Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Projects

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001 was enacted to establish the Australian Research Council and provide for the funding of research through competitive grants. The Act aims to foster partnerships between researchers and various sectors, including business, industry, community organisations, government, and other publicly funded research agencies. The 2024 edition of the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines for Linkage Projects under this Act outlines the framework for eligibility, application processes, assessment criteria, and other pertinent matters for grants. These guidelines were prepared by the ARC Board and approved by the Minister for Education, in accordance with section 58 and 59 of the Act, to facilitate the allocation of financial assistance to eligible organisations. The guidelines also aim to reduce regulatory burden on the higher education sector by coordinating with other relevant bodies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council. These provisions ensure that the Linkage Program remains effective in promoting collaborative research initiatives that benefit both the research community and broader society.

Scope and Application

The Grant Guidelines made under section 59 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 apply to entities and individuals involved in the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Projects, which are designed to foster partnerships between researchers and sectors such as business, industry, community organisations, government, and other publicly funded research agencies. These guidelines set out the eligibility criteria, application process, assessment process, and other relevant matters for grants of financial assistance under the Linkage Program of the Australian Research Council National Competitive Grants Program. The guidelines are applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and aim to promote partnerships that enhance the research capabilities and economic benefits derived from research activities. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the explanatory statement, though the incorporated policies and guidelines such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the NHMRC’s guidelines on Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities, among others, provide additional regulatory parameters. The Guidelines are subject to extension and restriction through subordinate instruments as necessary, ensuring alignment with overarching policies and objectives.

Key Provisions

The main sections of these Grant Guidelines (sections 58 and 59) establish the framework for the approval and administration of grants under the Linkage Program of the Australian Research Council (ARC). Section 58 mandates that the ARC Board prepares Grant Guidelines for Linkage Projects, which must be approved by the Minister under section 59. These Guidelines outline the eligibility criteria for grant applicants, the application process, the assessment criteria, and other relevant matters deemed appropriate by the Board. The Guidelines incorporate by reference several other documents, including the ARC Medical Research Policy, the ARC Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Policy, and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, among others. These Grant Guidelines impose specific obligations on applicants and the ARC. For applicants, the key obligations include meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting a complete and compliant application, and adhering to the assessment process outlined in the Guidelines. The ARC, on the other hand, is responsible for ensuring the Guidelines are followed, managing the application and assessment process, and making funding decisions based on the criteria and policies specified. Both parties must comply with the incorporated policies and guidelines, which cover areas such as conflict of interest, research integrity, and ethical conduct. The Grant Guidelines do not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, non-compliance with the incorporated policies, such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research or the ARC Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Policy, could lead to disciplinary actions by the relevant institutions or funding bodies. The Guidelines themselves are designed to ensure a fair and transparent process, and any failure to adhere to these provisions could result in the application being rejected or the grant being revoked if awarded. The broader policies and codes incorporated by reference may have their own enforcement mechanisms and penalties, which would apply in cases of non-compliance.