Special Research Initiative for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 Variation (No. 1)

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001 was enacted to establish the Australian Research Council (ARC) and to provide a framework for the funding and assessment of research and research training. One of the objectives of the Act is to support research initiatives that address national priorities and contribute to the development of knowledge and skills in Australia. The Special Research Initiative for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 was introduced to address the need for a national collaborative network that would enhance the research capacity and capabilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. The initiative aims to build research capacity, mentor new researchers, and advance research in Indigenous Knowledge Systems. This initiative was approved by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research under section 60 of the Act, and a variation to the funding rules was subsequently approved on 20 April 2012, as per section 61 of the Act. The variation included adjustments to the key dates for the submission of proposals and requests not to assess.

Scope and Application

The Special Research Initiative for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 Variation (No.1), made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, establishes the framework for a national collaborative network aimed at enhancing research capacity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. This initiative, led by experienced Indigenous researchers, focuses on building research capacity, mentoring new researchers, and advancing research in Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The variation to these rules, approved under section 61 of the Act by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, specifically modifies key dates for the submission of proposals and requests not to assess, extending the deadlines from 27 April 2012 to 25 May 2012. This Act applies nationally, with the rules taking effect the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. There are no specific exclusions or thresholds mentioned in the text, and the scope of the Act is limited to the provisions outlined for the funding initiative.

Key Provisions

The Special Research Initiative for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 Variation (No.1) sets out specific provisions for a national collaborative network aimed at enhancing research capacity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. This initiative, led by experienced researchers, focuses on cross-disciplinary projects, mentoring, and advancing Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Section 11.3 specifies that proposals must be submitted by 5.00 pm (AEST) on a specified date, which was varied from 27 April 2012 to 25 May 2012. Additionally, the rules state that the online form completed within the Research Management System (RMS) must be submitted by the same time on the same date. The Act imposes various obligations on the entities and parties involved, including the submission of proposals by the specified deadline and the completion of the online form within the RMS. Researchers and institutions participating in this initiative are required to adhere to the stipulated timelines and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and on time. Compliance with these requirements is critical for eligibility to receive funding under this scheme. Breaching the provisions of these funding rules could result in administrative or procedural penalties, although the specific consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text. It is essential for participants to adhere to the deadlines and submission requirements to avoid any potential penalties or disqualification from the funding process. While the exact penalties are not specified, failure to comply with the rules could impact the entity's ability to secure funding and participate in the initiative.