Linkage Program (2019 edition) Linkage Projects

Overview

The Grant Guidelines made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act) concern the Linkage Program 2019—Linkage Projects for funding commencing in 2020. These guidelines, issued by the Minister for Education, outline the rules for eligibility, application processes, assessment criteria, and variations in funding approvals for research projects supported through the Linkage Program. This program aims to foster partnerships between university-based researchers and entities in other sectors to generate new knowledge, technologies, and innovations. The guidelines were approved by the Minister on 20 September 2019 and are intended to be consistent with the funding cap and split determinations for the applicable years. They incorporate various policies and codes related to research integrity, intellectual property management, and ethical conduct. The guidelines also include measures to reduce regulatory burdens on the higher education sector, as determined through consultation with relevant departments. The guidelines are compatible with human rights as they do not raise any related issues.

Scope and Application

The Grant Guidelines made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 apply specifically to the Linkage Program 2019—Linkage Projects, which are designed to fund research projects that commence in 2020. These Guidelines are intended to provide clarity and direction for eligible applicants, which include Australian higher education institutions, researchers, and eligible non-higher education organisations, on how to apply for and potentially receive funding for research projects. These projects must demonstrate a partnership between university-based researchers and entities in other sectors, aiming to generate new knowledge, technologies, and innovations. The Guidelines outline the eligibility criteria, the application process, the assessment criteria for evaluating proposals, the conditions under which funding may be varied, and additional accountability requirements that the Australian Research Council may impose. These Guidelines are applicable nationally, as they fall under the Commonwealth jurisdiction. While the Guidelines themselves do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, they do incorporate by reference several policies and guidelines that may impose specific conditions or limitations on the types of research activities that can be funded or on the ethical conduct of research. The application and interpretation of these Guidelines may be further refined or extended through subordinate instruments, such as specific funding rules or operational policies issued by the Australian Research Council.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Grant Guidelines made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) pertain to the eligibility criteria for proposals seeking financial assistance under the Linkage Program 2019, particularly for Linkage Projects that commence funding in 2020. Section 1 of the Guidelines outlines the eligibility criteria for applicants and the types of research programs that can receive funding, ensuring that proposals come from eligible organisations and address relevant research areas. Section 2 provides details on how to apply for financial assistance, including the necessary documentation and submission process. Section 3 describes the assessment process, which includes the criteria and procedures for evaluating proposals to decide which ones will be recommended for funding. Section 4 details the ways in which funding approvals may be varied, including the conditions under which adjustments can be made to the original funding agreement. Section 5 specifies additional accountability requirements that the Australian Research Council (ARC) deems necessary, ensuring transparency and adherence to research standards. The obligations and requirements imposed by these Grant Guidelines on parties or entities governed by them are multifaceted. Firstly, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria specified in Section 1, which includes demonstrating that they are from an eligible organisation and that their proposed research aligns with the program's objectives. Secondly, they must adhere to the application process outlined in Section 2, ensuring that all required documentation is complete and submitted within the specified timeframe. Once approved, the recipients of funding must comply with the assessment criteria and processes detailed in Section 3, which includes the submission of regular progress reports and final deliverables as stipulated in the funding agreement. Additionally, the Guidelines in Section 4 require recipients to be aware of the conditions under which their funding may be varied, and to adjust their activities accordingly. Finally, Section 5 imposes accountability requirements, including adherence to policies on research integrity, intellectual property management, and ethical conduct, as referenced in the incorporated documents. The Grant Guidelines also establish consequences for non-compliance and breaches of the outlined provisions. While the Explanatory Statement does not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties within the Guidelines themselves, it does reference the broader legislative framework under which the Guidelines operate. Under the Australian Research Council Act 2001, non-compliance with the Grant Guidelines or the misuse of funds could potentially lead to civil or criminal liability. The penalties for breaches of research integrity, misconduct, or ethical violations can be severe, including fines and potential legal action against both individuals and organisations. It is also important to note that failure to comply with the incorporated policies, such as the ARC Research Integrity and Research Misconduct Policy or the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, could result in sanctions ranging from formal reprimands to the revocation of funding and disqualification from future funding opportunities. These measures ensure that the research funded under the Linkage Program adheres to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.