Grant Guidelines for the Linkage Program (2018)

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2018L01532 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 Linkage Program—2018 edition

Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP)

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education

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

Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP)

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 Linkage Program of the National Competitive Grants Program. The Linkage Program supports the growth of research partnerships between university-based researchers and researchers in other sectors in Australia and overseas for projects that generate new knowledge, technologies and innovations.

These Grant Guidelines contain information on the ITRP which comprises two grant opportunities: Industrial Transformation Research Hubs (Research Hubs); and Industrial Transformation Training Centres (Training Centres).

The ITRP encourages and supports university-based researchers and industry to work together to find solutions to a range of strategic priorities facing Australian industries.

 

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Linkage Program—2018 edition—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP)

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 Linkage Program—2018 edition—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP)

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 the Linkage Program—2018 edition—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) were approved by the Minister for Education, Hon Dan Tehan MP, on 16 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 Linkage Program—2018 edition—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) 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 Linkage Program—2018 edition—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP), 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 Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) was enacted to establish the Australian Research Council (ARC) and provide a framework for the funding of research in Australia. The Act aims to foster research excellence and innovation by supporting partnerships between university-based researchers and industry. The Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Linkage Program—2018 edition—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP), approved by the Minister for Education, Hon Dan Tehan MP, on 16 September 2018, provide specific rules for the allocation and management of grants under the Linkage Program. These guidelines outline the eligibility criteria, application process, assessment procedures, and accountability requirements for grant applicants, ensuring consistency with the funding cap and split determinations. The guidelines also incorporate various policies and principles, including research integrity, intellectual property management, and ethical conduct, to ensure that funded research adheres to high standards.

Scope and Application

The Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Linkage Program—2018 edition—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP), made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, apply to organisations and researchers seeking funding for collaborative projects that aim to generate new knowledge, technologies, and innovations through partnerships between university-based researchers and industry. These Guidelines pertain to proposals under the Linkage Program, which supports research collaborations both within Australia and with international entities. The Guidelines outline eligibility criteria for applicants, detailing the types of organisations and research programmes that can receive assistance, and they provide comprehensive information on how to apply for financial assistance, the assessment process for proposal evaluation, the conditions under which funding approvals can be modified, and any additional accountability requirements deemed necessary by the ARC. These Guidelines take into account the funding caps and funding split determinations applicable to the relevant years. The Guidelines were approved by the Minister for Education on 16 September 2018 and incorporate various policies and guidelines related to research integrity, intellectual property, open access, and ethical conduct, among others. They are designed to reduce regulatory burdens on the higher education sector and have been assessed as low risk by relevant departments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Linkage Program—2018 edition—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) are those that specify the eligibility criteria, application process, assessment criteria, and funding variations. Section 59(2) of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 mandates that the guidelines must detail the eligibility criteria for proposals, including the types of organisations eligible and the research programs that can be funded. It also outlines how to apply for financial assistance, the assessment process for selecting proposals for funding, and the conditions under which funding approvals can be varied. These sections are crucial as they lay down the framework within which applicants must operate to be considered for funding. Furthermore, section 59(4) of the Act ensures that the guidelines are consistent with funding caps and splits, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints. The Grant Guidelines impose several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria specified in the guidelines, which include demonstrating the potential for industry transformation and collaboration with university-based researchers. Secondly, applicants must follow the application process meticulously, ensuring all required documentation and information are provided as per the guidelines. Thirdly, during the assessment process, applicants must adhere to the evaluation criteria, which assess the potential impact, feasibility, and innovation of the proposed research. Additionally, funded entities are required to comply with any additional accountability requirements, such as reporting on the progress and outcomes of the funded projects. These obligations ensure that the research is conducted in a manner that aligns with the objectives of the ITRP. Breach of the Grant Guidelines can lead to various consequences, including the potential withdrawal of funding, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. For example, if an applicant submits a proposal that does not meet the eligibility criteria or fails to adhere to the application process, the proposal may be rejected. More severe breaches, such as research misconduct or ethical violations, can result in the revocation of existing funding and legal action under the ARC Research Integrity and Research Misconduct Policy. The maximum penalties for such breaches are not explicitly stated in the Grant Guidelines but can be severe, given the importance of maintaining the integrity of the research funding process. Furthermore, failure to comply with ethical guidelines can lead to civil and criminal penalties under applicable laws, such as the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.

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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.