Australian Research Council (ARC)
The Australian Research Council (ARC) provides funding opportunities for research and researchers.
A range of complementary schemes are provided under two main elements – Discovery and Linkage. All forecast opportunities and their documentation are available on GrantConnect. The ARC Grants Search allows searching on ARC-funded research projects since 2001.
ARC schemes
Discovery program
Aims to support excellent fundamental research, enhance the scale and focus of research in the research priority areas, assist researchers, expand Australia’s knowledge base and research capability, foster the international competitiveness of Australian research, encourage research training in a high-quality research environment and enhance international collaboration in research. Schemes in the Discovery program include:
Timelines for these schemes are available below in ARC timelines.
Linkage program
Aims to encourage and extend cooperative approaches to research and improve the use of research outcomes by strengthening links within Australia’s innovation system and with innovation systems internationally. Schemes in the Linkage program include:
Flinders University grant application investment
Substantial support for major bids is provided on a case by case basis. If you wish to develop such a bid, please discuss with your College Dean (Research) and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
The Near-Miss funding scheme provides funding to applicants whose grant application was ranked highly in the annual ARC Discovery Projects assessment process but was not funded.
University Research Budget funding is provided at the discretion of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), who may seek matching funding on a co-investment basis from the relevant Vice-President and Executive Dean/Dean (Research).
Funding will be awarded to the first named Chief Investigator on the unsuccessful ARC application. The Chief Investigator must submit a new application for an ARC grant within 18 months or will not be eligible for any subsequent Near-Miss funding.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) provides the following support from the University Research Budget to successful ARC Fellowship applicants:
- Future Fellows – up to $50K pa towards project costs (maximum support $200K)
- DECRA – up to $25K pa towards project costs (maximum support $75K)
University Research Budget support is only made available if equivalent support is sought from the ARC. It is a requirement that applicants detail the resources being provided by Flinders University, the Administering Organisation, to support the applicant.
Subject to submission by specific internal deadlines, University Research Budget and College co-funding, to a maximum of $20K pa for a maximum of three years will be committed to support the project if the application is successful, a contribution that should be included in the application. Overall, the Flinders contribution should be a maximum of 20% of external funding (combined ARC request and industry commitment) that comes specifically to Flinders University.
Applicants need to provide a submission-ready application to Research Development and Support by the internal deadline together with a signed and completed co-investment form. Extension requests will not be considered.
- ARC LP assessment Round 1 RDS Deadline - 30 March 2021,
- ARC LP assessment Round 2 RDS Deadline - 2 August 2021, or
- ARC LP assessment Round 1 RDS Deadline - 2 December 2021
This scheme support activities which will enable applicants to develop a proposal for submission to ARC Linkage Projects, CRC-Projects, Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), NHMRC Partnership Projects or Development Grants schemes in 2019.
Amount of funding support
Up to a maximum of $5,000
Closing date
No deadline
Use of funds
Funds can be used for:
- workshops and meetings between researchers and partners to develop proposals e.g. travel costs to meet with partners
- support for the development of a funding proposal e.g. external review of an application
Selection process
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) will decide on whether to support the application based on advice from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Impact) and the (Dean) Research from the College of the lead Flinders Chief Investigator.
How to apply
Send summary details of the application (project title, project summary, proposed participants, proposed partners and their expected contributions, proposed budget for both the proposed application and use of the funding support of up to $5K) to Research Development and Support via research.grants@flinders.edu.au.
Substantial support for major bids led by Flinders University researchers is provided on a case-by-case basis proportional to the strength of the bid and the expected return of research funding to Flinders.
If you wish to develop such a bid, please first discuss with the relevant Dean (Research). The Dean (Research) should then discuss with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at least four months in advance of the closing date (excluding short turnaround MRFF opportunities).
Researchers intending to apply for an ARC Laureate Fellowship should discuss their application with their relevant Dean (Research) who will then approach the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) for support for the application at least three months in advance of the closing date.
RDS grant application support
The college research support staff, embedded within each College, assist with the application process at Flinders by working in close collaboration with the RDS Research Grants teams to ensure:
- effective identification of research income opportunities;
- delivery of effective pre-award, grant development and application services, and;
- timely assistance in bringing together multidisciplinary groups to facilitate the preparation of major grant applications to external funding bodies.
RDS offers compliance review of all ARC grant applications – please refer to the ARC timelines for due dates.
When your application is ready for review e.g. “submission-ready”, please email arc@flinders.edu.au clearly labelling the email e.g. “FL19 APP1234567 Smith – Ready for review”.
Presentations, seminars and other resources
Flinders provides ARC workshops and information sessions to our research community. These assist with identifying your research funding options, through to the planning, development, and writing of a funding application.
Visit ienrol-research to access current opportunities.
Visit our past training and development library to access recordings of our previous workshops and information sessions.
ARC timelines
Detailed critical dates and timelines for each of the Australian Research Council schemes are available below.
1 September 2021
Applications open in RMS
29 September 2021
RDS deadline for compliance review
6 October 2021
RDS deadline for request not to assess
13 October 2021
RDS deadline for Letter of Support / Statement by Flinders and co-investment form (if applicable)
13 October 2021
Request not to assess close
25 October 2021
Deadline for submission of final application in RMS to RDS
27 October 2021
Applications close
2-15 February 2022
Rejoinders
4 February 2022
Closing date for requesting the ARC to review an assessment
(3 business days from when rejoinders open)
8 September 2021
Applications open in RMS
20 October 2021
RDS deadline for compliance review
27 October 2021
RDS deadline for request not to assess
3 November 2021
RDS deadline for Letter of Support / Statement by Flinders and co-investment form (if applicable)
3 November 2021
Request not to assess close
15 November 2021
Deadline for submission of final application in RMS to RDS
17 November 2021
Applications close
28 February - 15 March 2022
Rejoinders
2 March 2022
Closing date for requesting the ARC to review an assessment
(3 business days from when rejoinders open)
25 November 2020
Applications open in RMS
24 February 2021
RDS deadline for request not to assess
3 March 2021
Request not to assess close
17 February 2021
RDS deadline for compliance review
3 March 2021
RDS deadline for Letter of Support / Statement by Flinders and co-investment form (if applicable)
15 March 2021
Deadline for submission of final application in RMS to RDS
17 March 2021
Applications close
17 - 30 June 2021
Rejoinders
20 June 2021
Closing date for requesting the ARC to review an assessment
(3 business days from when rejoinders open)
11 November 2020
Applications open in RMS
3 February 2021
RDS deadline for request not to assess
10 February 2021
Request not to assess close
27 January 2021
RDS deadline for compliance review
10 February 2021
RDS deadline for Letter of Support / Statement by Flinders and co-investment form (if applicable)
22 February 2021
Deadline for submission of final application in RMS to RDS
24 February 2021
Applications close
8 - 22 June 2021
Rejoinders
11 June 2021
Closing date for requesting the ARC to review an assessment
(3 business days from when rejoinders open)
13 October 2021
Applications open in RMS
10 November 2021
RDS deadline for compliance review
17 November 2021
RDS deadline for request not to assess
24 November 2021
RDS deadline for Letter of Support / Statement by Flinders and co-investment form (if applicable)
24 November 2021
Request not to assess close
6 December 2021
Deadline for submission of final application in RMS to RDS
8 December 2021
Applications close
16 - 29 March 2022
Rejoinders
18 March 2022
Closing date for requesting the ARC to review an assessment
(3 business days from when rejoinders open)
27 January 2021
Applications open in RMS
TBA
Complete and submit the Flinders' expression of interest form with the co-investment form
10 March 2021
RDS deadline for request not to assess
17 March 2021
Request not to assess close
3 March 2021
RDS deadline for compliance review
TBA
RDS deadline for Letter of Support / Statement by Flinders and co-investment form (if applicable)
29 March 2021
Deadline for submission of final application in RMS to RDS
31 March 2021
Applications close
7 - 21 July 2021
Rejoinders
10 July 2021
Closing date for requesting the ARC to review an assessment
(3 business days from when rejoinders open)
The ARC has three assessment rounds for the Linkage Projects round for funding in 2021.
For LP21, applications can be submitted at any-time up until 16 December 2021 and will be assessed within one of the three assessment rounds.
As RDS needs time to review applications, please ensure that any LP applications to be submitted to ARC in the LP21 assessment rounds are submitted to RDS for review in RMS by no later than the following dates:
- for assessment round 1 - 30 March 2021,
- for assessment round 2 - 2 August 2021, or
- for assessment round 3 - 2 December 2021.
Please also send any ARC written evidence forms to arc@flinders.edu.au and complete the Flinders University certification form and co-investment form (if applicable) by those dates.
6 August 2021
Applications open in RMS
23 September 2021
RDS deadline for request not to assess
27 September 2021
RDS deadline for compliance review
1 October 2021
Request not to assess close
1 October 2021
RDS deadline for Letter of Support / Statement by Flinders and co-investment form (if applicable)
13 October 2021
Deadline for submission of final application in RMS to RDS
15 October 2021
Applications close
5-18 January 2022
Rejoinders
7 January 2022
Closing date for requesting the ARC to review an assessment
(3 business days from when rejoinders open)
6 August 2021
Applications open in RMS
23 September 2021
RDS deadline for request not to assess
27 September 2021
RDS deadline for compliance review
1 October 2021
Request not to assess close
1 October 2021
RDS deadline for Letter of Support / Statement by Flinders and co-investment form (if applicable)
13 October 2021
Deadline for submission of final application in RMS to RDS
15 October 2021
Applications close
5-18 January 2022
Rejoinders
7 January 2022
Closing date for requesting the ARC to review an assessment
(3 business days from when rejoinders open)
Application process
Intent to apply - ARC
Researchers intending to submit an application through Flinders University are requested to register their Intent to Apply. Dates for 2021 are to be confirmed.
Submission of an intent to apply enables researchers to access a suite of benefits that are a value add to their funding application(s), including:
- Initiation of appropriate advice and support - College leadership and RDS can initiate the appropriate advice and support that researchers may need before substantial work ensues with the grant application.
- Grant development: workshop your application and approach – Researchers will be invited to access and participate.
- Planning and resourcing to support you – RDS can provide the best quality and quantity across Flinders.
Please note that completion and submission of an intent to apply does not oblige you to proceed and submit a funding application.
Launch of the intent to apply register will be widely announced via ResearchLink and your College.
RDS Research Grants Officers welcome the opportunity to meet with ARC applicants. Please contact us to discuss your application.
Research certification form
All external research grant applications, formal expressions of interest, and contracts or agreements requiring execution by the University require a fully completed research certification form. This ensures that your proposed research has the required internal and external authorisations, and is recorded and reported on by the University.
For further information on the grant application process at Flinders, visit our Application process page.
Accepting and managing funding
While grant offers refer to individual researchers and projects, research funds are legally awarded to the University and grants can only be formally accepted by the delegated authority of the University.
Funding outcomes are published on the ARC website on the same day they are announced by the Minister for Education. RDS will provide awardees with acceptance paper work as soon as possible, following the publication of funding round outcomes.
The lead investigator will receive a grant acceptance form, which will need to be completed and returned to Research Development and Support.
The Funding Agreement outlines the responsibilities of all parties (the administering organisation, the chief investigators and partner investigators), including payment of funding, use of funding, specified personnel, transfers, audit and monitoring, reporting requirements and termination of the agreement. As Chief Investigator you are responsible for ensuring that the research funds are expended in accordance with the terms and conditions of your grant, and that all reporting requirements are met.
There are different funding agreements for each ARC program and grant round. You can view or download a copy of your funding agreement on the ARC website or from GrantConnect.
An agreement with collaborators, if required, and all necessary ethics and other approvals must be in place prior to the commencement of a project. RDS is the only source of authorisation for the release of research funds and this will be given once all internal and external requirements have been met.
The Grants Finance Office is responsible for the financial administration of all research grants, special purpose funds and consulting funds, including:
- Establishing accounts
- Loading budgets where applicable
- Raising invoices for grant income
- Authorising funding for staff appointments
- Preparing financial statements
- Assisting with policy/ procedure queries
- Monitoring overdrawn accounts
- Liaison with external funding bodies
For further information on any of the above or to obtain contact details please visit the Grants Finance Office website.
Flinders Budget Estimator Tool can be used as a means to help manage your awarded budget. For further information contact your College Research Support staff.
The ARC reporting requirements for your individual project are outlined in the relevant Funding Agreement. As Chief Investigator, you are responsible for ensuring that the reporting requirements for your project are met. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements may result in payment of further instalments of any funded project being withheld by the ARC until the appropriate reports have been received and assessed as satisfactory.
Reporting requirements for your project may include:
- Final reports
- End of year and progress reports
- Audited financial statements
- Annual reports
- Partner Organisation agreed contribution report
Detailed information on how to prepare and submit these reports can be found on the ARC website. Please note that any financial reports must be submitted via the Grants Finance Office website.
Variations to grants administered by the University must be submitted to the ARC through Research Development and Support (RDS).
Over the duration of the project circumstances may change and a Variation of the Funding Agreement (VFA) may become necessary. In this event, the Chief Investigator should seek advice from RDS who will:
- Provide advice regarding compliance with the Funding Agreement
- Liaise with the ARC regarding post award queries
- Provide a letter of support for the variation from Flinders University
- Certify the variation form
- Send the variation request to the ARC
- Notify the researcher of the outcome
- Notify relevant University department staff / Finance and Planning
Please note that while RDS can assist with the administration of variations of the funding agreement, approval is at the discretion of the ARC.
Transfers of grants administered by the University must submitted to ARC through Research Development and Support (RDS).
Over the duration of the project, circumstances may change which necessitate the transfer of the research grant to a different Administering Organisation, such as in the event that a researcher:
- ceases to work at the University and seeks to transfer a research grant to a new institution; or
- starts work at the University and wishes to transfer grant funds administered by another institution to the University.
The chief investigators should seek advice from RDS in the above instances.
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