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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS For schemes under the Linkage Program for the years 2014 – 2016 Version 2 Release date: 23 September 2014 These Frequently Asked Questions apply to the following schemes: Industrial Transformation Research Hubs for funding commencing in 2014 (IH14) Industrial Transformation Training Centres for funding commencing in 2015 (IC15) Linkage Projects for funding commencing in 2015 (LP15) Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities for funding commencing in 2016 (LE16) All Participants should read the Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for the years 2014–2016—Industrial Transformation Research Hubs, Industrial Transformation Training Centres, Linkage Projects and Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (referred to as the Funding Rules) in conjunction with the relevant scheme-specific section. The scheme specific ‘Instructions to Applicants’ documents also contain important information for Research Office staff and individual Participants preparing proposals. The Australian Research Council (ARC) does not respond to queries from individual Participants. Individual Participants should direct all queries regarding ARC funding schemes to their Administering Organisation’s Research Office (or equivalent). If further information regarding the scheme is required, the Research Office should contact the relevant scheme: Linkage Projects: [email protected] Page 1 of 36

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Page 1: LP15 Frequently Asked · Web viewFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS For schemes under the Linkage Program for the years 2014 – 2016 Version 2 Release date: 23 September 2014 These Frequently

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSFor schemes under the Linkage Program for the years

2014 – 2016

Version 2 Release date: 23 September 2014

These Frequently Asked Questions apply to the following schemes:

Industrial Transformation Research Hubs for funding commencing in 2014 (IH14) Industrial Transformation Training Centres for funding commencing in 2015 (IC15) Linkage Projects for funding commencing in 2015 (LP15) Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities for funding commencing in 2016 (LE16)

All Participants should read the Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for the years 2014–2016—Industrial Transformation Research Hubs, Industrial Transformation Training Centres, Linkage Projects and Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (referred to as the Funding Rules) in conjunction with the relevant scheme-specific section. The scheme specific ‘Instructions to Applicants’ documents also contain important information for Research Office staff and individual Participants preparing proposals.

The Australian Research Council (ARC) does not respond to queries from individual Participants. Individual Participants should direct all queries regarding ARC funding schemes to their Administering Organisation’s Research Office (or equivalent). If further information regarding the scheme is required, the Research Office should contact the relevant scheme:

Linkage Projects: [email protected]

Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities: [email protected]

Industrial Transformation Training Centres: [email protected]

Industrial Transformation Research Hubs: [email protected]

Information regarding the Research Management System (RMS) is available at www.arc.gov.au/rms-information , or by contacting [email protected] for assistance.

As soon as information regarding important scheme dates becomes available, the ARC website will be updated at www.arc.gov.au/important-dates . The ARC will also notify the Research Administrators’ Network of any updates via an email message.

This Frequently Asked Questions document will be updated as required. Details of any amendments will be appended to this document.

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Table of Contents

Part A – Frequently Asked Questions applicable to all schemes under the Linkage Program......................3

1. Submission requirements............................................................................................................3

2. Personnel.....................................................................................................................................6

3. Partner Organisations..................................................................................................................9

4. Budget.......................................................................................................................................15

5. Medical and dental research.....................................................................................................17

Part B – Frequently Asked Questions for the Industrial Transformation Research Program for funding commencing in 2014-2015......................................................................................................................18

6. Program specific FAQs for schemes under the Industrial Transformation Research Program. .18

Part C – Frequently Asked Questions for the Industrial Transformation Training Centres for funding commencing in 2015...............................................................................................................................20

7. Scheme specific FAQs for the Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme...................20

Part D – Frequently Asked Questions for the Linkage Projects scheme for funding commencing in 2015..21

8. Personnel...................................................................................................................................21

9. Partner Organisations................................................................................................................22

Part E – Frequently Asked Questions for the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme for funding commencing in 2016..................................................................................................................24

Part F – Changes to Document……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25

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Part A – Frequently Asked Questions applicable to all schemes under the Linkage Program

1. Submission requirements1.1 What is the submission deadline for Proposals under the Linkage Program?

Submission dates differ across schemes. See the Important Dates page on the ARC website: http://www.arc.gov.au/important-dates. As soon as dates are available for a particular scheme, the Important Dates page will be updated.

1.2 What is an Administering Organisation?

The Administering Organisation is the Eligible Organisation which submits the Proposal to the ARC, usually a university which submits the Proposal through its Research Office. The Administering Organisation must demonstrate a significant contribution of cash, in-kind or other material resources to the Project.

Please see Subsection A9.1 and Section A17 of the Funding Rules for further information and a list of Eligible Organisations.

1.3 What does an Administering Organisation have to certify in the Proposal?

The full Proposal certification text for each scheme will be available in the relevant sample application forms at http://www.arc.gov.au/sample-application-form as each scheme opens for Proposals. All Administering Organisation Research Offices are advised to familiarise themselves with this certification text in order to adequately prepare Proposals. Please also see Subsection A12.4 of the Funding Rules for the certification of Proposals.

1.4 Can I make changes to my Proposal once it has been submitted and the deadline for applications has passed?

No. Proposals may be withdrawn (please see Subsection A12.3.3 of the Funding Rules for further information on withdrawal deadlines), however deletions and modifications will not be accepted after submission unless invited by the ARC.

1.5 I am worried that the graphs and diagrams will not be clear after my Proposal has been scanned. How much attention should I pay to PDF resolution?

Due to potentially low resolution within PDFs, the reproduction of fine graphics may not be optimal. In completing the application form, the ARC recommends that PDFs be directly generated rather than scanned to maximise the quality of reproduction. Colour graphs, colour photographs, finely detailed graphics and grey scale are permitted but Participants should be aware that proposals may be reproduced in black and white during the assessment process. It is unwise to include coloured graphs or graphs that may not reproduce well.

1.6 Can an applicant include impact factors and citation counts in their proposal under Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence (ROPE)?

In addressing questions under Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence (ROPE), applicants must observe the requirements outlined in the current Funding Rules and the Instructions to Applicants. In justifying the impact or significance of each publication, each applicant should decide

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what information is to be included in these sections to best support the selection criteria, while observing eligibility issues such as formatting, word and page limits. Information such as citations, impact factors and/or public recognition may be included.

1.7 I hold a number of ARC funded Projects, but am unsure for which I need to provide a ‘Statement on Progress’ within the Proposal.

For each Participant on an IH14, IC15 or LP15 Proposal, please attach a statement detailing progress for each ARC Project/Award/Fellowship involving that Participant who has been awarded funding for 2013 under the ARC Discovery Projects, Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development, Discovery Indigenous, Discovery Early Career Researcher Award, Linkage Projects, or any ARC Fellowship schemes.

Please upload a PDF of no more than one A4 page for each funded Project stating the Project ID, the First named investigator (Project Leader) and the scheme, and detailing the progress of the Project.

For each Participant on an LE16 Proposal, please attach a statement detailing progress for each ARC Project involving that Participant who has been awarded funding for 2014 under the LIEF scheme.

Please upload a PDF of no more than one A4 page for each funded Project stating the Project ID and the First named investigator (Project Leader), and detailing the progress of the Project.

1.8 What information am I required to provide in relation to management of data in the Project Description?

In line with responsibilities outlined in the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research (2007) and international best practice, the ARC has updated wording in relation to the management of data.

The ARC does not mandate open data. However, researchers are encouraged to consider the ways in which they can best manage, store, disseminate and re-use data generated through ARC-funded research. The Project Description requires researchers to articulate briefly their plans for the management of data generated through the proposed Project. In answering this question researchers need not include extensive detail of the physical or technological infrastructure.

Answers should focus on plans to make data as openly accessible as possible for the purposes of verification and for the conduct of future research by others. Where it may not be appropriate for data to be disseminated or re-used, justification may be provided.

Further information and resources on managing data are available on the Australian National Data Service (ANDS) website at http://www.ands.org.au/.

1.9 Is it sufficient to answer the management of data section in the Project Description by noting that I will comply with my institution’s requirements?

No. Whilst the ARC recognises that some institutions may have infrastructure and/or processes in place for storing, managing and sharing data and that these are valuable resources, to take into account the differences that may exist between institutions, disciplines and research projects, researchers are encouraged to highlight specific plans for the management of their research data in this section.

The management of data section in the Project Description aims to encourage consideration of ARC-funded research data at both an individual and institutional level, in accordance with the responsibilities outlined in the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research (2007).

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Researchers, in consultation with their institutions, are best placed to consider the management and future potential of their research data. This approach allows individuals to take into account the differences that may exist between disciplines and research projects as well as to utilise the institutional resources and support available.

Details of compliance with institutional requirements should be included in this section, provided that they are supported by a description specific to the data arising from the individual research Project.

1.10 I have a current ARC Project that was approved for funding, but commencement was delayed and as a result there has been little progress to report. Do I still need to provide a ‘Statement on Progress’ within the Proposal submission?

Yes. If your Project received ARC funding in 2013 (for IH14, IC15 and LP15 Proposals) or 2014 (for LE16 Proposals), excluding carried forward funding, you must include a ‘Statement on Progress’ regardless of whether the Project received an approved ‘deferral to commencement’ or whether the Project was delayed.

1.11 Can a Proposal be submitted which has been unsuccessful in previous rounds?

Yes. An unsuccessful Proposal from a previous scheme under the Linkage Program round can be submitted in subsequent Linkage Program scheme rounds.

1.12 I have a Proposal that is currently under consideration for DP15, and upon review of the assessor’s comments I would like to submit the same (or similar) Proposal for a Linkage scheme. Am I allowed to submit a similar Proposal for a scheme under the Linkage Program if the outcomes of my DP Proposal are released prior to the closing date for submission of the Linkage scheme?

Yes. A Proposal for the same project can be submitted to more than one scheme (keeping in mind the limits on the number of ITRP Proposals as outlined in FAQ 6.6). If a Proposal is submitted to more than one ARC funding scheme, the relevant part of the Proposal form should be completed accordingly. This information should be recorded in the Proposal form. If both Proposals are successful you will be required to manage any potential financial duplication through an ARC-approved variation to the relevant Funding Agreement or by relinquishing one of the successful Projects.

Please note in accordance with section A6.1.4 of the Funding Rules, the ARC will not duplicate funding for research, including infrastructure, funded by the Commonwealth. Assessors also take into account criteria such as value for money and originality.

1.13 Can I include an ‘in-press’ publication in my reference list in my Proposal?

Publications can be listed in the ‘Publications’ section of a Proposal if they are ‘in press’ with an acceptance date (this must be provided).

If proposed publications are not yet ‘in press’ but are potentially significant, these could be referred to in other parts of the Personnel section of the Proposal such as details on your career and opportunities for research or further evidence in relation to research impact and contributions to the field.

1.14 In the Funding Rules, Section A10.1.3 states that I have to acknowledge significant contributions. What is a ‘significant contribution’ to the Proposal, and where do I have to include the acknowledgement in the Proposal?

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If someone who is not named as a Participant on the Proposal provides a significant contribution to the Proposal, they must be acknowledged in the Project Description section of the Proposal (Subsections A10.1.3 and A16.6.3). A significant contribution varies between discipline areas but generally if someone has provided input (such as an idea, or specific advice or guidance, or significant drafting of the Proposal) which has significantly influenced the content or design of the Project, they must be acknowledged by name in the Proposal.

1.15 Why does the ARC no longer require applicants to identify keywords within the Proposal? I thought the keywords were used to match the Proposal with appropriate assessors?

The Research Management System (RMS) has recently been upgraded to RMS 2.0. Part of the improved functionality allows keywords to be identified by the system by taking into account all of the words in the Project Description. These keywords, along with the Field of Research (FoR) codes selected by the applicant, are used to identify appropriate assessors for a Proposal.

2. Personnel2.1 Which participant (role) am I?

Your employment status is the main determinant of whether you are eligible for a Chief Investigator (CI) or Partner Investigator (PI) role. The difference between these roles is not related to your intended level of involvement or FTE in the Project. If you are unsure of your eligibility to be nominated as a CI or PI, please refer to Section A10 of the Funding Rules for further information and consult with your Administering Organisation’s Research Office. Please note that Hub Directors and Training Centre Directors must meet the eligibility requirements for a CI, and that the Funding Rules contain additional eligibility requirements for Hub Directors (B9.2) and Training Centre Directors (C9.2)

2.2 I hold an Emeritus or Adjunct appointment at an Eligible Organisation. Am I eligible to apply as a CI?

Holders of an Emeritus or Adjunct appointment may be eligible to apply as a CI, provided that they do not have a substantive paid position elsewhere (and assuming that they meet all other CI eligibility requirements). A ‘substantive paid position’ means a paid position that is 50 per cent of Full Time Equivalent (0.5 FTE) or more. Please see Subsection A10.2.1 of the Funding Rules.

2.3 I am employed full-time by an Eligible Organisation and hold an adjunct position elsewhere. Am I eligible to apply as a CI?

You are eligible to be a CI if you are an employee at one Eligible Organisation listed in A17 of the Funding Rules for at least half-time (0.5 FTE). This is not changed by your Adjunct appointment. Please refer to Subsection A10.2.1 of the Funding Rules.

2.4 I am employed full-time by another organisation not listed in Section A17 and also hold an Adjunct appointment at an Eligible Organisation. Am I eligible to apply as a CI?

If you are employed by another organisation not listed in Section A17 for 0.5 FTE or more and also hold an Adjunct appointment at an Eligible Organisation listed in Section A17, you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a CI as specified in Subsection A10.2.1 of the Funding Rules. However, you may be eligible as a PI. Please consult with your Administering Organisation’s Research Office.

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2.5 I am partially employed by an Eligible Organisation and another organisation (not listed in Section A17) and hold an Adjunct appointment at an Eligible Organisation. Am I eligible to apply as a CI?

In this instance, you must initially determine the following:

a) if you are an employee of an Eligible Organisation listed in Section A17 for at least half time (50 per cent of Full Time Equivalent) – you are eligible to be a CI; or

b) if you are a holder of an Emeritus, Adjunct or equivalent appointment at an Eligible Organisation listed in Section A17 and do not have a substantive paid position elsewhere of 0.5 FTE or more – you are eligible to be a CI; or

c) if you are a holder of an Emeritus, Adjunct or equivalent appointment at an Eligible Organisation listed in Section A17 and you hold a substantive paid position elsewhere that is 0.5 FTE or more (not at an Eligible Organisation listed in Section A17) – you are not eligible as a CI. However, you may be eligible as a PI (see Section A10.3 of the Funding Rules). Please consult with your Administering Organisation’s Research Office.

2.6 What is my ‘organisational affiliation’ for eligibility purposes for this Proposal?

This is the organisation that you will be associated with should the Proposal be successful, at the time of commencement of the Project and in line with your selected role. This may differ from your current organisation at the time the Proposal is submitted.

2.7 I am employed by two organisations, one of which is the Partner Organisation on the Proposal but the PO is not my primary employer. In terms of determining my ‘Organisational affiliation for eligibility purposes’, I understand that in the Proposal form, the organisational affiliation for PIs to be listed is generally the primary employer as at the commencement date of the Project, however, my primary employer is not a collaborating organisation on the Project. Could you please advise what organisation I should list for the ‘Organisational affiliation’ question in the Proposal?

A PI who has a role with a Partner Organisation should list their primary employer as at the Project commencement date at the ‘Organisation affiliation’ question in the Proposal. This is not necessarily the PO on the Proposal.

The PI must ensure that their 'Organisation Details' under 'Personal Details' in RMS (within the description field) are updated to reflect their current positions/roles at all organisations that they are affiliated with, so in the case above both their position with their primary employer and their position with the PO should be included. This information will be automatically populated into the Proposal form.

2.8 I hold a position at an Eligible Organisation, but will not reside in Australia for much of the duration of the Project. Am I still eligible to be a CI?

No. A CI must legally reside predominantly in Australia for the duration of the Project. Please see Subsection A10.2.4 of the Funding Rules.

2.9 I am a CI on a currently funded Project under the Linkage Program and intend to change my organisation and become a PI at the commencement of the new Proposal. If the Proposal is successful, how do I update my role on both Projects?

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a) Current Project – This is a post-award issue. Assuming your move is dependent upon the ‘new’ Proposal being successful, you will need to advise your Administering Organisation of your change in investigator role eligibility on your ‘current’ Project as soon as the move occurs. Your Administering Organisation will submit a ‘Variation of Funding Agreement’ together with supporting documentation from all participants on the Project to the ARC, requesting an amendment to your existing role from that of CI to PI.

Note: where the CI was the Project Leader, another investigator who was an original investigator on the Proposal may become the Project Leader provided that the replacement investigator meets the CI eligibility criteria. Please refer to the funding rules and funding agreement relevant to the current Project.

b) New Proposal – You will have indicated your role as a PI within the new Proposal and therefore your role will be correct (providing that you meet all of the eligibility criteria in the Funding Rules).

2.10 I am a CI and I have a Conflict of Interest (COI) with a Partner Organisation on the Proposal, am I still eligible and who do I declare this COI to?

The Funding Rules do not preclude the participation of a CI with a COI with a Partner Organisation. Please refer to Section A12.5 of the Funding Rules and ensure that you declare all COIs to your Administering Organisation, which is then responsible for managing the conflict.

2.11 Does there need to be a PI nominated on the Proposal for each Partner Organisation?

The requirement for a PI to be nominated for each Partner Organisation varies across the schemes under the Linkage Program. See below table for further information.

Table 1: Summary of requirement for a PI for each PO for schemes under the Linkage Program

Scheme

Requirement for PI Funding rules reference

IH14 Must be at least one PI from each Partner Organisation

B9.1.2c

IC15 Must be at least one PI from each Partner Organisation

C9.1.2c

LP15 May nominate a PI from each Partner Organisation D9.1.3

LE16 No more than five PIs from each Partner Organisation

E10.1.3

2.12 What if the nominated PI from the Partner Organisation is not an academic and is not competitive based on their track record?

Please refer to Section A10.3 of the Funding Rules. Subsection A10.3.4 states that under the Industrial Transformation Training Centres, Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Linkage Projects schemes a PI must:

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a) take significant intellectual responsibility for the planning and conduct of the Project and for any strategic decisions called for in its pursuit and the communication of results; and/or

b) have the experience and capacity to provide effective supervision, support and mentoring of research personnel associated with the Project in their areas of expertise; and/or

c) have the relevant skills and experience to effectively manage a similar scale research Project.

The ARC recognises that in many cases a proposed PI from a Partner Organisation will not be a researcher or have an academic background. Subsection A10.3.4c refers to those participants undertaking administrative/managerial responsibilities at the Partner Organisation who may not necessarily be a researcher. As this section is an ‘and/or’ clause, the participant need only meet a), b) or c) to be eligible. ARC assessors are required to pay close attention when assessing investigators as the expected nature of a satisfactory or strong track record may vary depending on the role the proposed PI is undertaking.

The only requirement for the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme under Subsection A10.3.5 of the Funding Rules is that a PI must take significant intellectual responsibility for the conception and conduct of the Project and for any strategic decisions called for in its pursuit and the communication of results.

2.13 I am a PI from a Partner Organisation and I don’t have an academic or research background, how do I answer the track record questions and will the Proposal be disadvantaged if it is left empty?

For the IH14, IC15 and LP15 schemes, a PI does not need to be a researcher or have an academic background. In accordance with subsection A10.3.4c, a PI could have another role such as (for example) a project manager, a communications facilitator or a database manager. In the track record questions in the Proposal, this type of PI could include a short explanatory statement as to why the question is not applicable to their background and role, or include any relevant information and experience they can provide to the Proposal (for example, relevant consultancies, policy advice, and other professional activities). This will be supportive of the Proposal and not disadvantage it in any way.

For LE16, a PI must take significant intellectual responsibility for the conception and conduct of the Project and for any strategic decisions called for in its pursuit and the communication of results. (Subsection A10.3.5)

Please note, all ARC assessors will be advised to pay close attention when assessing investigators as the expected nature of a satisfactory or strong track record may vary depending on the role the proposed PI is undertaking.

2.14 Can you please provide the ARC definition of a Higher Degree by Research (‘HDR’) candidate?

Candidates enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research at an Eligible Organisation listed at Section A17 will be regarded by the ARC as suitable HDR candidates under these Funding Rules.

3. Partner Organisations3.1 How do I know if an organisation is eligible to be a Partner Organisation and who do I

contact?

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Please see Subsection A9.2 of the Funding Rules, which provides information concerning Partner Organisation eligibility. Please contact your Administering Organisation’s Research Office if you require assistance. The ARC does not provide advice on Partner Organisation eligibility. It is the responsibility of the Administering Organisation to certify that all Partner Organisations meet the criteria, including minimum contribution requirements.

3.2 As an organisation/company interested in this Program, should we approach the ARC to discuss funding?

The ARC encourages any organisations interested in applying to start discussions with Eligible Organisations (as listed in Section A17 of the Funding Rules) about jointly developing a Proposal. Please see Section A9.2 of Funding Rules for requirements for Partner Organisations.

3.3 How do I know if my Partner Organisation is an organisation whose funds are appropriated from Commonwealth of Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research?

Please contact the Research Office of the Administering Organisation that is intending to submit the Proposal to the ARC.

The ARC does not provide advice on Partner Organisation eligibility. It is the responsibility of the Administering Organisation to certify that all Partner Organisations meet the criteria in the Funding Rules. Please see Section A9.2 of the Funding Rules in consultation with the Administering Organisation’s Research Office.

3.4 Does the ARC retain intellectual property rights on ARC-funded research?

No, the ARC does not take ownership of intellectual property (IP) rights on ARC-funded research outputs, for example such as inventions or documents. All IP arrangements should be negotiated directly between industry partner(s) and the Administering Organisation and will be included in the partnership(s) agreements signed between the Administering Organisation and the relevant partner(s). The Administering Organisation is expected to align with the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research document which is available on the ARC website and is provided for guidance and information.

3.5 Can you provide clarification on what constitutes an Australian Partner Organisation?

An Australian Partner Organisation means a Partner Organisation, or part of such an organisation, that is incorporated under Australian Law and is operating in Australia and has an ABN number.

3.6 Do I need an Australian Partner Organisation on my Proposal?

Overseas higher education institutions and organisations are eligible as Partner Organisations for all schemes under the Linkage Program. However, the requirement for an Australian Partner Organisation on a Proposal varies across the Linkage Program schemes under the Funding Rules. See table below for more information.

Table 2: Summary of requirement for an Australian Partner Organisation for schemes under the Linkage Program

Scheme

Requirement for Australian Partner Organisation Funding rules reference

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IH14 Must include at least one Australian Partner Org B8.1.1

IC15 Must include at least one Australian Partner Org C8.2.1

LP15 Must include at least one Partner Org – no requirement to include an Australian Partner Org

D8.1.1

LE16 No requirement to include a Partner Org – no requirement to include an Australian Partner Org

E9

3.7 What is the Cash Contribution required from Partner Organisation(s)?

The required cash contribution from Partner Organisations varies across Linkage Program schemes under the Funding Rules. See below table for more information.

Table 3: Summary of Partner Organisation cash contribution requirements for schemes under the Linkage Program

Scheme Partner Organisation cash contribution requirements Exemptions

Funding rules reference

IH14

Combined Partner Organisation Cash Contribution must be at least 75 per cent of total funding requested from ARC

If all Partner Organisations on an IH14 Proposal have 100 employees or less, the Proposal is exempt from the minimum Cash Contribution requirement (Subsections B8.2.3)

B8.2

IC15

Must demonstrate that the combined Partner Organisation Cash and In-kind Contributions are sufficient to support the research projects of the Higher Degree by Research candidates and postdoctoral fellows in the Training Centre

N/A C8.3

LP15

The combined Partner Organisation eligible Cash Contribution must be at least 25 per cent of the total funding requested from the ARC

If all Partner Organisations on an LP15 Proposal are exempt types of Partner Organisation as per Section D2, the Proposal is exempt from the minimum Cash Contribution requirement (Subsections D8.2.6 and D8.2.7)

D8.2

LE16

Organisational Cash Contributions for direct costs must make up at least 25 per cent of the total direct cost of the research infrastructure. Cash contributions from the Administering Organisation, Other Eligible Organisations, Partner Organisations and Other Organisations are eligible to make up this minimum of 25 per cent

N/A E9.2

3.8 How do I recognise and calculate in-kind budget items in Partner Organisation contributions?

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In-kind contributions under the Funding Rules are calculated using costs that are specific to the Project as outlined in Subsection A9.2.11 of the Funding Rules. The table below is a guide for recognising in-kind budget items in Partner Organisation contributions. Please note that this list is for your reference only and is not all-inclusive.

In-Kind Category Accepted Not AcceptedAccess to unique databases

Incremental costs of access Cost of collecting the database

Analytical and other services

Internal rates Commercial ratesIncremental cost of providing service

Equipment

Contributed - Used fair market value company book value price for internal

transfers

List price or discounted list price

Rental equivalents exceeding accepted values had the equipment been donated or sold

Contributed - New selling price to most

favoured customer (if stock item)

cost of manufacture (if one of a kind)

cost of purchase

Development costs

Rent rental equivalent based on

depreciation rental rate equivalent to

highest volume userSold difference between

discounted price and selling price to most favoured customer

Materials

Unit cost of production for commercial products

Selling price to most favoured customer

Price for internal transfers Cost of production of

prototype and samples

Development costs (unless they are an integral part of the proposed Project)

Patents and licenses Licences acquired from

third parties for use by the university in the Project

Patents Licensing fees paid to the

universitySalaries Typical salary cost

(including on-costs) at internal rates

External charge-out or consultant rates

Costs relating to administrative support where overhead has been

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included in salary costsContributed software(need to distinguish between existing software used as a tool for analytical purposes and the Partner Organisation's contribution to developing new software tools where this is one of the main objectives of the Proposal)

Copying costs Licensing cost Documentation cost Cost of training and

support of software Cost of equivalent

commercial product (where donated software is not commercially available)

Development costs

Travel

Travel costs associated with fieldwork

Travel costs for meetings between university personnel & Partner Organisation staff

Conference travel for university staff

Use of facilities

Internal rates for logistical support and travel allowance for university personnel working on Partner Organisation premises or on fieldwork

Internal rates for use of specialised equipment by university personnel or use of process or production lines

Internal rates for value of lost production resulting from down time

Use of equipment by Partner Organisation personnel.

Space for Partner Organisation activities outside the scope of the specific Proposal

Equivalent commercial rates

3.9 Can the letter of Support from the Partner Organisation(s) indicate that the Cash and In-kind Support provided by the Partner Organisation is in-principle?

No. The Cash and/or In-kind support detailed in a Partner Organisation must be a commitment to provide that contribution, should the Proposal be successful in being awarded funding by the ARC.

3.10 Can you please clarify the meaning of ‘appropriated’ in the Funding Rules?

The term ‘appropriated’ as at Subsections A9.2.4, A9.2.8, A9.2.9, D8.2.4, and D8.2.5 of the Funding Rules refers to funding that has already been allocated to the organisation for the purposes of research.

3.11 How do I know if my Partner Organisation is an organisation whose funds are appropriated predominantly from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research?

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Please contact the Research Office of the Administering Organisation that is intending to submit the Proposal to the ARC and discuss with them the eligibility of the potential Partner Organisation, and if required, please seek information directly from your Partner Organisation regarding the source and purpose of their funding.

The ARC does not provide advice on Partner Organisation eligibility. It is the responsibility of the Administering Organisation to certify that all Partner Organisations meet the criteria in the Funding Rules. Please refer to Section A9.2 of the Funding Rules in consultation with the Research Office.

3.12 How can a Partner Organisation on my Proposal contribute cash towards the Project if their funds are appropriated predominantly from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research?

Under the ITRH, ITTC and LP schemes, a Partner Organisation whose funds are appropriated predominantly from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research can contribute cash towards a Project, if the cash for the Project was not derived from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research. This may include cash earned by the organisation from sources such as (but not limited to) patent licensing or the provision of products/services. Please refer to Subsection A9.2.8 of the Funding Rules. Please note that contributions from this type of organisation are only eligible to make up a maximum of 25% of the required Partner Organisation contribution under these three schemes.

Under the LIEF scheme, a Partner Organisation whose funds are appropriated predominantly from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research can contribute cash towards a Project, if the cash for the Project was not derived from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of the same research infrastructure. This may include cash earned by the organisation from sources such as (but not limited to) patent licensing or the provision of products/services. Please refer to Subsection A9.2.9 of the Funding Rules.

3.13 At Subsections A9.2.8 and A9.2.9 of the Funding Rules, what is meant by funds previously used to leverage government research funding?

The section refers to funds which an organisation has already used to leverage government research funding, such as (but not limited to) funds which have already been included by the organisation in a successful application to a Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding program or scheme in order to receive a grant or award.

3.14 Can funds be requested from the ARC for the cost of personnel to be based at the Partner Organisation?

The Funding Rules support personnel costs as per Subsections B7.1.a, C7.1.a, D7.1.a and E7.1.a. The Funding Rules do not preclude requesting funding for an employee at a Partner Organisation to carry out specific tasks on a Project, noting that a salary and/or on costs (in whole or in part) cannot be requested for a CI or PI (Subsection A8.1.1.e) and the LIEF scheme has restrictions on the activities for which personnel salary can be requested (Subsection E7.1.a).

However, please note that all budget requests need to be fully justified, and in this case the applicant should explain and justify why the salary is being requested from the ARC and is not contributed by the Partner Organisation, and why the task cannot be carried out by specified personnel on the Project. The applicant should note Sections A10.2.2 and A10.3.3 stating that a CI or PI must have the capacity to make a commitment to carrying out the Project and cannot assume the role of a supplier of resources for work that will largely be placed in the hands of others. The applicant should also note

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the any scheme-specific Selection Criteria relating to the commitment from Partner Organisation(s) when considering the contribution from their Partner Organisation(s).

4. Budget4.1 Can publication and dissemination costs be included in the budget?

The provision of funds for publication and dissemination costs varies across schemes under the Linkage Program. See below table for further information.

Where the scheme supports the cost, there is no cap on the amount you can request. Applicants may request an appropriate amount for publications and dissemination under the Project Costs table of the Proposal Form. All funds requested from the ARC must be fully justified under the Budget Justification in the Proposal form.

Please note that applicants should include information in the Project Description section of the Proposal Form regarding their strategies for dissemination.

Table 4: Summary of funding for publication and dissemination costs for schemes under the Linkage Program

Scheme Funding provided for publication and dissemination?

Funding rules reference

ITRH Yes, for website dissemination of outputs only B7.1.c

ITTC Yes, for website dissemination of outputs only C7.1.c

LP Yes, for publication and dissemination of outputs and outreach activity costs

D7.1.b

LIEF Not supported N/A

4.2 Can Teaching Relief be requested?

The provision of funds for teaching relief varies across schemes under the Linkage Program. See below table for further information.

Table 5: Summary of funding for teaching relief for schemes under the Linkage Program

Scheme

Funding provided for teaching relief?Funding rules reference

ITRHYes – for CIs, up to a total value of $50,000 per year

B7.1.b

ITTC No N/A

LPYes – for CIs, up to a total value of $40,000 per year

D7.1.d

LIEF No E8.1.d

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4.3 How many consecutive years can I apply for under the Linkage Program?

The maximum and minimum number of years for which you can apply for funding varies across the schemes under the Linkage Program. See below table for more information.

Table 6: Summary of number of consecutive years for which funding can be requested for schemes under the Linkage Program

SchemeMinimum no. of years

Maximum no. of years

Funding rules reference

ITRH 3 5 B6.1.2

ITTC 4 5 C6.1.1

LP 2 5 D6.1.2

LIEF 1 5* E6.1.3

*LIEF Proposals can be requested for one year, or, in the case of coordinated access to major national and/or international research facilities or consortia, up to five years.

4.4 What is the minimum and maximum funding that can be requested under the Linkage Program?

The minimum and maximum funding which can be requested under the Linkage Program varies across schemes. See below table for more information.

Table 7: Summary of the minimum and maximum funding which can be requested for schemes under the Linkage Program

SchemeMinimum funding per year

Maximum funding per year

Funding rules reference

ITRH $500,000 $1,000,000 B6.1.1

ITTC $650,000* $1,000,000 C6.1.3

LP $50,000 $300,000 D6.1.1

LIEF $150,00075% of the total direct cost of the research infrastructure

E6.1.1, E6.1.2

*A minimum of $650,000 applies to the first three (3) years. A minimum of $150,000 may be requested in the fourth year. There is no minimum level of funding provided by the ARC in the fifth year of an ITTC Proposal.

4.5 Can I apply for a 3 year Project however only request funds for 2 years from the ARC? I don’t need any ARC funds in the third year of my Project.

No. Applicants must request the minimum yearly funding amount for each year of the Project under the Linkage Program. See Sections B6.1.1, C6.1.3, D6.1.1 and E6.1.1 of the Funding Rules for more

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information. This means that for a two year Project ARC funding must be requested for each year of the two years. For a three year Project ARC funding must be requested for each year of the three years.

4.6 Can I request travel funding for more than $20,000 in one year? This is not travel related to carrying out Field Research.

The Funding Rules allow for requests for travel costs not exceeding an average of $20,000 per year of the Project (Subsection A7.1.1.g). This means that for a 5 year Project, you can request up to a maximum of $100,000 for travel costs over the life of the Project, and it does not need to be evenly spread as $20,000 per year – it could be all in year one, or split between several years, as long as it does not exceed an average of $20,000 per year of the Project. Funding for travel related to carrying out Field Research is not counted towards this limit. Please note that all budget requests must be fully justified.

4.7 My Proposal has requested salary support for a Research Assistant. What kind of increments should I include under Project Cost?

For personnel being funded within the project, such as Research Associates and Research Assistants, do not include CAF (Cost Adjustment Factor) indexation, as all project payments are automatically indexed by the ARC at the time of payment for each year of the project. Nor should you include annual pay rises associated with enterprise bargaining agreements and other similar agreements. However, you may include salary/performance increments, such as those within a salary band, that are routinely applied within your organisation. Please refer to the relevant Instructions to Applicants.

5. Medical and dental research5.1 My Project is in the area of medical research. Can I apply for funding to the ARC?

The ARC does not fund Medical and Dental Research under the Linkage Program schemes (Subsection A5.1.3). The ARC may in its absolute discretion decide whether a proposed Project, or elements of a Project, falls within the area of Medical and Dental Research. Please refer to the ARC website for the ARC Medical Research Policy .

Proposals which could be considered to be in an area related to medical and dental research should provide justification in support of the eligibility of the Proposal in the Medical and Dental Research Statement within the Proposal form.

Please note: The Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) Round 3 Industrial Transformation Priority ‘medical devices and biotechnology’ is exempt from the ARC Medical Research Policy. Proposals submitted to the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs for funding commencing in 2014 or the Industrial Transformation Training Centres for funding commencing in 2015 schemes under the ‘medical devices and biotechnology’ Industrial Transformation Priority are therefore exempt from the ARC Medical Research Policy, however it is imperative that any ITRP Proposal adequately satisfies the scheme objectives. Please note that this is the only exception from the ARC Medical Research Policy under the Linkage Program Funding Rules for the years 2014-2016.

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Part B – Frequently Asked Questions for the Industrial Transformation Research Program for funding commencing in 2014-2015

6. Program specific FAQs for schemes under the Industrial Transformation Research Program

This section includes FAQs which apply to both the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and the Industrial Transformation Training Centres schemes under the Industrial Transformation Research Program.

6.1 Can Proposals be submitted in research areas other than those defined as the Industrial Transformation Training Priorities?

No. Subsections B10.2.1 and C11.2.1 of the Funding Rules state that a Proposal may only be submitted where the research addresses one or more of the Industrial Transformation Research Priorities for the current round. Further information on the Industrial Transformation Research Priorities can be found on the ARC website at www.arc.gov.au/industrial-transformation-research-program.

6.2 Can I apply for an Industrial Transformation Research Hub and an Industrial Transformation Training Centre in the same area in this round?

Yes. The Funding Rules do not include a restriction regarding submitting an IH14 and an IC15 Proposal in the same or different area in this round. Please note the cross-scheme Proposal limits at Sections B10.1 and C11 for information related to how many Proposals a Chief Investigator, Training Centre Director or Hub Director may submit and/or be funded concurrently for.

6.3 I am a researcher on a Cooperative Research Centre. Can I apply to the Industrial Transformation Research Program?

Yes, provided that the application is led by an eligible Administering Organisation and that the activities of the proposed Project do not duplicate Commonwealth funding awarded or appropriated for the purposes of research.

Please see Subsections A10, B9 and C8 for the roles and eligibility of individual researchers.

6.4 Can a Cooperative Research Centre apply to the Industrial Transformation Research Program?

Yes. A Cooperative Research Centre can apply as a Partner Organisation only, provided that the application is led by an eligible Administering Organisation and that the activities of the proposed Project do not duplicate Commonwealth funding awarded or appropriated for the purposes of research.

Please see Subsection A9.2, B8 and C8 of the Funding Rules for the organisational types, contributions, roles and eligibility of Partner Organisations.

6.5 I am working full-time in industry. Which role can I apply for under the Industrial Transformation Research Program?

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Industry organisations must apply for a Hub or Centre as a Partner Organisation with an eligible organisation. Within the bid, you can participate as a PI. Please see Subsection A10.3 of the Funding Rules for the eligibility criteria for a PI.

6.7 How many Proposals can I apply for under ITRP?

A Hub Director, Training Centre Director or CI may submit and/or be funded concurrently for a maximum of two (2) Projects under ITRP. This number is calculated at the closing time of submission of Proposals by totalling the number of Projects receiving funding and the number of Proposals submitted for funding. A Project is considered to be funded for the years set out in the Funding Agreement.

A Training Centre Director may submit and/or be funded for a maximum of one (1) Industrial Transformation Training Centre Project as a Training Centre Director, and one (1) Industrial Transformation Research Hub Project as a CI. Similarly, a Hub Director may submit and/or be funded for a maximum of one (1) Industrial Transformation Research Hubs Project as a Hub Director, and one (1) Industrial Transformation Training Centre Project as a CI.

A researcher may only hold the role of Hub Director, Training Centre Director or Director of any ARC Centre for one (1) Project or Proposal at a time. Please see Subsections B10.1 and C11.1 of the Funding Rules.

6.8 Do ITRP Proposals have any impact on eligibility for other ARC schemes?

Applicants should note the eligibility criteria for access to other funding schemes, as expressed in the Funding Rules for those schemes. Please see Subsections B10.1 and C11.1 of the Funding Rules for number of Proposals and cross-scheme eligibility. Currently there are no further limits with other ARC schemes; however the ARC reserves the right to change these criteria in future funding rounds.

The ARC will assess the capacity of researchers to undertake the proposed research in regard to their ongoing commitments as part of the selection process. Funding Rules for all ARC schemes can be viewed at each schemes website. A list of ARC Schemes can be found at www.arc.gov.au/grants.

6.9 What are the Industrial Transformation Priorities for Industrial Transformation Research Hubs for funding commencing in 2014 and for Industrial Transformation Training Centres for funding commencing in 2015?

The priorities for the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs for funding commencing in 2014 and the Industrial Transformation Training Centres for funding commencing in 2015 are:

• Manufacturing

• Food and agriculture

• Oil and gas, including petroleum

• Mining and mining services

• Medical devices and biotechnology

Any Proposal will need to make a case in the application on how it meets at least one of the named priorities and the objectives of the scheme. It is important that a Proposal outline a pathway towards solving a priority-related problem which industry has identified and which will be beneficial to

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industry partner(s). The Industrial Transformation Priorities are available on the ARC website at http://www.arc.gov.au/industrial-transformation-research-program.

6.10 Can you please clarify the Industrial Transformation Priority ‘medical devices and biotechnology’ with respect to the ARC Medical Research Policy on the ARC website?

The Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) Round 3 Industrial Transformation Priority ‘medical devices and biotechnology’ is exempt from the ARC Medical Research Policy. Proposals submitted to the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs for funding commencing in 2014 or the Industrial Transformation Training Centres for funding commencing in 2015 schemes under the ‘medical devices and biotechnology’ Industrial Transformation Priority are therefore exempt from the ARC Medical Research Policy, however it is imperative that any ITRP Proposal adequately satisfies the scheme objectives. Please note that this is the only exception from the ARC Medical Research Policy under the Linkage Program Funding Rules for the years 2014-2016.

Please also refer to section 5 of this document.

6.11 How many rounds of the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Industrial Transformation Training Centres will there be per year?

There will be one round of Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Industrial Transformation Training Centres per year.

6.12 Can I self-nominate to be a Hub or Training Centre Director?

Yes, however the participant must satisfy the eligibility criteria for the role they are to perform. Please refer to Sections A10.2, B9 and C9 of the Funding Rules.

6.13 Can I nominate myself as a Hub or Training Centre Manager?

No. The Hub Manager and Training Centre Manager positions are an unnamed participant on an Industrial Transformation Research Hubs or Industrial Training Centres Proposal.

6.14 Who pays the salary for a Hub or Training Centre Manager?

The salary support for a Hub or Training Centre Manager is requested in the Proposal form and may be funded by the ARC at an appropriate salary level for the Administering Organisation. Please refer to Subsections B7.1.a.i and C7.1.a.iii in the Funding Rules.

Part C – Frequently Asked Questions for the Industrial Transformation Training Centres for funding commencing in 2015

7. Scheme specific FAQs for the Industrial Transformation Training Centres schemeThis section includes FAQs which only apply to the Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme. For FAQs which apply to both the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and the Industrial Transformation Training Centres schemes under the Industrial Transformation Research Program, please refer to Part B of these FAQs.

7.1 How do I enter Higher Degree by Research and postdoctoral fellow salaries into the Project Cost section (Part E) of the application form?

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Each request for either a Higher Degree by Research candidate or postdoctoral fellow must be requested using the ‘un-named participant’ link above the budget table, in Part E (Project Cost) of the Proposal. Please see the Instructions to Applicants for detailed instructions. Note: the amounts specified in the Funding Rules for Higher Degree by Research candidate and postdoctoral fellow must be entered into the budget table in each year.

7.2 How do I submit a request for relocation costs on an Industrial Transformation Training Centre for a Higher Degree by Research candidate or postdoctoral fellow?

Relocation costs for a Higher Degree by Research candidates and/or postdoctoral fellow can be requested in the Part E - Project Cost of the Proposal. The level of support requested should be in accordance with the Administering Organisation’s relevant guidelines. Please see Subsection C7.1.b of the Funding Rules.

Part D – Frequently Asked Questions for the Linkage Projects scheme for funding commencing in 2015

8. Personnel8.1 How do I calculate the total number of Linkage Project (LP) Proposals/Projects on which I

am a Chief Investigator (CI)?

Include all LP Projects that you currently hold which will continue in 2015 as well as those that may commence in 2015 (i.e. the one/s for which you are submitting a Proposal). Exclude Projects which are scheduled to be completed by June 2015, including those which will have carry-over funds after 30 June 2015. Please refer to Section D10.1 of the Funding Rules for specific limits concerning the maximum number of Projects a CI may be involved in.

8.2 How long can a stipend for a postgraduate student be requested for a Linkage Projects Proposal and at what level of funding?

A stipend for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student can be requested for up to the full term of the Project and at an appropriate level for the Administering Organisation or relevant industry as specified at Subsection D7.1.a.ii of the Funding Rules.

It is the responsibility of the Administering Organisation to manage and determine all aspects of the stipend for the HDR student, taking into account their own relevant guidelines.

The Funding Rules do not include selection criteria or guidelines for LP15 for the appointment of HDR students on stipends.

Duration of candidature and the need for any extensions are part of the management of the postgraduate stipend recipients which are at the discretion of the Administering Organisation. This includes, but is not limited to the selection, appointment, periods of leave and/or suspension of candidature.

Other costs for postgraduate stipend recipients are also the responsibility of the Administering Organisation or Host Organisation as appropriate. These costs may include, but are not limited to the costs of relocation, periods of leave and/or thesis production.

Please consult with your Administering Organisation’s Research Office.

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9. Partner Organisations9.1 My Proposal includes two Partner Organisations, one of which is an Exempt Community

Organisation and the other is a Partner Organisation whose funds are appropriated predominantly from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research. As the Exempt Community Organisation no longer has to make a cash contribution, does it mean that the other Partner Organisation must make up the total 25 per cent minimum cash contribution of the total funding requested from the ARC?

a) The eligible contribution from Partner Organisation(s) whose funds are appropriated predominantly from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research may be used to make up the minimum 25 per cent cash contribution of the total funding requested from the ARC subject to A9.2.8 of the Funding Rules.

b) Partner Organisations of this type may only contribute a total maximum of 25 per cent cash and/or in-kind towards the Project (i.e. if a Proposal includes one or more Partner Organisations of this type, the 25 per cent maximum eligible contribution must be the combined contribution from Partner Organisations of this type).

c) Partner Organisations of this type may contribute over and above the maximum 25 per cent; however, the additional contributions will not be eligible to make up the required Partner Organisation contribution to match ARC funding.

d) The Exempt Community Organisation is still able to provide a cash contribution if this is their preference, they are not precluded from contributing cash. If the two Partner Organisations described in your question are the only Partner Organisations on your Proposal, the Exempt Community Organisation will have to contribute 75 per cent of the required Partner Organisation contribution in cash and/or in-kind, as the other Partner Organisation is restricted to a maximum of 25 per cent as per point b) above.

9.2 I have two Partner Organisations on my Proposal, and they are both organisations whose funds are appropriated predominantly from Commonwealth or Australian State or Territory funding sources for the purposes of research. Can they fulfil the Partner Organisation contribution in Subsection D8.2.1 of the Funding Rules?

No, as per Subsection D8.2.4 of the LP14 Funding Rules, the combined eligible Partner Organisation contribution from organisations of this type is restricted to making up a maximum of 25% of the Partner Organisation contribution to match the funding requested from the ARC.

9.3 I am an Indigenous researcher employed at an Australian university who works with many Indigenous community organisations that have little spare cash to contribute to research; can we participate in the current Linkage Projects scheme?

Indigenous community organisations are exempt from making a cash contribution if they meet one of the Exempt Partner Organisation definitions at section D2 of the Funding Rules. For example, if they are identified as a community organisation in their official documents, and/or are a Non-Profit Organisation or have charitable status – please refer to the Exempt Partner Organisation definitions at section D2 of the Funding Rules. If all of your proposed partners are Exempt Partner Organisations, then the whole Proposal will be exempt from making any cash contribution. An appropriate level of In-kind support such as goods, services (i.e. expertise and knowledge), time or materials would still need to be demonstrated.

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9.4 The Funding Rules have an Exempt Partner Organisation Type ‘Exempt Museum and Collecting Organisation’. What kind of organisation does this definition include?

The relevant definition at D2 of the Funding Rules is: Exempt Museum and Collecting Organisation means a non-profit, established institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment.

This definition is intended to include organisations such as museums, libraries, art galleries and conservatoria of music where the organisation has a collection that is open to the public for the purposes described in the definition.

9.5 The Funding Rules have an Exempt Partner Organisation Type ‘Exempt Archive and Public Record Office’. What kind of organisation does this definition include?

The relevant definition at D2 of the Funding Rules is: Exempt Archive and Public Record Office means a non-profit organisation which holds a significant national or state collection of data or documents, for the purposes of public information, record-keeping and study.

This definition is intended to include organisations such as state/public record offices/authorities and national and state archive offices, and other public archives such as the National Film and Sound Archive, where the organisation has a collection of data or documents for the purposes described in the definition. The National Archives of Australia’s list of Australian archival institutions (available at http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/fact-sheets/fs02.aspx) provides an indication of organisations which are considered to be archives for the purposes described in the definition.

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Part E – Frequently Asked Questions for the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme for funding commencing in 2016

10.1 The Funding Rules state that LE16 will not support fee-for-service costs where the Proposal does not lead to capability building or development of the research infrastructure (Subsection E8.1.f). Can I apply for LE16 funding to get membership to an international facility that I need to use for my work? Or does this count as fee-for-service?The Funding Rules allow LE16 Proposals seeking funding for membership of international facilities. The intention of this clause is to ensure that the Project participants are actively engaged with the service, not merely consumers. LE16 Proposals seeking funding for a fee-for-service where the participant passively receives the service (such as paying an institution to analyse samples and provide the participant with the results) would not be acceptable under the Funding Rules.

10.2 In the LE16 section of the Funding Rules, what does the ‘available time of the research infrastructure’ mean?Subsection E10.1.4 requires each PI and CI to be a significant user of the research infrastructure. The use of some types of research infrastructure cannot be measured logically in hours per week, such as in the case of an instrument which is only able to be used in limited periods during the year due to the specific nature of the work. The ARC therefore requires each CI and PI to be a significant user by requiring that they use the research infrastructure for a minimum of 10% of the available time of the research infrastructure (or pro rata where there are more than 10 participants on the LE16 Proposal). If the research infrastructure is available for 40 hours per week, the ARC requires that each CI and PI use it for a minimum of 10% of the available time (4 hours per week). If the research infrastructure can only be used for 10 hours a week, the ARC still requires that each CI and PI use it for a minimum of 10% of the available time (2 hours per week).

In cases where it is possible for multiple users to simultaneously use the research infrastructure, it is possible for the Proposal to list a combined CI and PI usage of the research infrastructure that exceeds 100% of the available time of the research infrastructure. For example, if the equipment is only available for 10 hours per week, but multiple users can use it at the same time, all of the CIs may list their percentage as 50% (5 hours) of the available time.

In cases where the research infrastructure comprises a database or a data acquisition facility which may be available or capturing data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a case should be made in the Proposal for significant usage by each CI or PI.

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Part F – Changes to Document

Updated 23 September 2014 FAQ Numbering has been amended throughout the document FAQ 1.15 Inserted new question FAQ 5.1 Added additional information regarding the ITRP Industrial Transformation Priorities FAQ 6.10 Inserted new question

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