Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001, enacted to promote high-quality research and innovation in Australia, introduced the need for clear funding rules to govern the allocation of research grants. Under the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 were established to provide a comprehensive framework for the Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities scheme. These rules detail eligibility criteria, application procedures, assessment processes, and accountability requirements, ensuring that funding is awarded to eligible organisations for research infrastructure, equipment, and facilities that support high-quality research projects. The rules were approved by Senator the Hon Kim Carr on 8 December 2011 and are compatible with human rights as recognised in international instruments. The primary objective of these rules is to facilitate the efficient and effective distribution of funds, maintaining consistency with funding caps and splits determined for the applicable years.

Scope and Application

The Funding Rules apply to entities eligible for funding under the Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities scheme of the Australian Research Council (ARC), which includes eligible organisations such as Australian research institutions, industry entities, and other eligible public or private organisations that intend to use the funding for research infrastructure, equipment, and facilities to support high-quality research projects. These rules set out the eligibility criteria, application processes, assessment methods, accountability requirements, and other relevant matters for research programs that may be funded under this scheme. The geographic scope of these rules is national, as they apply across Australia under the Commonwealth authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. The rules do not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but they do detail specific eligibility criteria that proposals must meet to be considered for funding. The rules are consistent with the funding cap and funding split determination for the relevant years, and they incorporate by reference other relevant documents such as the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2013 (referred to as the Funding Rules) detail the criteria and processes for funding applications, assessments, and approvals under the scheme. Section 4 sets out the objectives of the scheme, focusing on providing funding to eligible organisations for research infrastructure, equipment, and facilities to support high-quality research projects (section 4). Section 5 specifies the level of funding available, restrictions on budget items, and types of research not supported (section 5). Section 6 outlines the types of organisations eligible to apply for funding, including eligible, collaborating, and partner organisations (section 6). Section 7 details the eligibility criteria for researchers, including Chief Investigators and Partner Investigators (section 7). Section 9 provides instructions on how to submit proposals, including content, format, submission process, and deadlines (section 9). Section 10 describes the selection and approval process, including assessment criteria and the role of the Australian Research Council (ARC) (section 10). The Funding Rules impose several obligations and requirements on the parties and entities they govern. Firstly, eligible organisations must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for funding (section 6). These criteria include the type of organisation and the nature of the research program. Researchers, particularly Chief Investigators and Partner Investigators, must also meet specific eligibility criteria, including qualifications and experience (section 7). Organisations must adhere to the proposal submission guidelines, including content, format, and submission deadlines (section 9). Additionally, funded organisations must comply with the reporting requirements, including submitting progress reports, end-of-year reports, and final reports (section 12). The ARC is responsible for assessing applications, making funding decisions, and monitoring funded projects to ensure compliance with the scheme's objectives and conditions. The Funding Rules establish various offences, penalties, and consequences for breaches. While the rules do not explicitly state maximum penalties, breaches of the rules can lead to the revocation of funding, which can have significant financial and reputational consequences for the organisations involved. Non-compliance with ethical standards, such as failing to adhere to the Joint NHMRC/AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice, can result in disciplinary actions, including the suspension or termination of funding (section 13). Additionally, organisations must comply with intellectual property management principles and confidentiality requirements, failure to do so can lead to legal actions and financial penalties (section 13). The ARC retains the authority to investigate breaches and take appropriate action to enforce the rules and ensure the integrity of the funding scheme.