Linkage Program (2019 edition) Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP)

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2019L01371 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 2019— 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 2019— 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 a scheme funded under the Linkage Program 2019— Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP).

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 the scheme under the Linkage Program 2019— Industrial Transformation Research Program for funding commencing in 2020 contains:

(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 the scheme under the Linkage Program Linkage Program 2019— Industrial Transformation Research Program 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 scheme under the Linkage Program 2019— Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) were approved by the Minister for Education, Hon Dan Tehan MP, on 20 September 2019.


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 the scheme under the Linkage Program 2019— 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 the scheme under the Linkage Program 2019— 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, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, addresses the need for a structured framework governing the allocation of research grants by the Australian Research Council (ARC). This Act aims to ensure that research funding supports high-quality research outcomes, fostering innovation and knowledge generation within Australia. The policy objective is to facilitate partnerships between university-based researchers and industry to solve strategic challenges facing Australian industries. The Grant Guidelines issued under section 60 of the Act, approved by the Minister for Education on 20 September 2019, outline the eligibility criteria, application processes, assessment criteria, and accountability requirements for funding schemes such as the Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP). These guidelines aim to streamline the grant application process and reduce regulatory burdens on the higher education sector while ensuring alignment with national research integrity and ethical standards.

Scope and Application

The Grant Guidelines under the Australian Research Council Act 2001, specifically for the Linkage Program 2019—Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP), apply to entities and individuals who seek funding for research projects that aim to foster collaboration between university-based researchers and industry partners in Australia and overseas. The guidelines are designed to support research partnerships that generate new knowledge, technologies, and innovations. These Guidelines cover two main grant opportunities within the ITRP: Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Industrial Transformation Training Centres. They provide detailed information on eligibility criteria, application processes, assessment procedures, and accountability requirements for grant applicants. The geographic reach of these Guidelines is national, as they are applicable across all Australian states and territories, aiming to enhance research capabilities and partnerships across different sectors. The Guidelines also incorporate several policies and codes by reference, ensuring compliance with research integrity, intellectual property management, and ethical standards. The application of these Guidelines is approved by the Minister for Education and comes into effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Grant Guidelines, established under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act), pertain to the eligibility criteria for proposals seeking financial assistance (section 59(2)(a)), the application process for such assistance (section 59(2)(b)), the assessment process to determine which proposals will be recommended for approval (section 59(2)(c)), the circumstances under which a funding approval may be varied (section 59(2)(d)), and any additional accountability requirements deemed necessary by the Australian Research Council (ARC) (section 59(2)(e)). These provisions collectively ensure that the Linkage Program 2019— Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) operates within a structured and transparent framework. The obligations imposed on parties by these Grant Guidelines include meeting the specified eligibility criteria for both the organisations that may receive assistance and the types of research programs eligible for funding. Additionally, applicants must adhere to the outlined application process, which includes providing detailed information and supporting documentation to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of their proposals. Furthermore, the Guidelines require applicants to comply with the assessment process, which involves peer review and evaluation based on established criteria such as the significance, innovation, and feasibility of the proposed research. These obligations are designed to ensure that funding is awarded to the most deserving and impactful research projects. In terms of penalties and consequences for non-compliance, the Grant Guidelines do not explicitly outline specific penalties within the text. However, failure to adhere to the eligibility criteria, application process, or assessment process could result in the rejection of a proposal, which is a significant consequence for applicants. Moreover, if a funding approval is granted and subsequently found to be based on fraudulent or misleading information, the ARC may revoke the funding and impose additional accountability measures. These measures could include the requirement to return any funds already disbursed, disqualification from future funding opportunities, and potential legal action. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of compliance with the Grant Guidelines.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Technology Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Regulatory Standards
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

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.