirements set forth by the Australian Research Council (ARC). The guidelines are intended to foster research and innovation that contribute to Australia's research capacity, economic growth, and quality of life. The guidelines also incorporate various policies and ethical standards that applicants must consider during the research process. Geographically, the application of these guidelines extends across Australia, as they pertain to the national competitive grants program managed by the ARC. The guidelines account for the annual funding cap and split, ensuring that the allocation of funds aligns with the strategic objectives of the Discovery Program. The guidelines were approved by the Minister for Education and came into effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. The guidelines include measures to reduce regulatory burden, coordinated with other research bodies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), to streamline the proposal preparation and submission process. The guidelines are also compatible with human rights, as they do not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms and do not raise any human rights issues.

Key Provisions

The Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Discovery Program—2018 edition, as outlined in sections (a) through (e), provide comprehensive guidelines for the eligibility criteria, application process, assessment procedure, funding variation, and additional accountability requirements for financial assistance under the Discovery Program. These guidelines ensure that proposals meet specific criteria, such as the type of organisation and research program, and detail how applicants can apply for funding, how their applications will be evaluated, and under what circumstances funding approvals might be altered. The guidelines also incorporate additional accountability measures deemed necessary by the ARC. Moreover, the guidelines are consistent with the funding cap and funding split determination for the applicable years. Entities and parties governed by these guidelines must adhere to the eligibility criteria, application process, and assessment criteria detailed within the Grant Guidelines. They must ensure that their research proposals align with the specified criteria and follow the outlined application process. Additionally, they must be prepared to provide any additional information or documentation required to meet the accountability standards set forth by the ARC. The entities must also comply with the incorporated policies and guidelines, such as the ARC Research Integrity and Research Misconduct Policy, the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management, and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, among others. Breaches of the Grant Guidelines may result in various consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the explanatory statement, non-compliance with the guidelines could lead to the rejection of funding applications, the revocation of existing funding approvals, or other administrative actions deemed necessary by the ARC. Furthermore, failure to adhere to the incorporated policies and guidelines could result in additional sanctions, such as investigations into research misconduct, intellectual property disputes, or ethical violations. These consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the Grant Guidelines and the incorporated policies and guidelines.

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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.