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:
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ARC Centres of Excellence
Industrial Transformation Research programs
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF)
Linkage Projects (LP)
Special Research Initiatives
Supporting Responses to Commonwealth Science Council Priorities
Early-Career Industry Fellowships (IE)
Mid-Career Industry Fellowships (IM)
Industry Laureate Fellowships (IL)
Flinders University grant application investment
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) provides the following support from the University Research Budget to successful ARC Fellowship applicants:
- Early Career Industry Fellowships - up to $30K cash p.a. towards project costs
- Mid-Career Industry Fellowships – up to $50K cash p.a. towards project costs (maximum support $200K)
- Industry Laureate Fellowships - bespoke support applied for through co-investment
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.
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 $30K pa towards project costs (maximum support $90K)
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.
- LP Round 1
- RDS deadline for review - 22 April 2024
- ARC close date - 8 May 2024
- LP Round 2
- RDS deadline for review - 2 September 2024
- ARC close date - 17 September 2024
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”.
ARC Discovery Projects support material
If you are applying for the ARC Discovery Projects scheme, please access our support material here.
ARC Fellowship support material
If you are applying for an ARC Fellowship (Discovery Early Career Researcher Award or an ARC Future Fellowships), please access our support material here.
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.
Click here for a summary of all dates.
| Applications open in RMS* | 22-Aug-24 |
| RDS+ deadline for co-investment and Flinders letter of support | 18-Sep-24 |
| RDS deadline for request not to assess review | 16-Sep-24 |
| Request not to assess close | 18-Sep-24 |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 18-Sep-24 |
| RDS deadline for review | 18-Sep-24 |
| RDS deadline for submission of final applications in RMS | 1-Oct-24 |
| Applications close | 2-Oct-24 |
| Rejoinder period opens | 29-Nov-24 |
*RMS = Research Management System, +RDS = Research Development and Support
Dates may be subject to change. For all schemes the closing time for request not to assess applications and rejoinders is 4:30pm Adelaide time (5pm Canberra).
| Applications open in RMS* | 30-Jan-25 |
| RDS+ deadline for co-investment | 10-Mar-25 |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 4-Mar-25 |
| Flinders Deadline for Review | 4-Mar-25 |
| RDS deadline for request not to assess review | 3-Mar-25 |
| Request not to assess close | 5-Mar-25 |
| RDS deadline for submission of final applications in RMS | 14-Mar-25 |
| Applications close | 18-Mar-25 |
| Rejoinder period opens | 25-Jun-25 |
*RMS = Research Management System, +RDS = Research Development and Support
Dates may be subject to change. For all schemes the closing time for request not to assess applications and rejoinders is 4:30pm Adelaide time (5pm Canberra).
| Applications open in RMS* | 20-Nov-24 |
| RDS+ deadline for co-investment | 11-Feb-25 |
| RDS deadline for Flinders letter of support | N/A |
| RDS deadline for request not to assess review | 4-Feb-25 |
| Request not to assess close | 6-Feb-25 |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 6-Feb-25 |
| RDS deadline for review | 4-Feb-25 |
| RDS deadline for submission of final applications in RMS | 13-Feb-25 |
| Applications close | 20-Feb-25 |
| Rejoinder period opens | 23-May-25 |
*RMS = Research Management System, +RDS = Research Development and Support
Dates may be subject to change. For all schemes the closing time for request not to assess applications and rejoinders is 4:30pm Adelaide time (5pm Canberra).
The ARC has altered the process for Discovery Projects which will now be run in a two-stage application process.
On 29 November 2023, the ARC hosted a How to Pitch an EOI webinar to support the introduction of the EOI process for Discover Projects 25. Watch the very informative tips provided by the ARC's guest speakers, Professors Penny Brothers, Catherine Coleborne and Michael Mintrom. Download a copy of the webinar's slide pack for more information.
| DP26 Expression of Interest stage | ||
| Expression of Interest (EOI) opens in RMS | 31-Oct-24 | |
| Flinders request not to assess deadline | 22-Nov-24 | |
| Request not to assess deadline | 26-Nov-24 | |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 29-Nov-24 | |
| Flinders deadline for review of draft EOI | 29-Nov-24 | |
| Flinders submission deadline | 10-Dec-24 | |
| EOI closes in RMS | 13-Dec-24 | |
| Expected outcomes announced | 26-Feb-25 | |
| DP26 Full Application stage | ||
| Full applications open in RMS | 5-Mar-25 | |
| Flinders deadline for review | 2-Apr-25 | |
| Flinders deadline for certification proforma | 7-Apr-25 | |
| Flinders submission deadline | 11-Apr-25 | |
| Full application close in RMS | 16-Apr-25 | |
| Rejoinder period opens | 30-Jun-25 | |
| Expected outcomes announced | 16-Oct-25 | |
| Applications open in RMS* | 17-Sep-24 |
| RDS+ deadline for co-investment and Flinders letter of support | 22-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for request not to assess review | 15-Oct-24 |
| Request not to assess close | 17-Oct-24 |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 17-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for review | 17-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for submission of final applications in RMS | 29-Oct-24 |
| Applications close | 31-Oct-24 |
| Rejoinder period opens | 6-Mar-24 |
*RMS = Research Management System, +RDS = Research Development and Support
Dates may be subject to change. For all schemes the closing time for request not to assess applications and rejoinders is 4:30pm Adelaide time (5pm Canberra).
| Applications open in RMS* | 22-Jan-25 |
| RDS deadline for request not to assess review | 24-Mar-25 |
| Request not to assess close | 26-Mar-25 |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 26-Mar-25 |
RDS deadline for review (includes completed ResearchNow Application form and College approved |
26-Mar-25 |
| RDS deadline for submission of final applications in RMS | 7-Apr-25 |
| Applications close | 9-Apr-25 |
| Rejoinder period opens | 25-Jun-25 |
*RMS = Research Management System, +RDS = Research Development and Support
Dates may be subject to change. For all schemes the closing time for request not to assess applications and rejoinders is 4:30pm Adelaide time (5pm Canberra).
The ARC has two assessment rounds for the Linkage Projects round for funding in 2024.
As RDS needs time to review applications, please ensure that any LP applications to be submitted to ARC in the LP24 assessment rounds are submitted to RDS for review in RMS by no later than the following dates:
- for assessment round 1 - 22 April 2024, or
- for assessment round 2 - 2 September 2024.
Please also send any ARC written evidence forms to arc@flinders.edu.au and complete the Flinders University Research Now application and co-investment form (if applicable) by those dates.
Advance notice – Linkage Projects (LP25)
The ARC has announced that there will be two rounds for funding again in 2025.
LP25 applications should be submitted to RDS for review in RMS by no later than the following dates:
- for assessment round 1 – 10 March 2025, or
- for assessment round 2 – 2 September 2025.
Applications for IC25 and IH25 close 26 November 2024.
Please contact the Research Partnerships Team (research.partnerships@flinders.edu.au) if planning to submit to these opportunities.
| Applications open in RMS* | 24-Sep-24 |
| RDS+ deadline for co-investment and Flinders letter of support | 4-Nov-24 |
| RDS deadline for request not to assess | 25-Oct-24 |
| Request not to assess close | 29-Oct-24 |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 29-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for review | 29-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for submission of final applications in RMS | 8-Nov-24 |
| Applications close | 12-Nov-24 |
*RMS = Research Management System, +RDS = Research Development and Support
Dates may be subject to change. For all schemes the closing time for request not to assess applications and rejoinders is 4:30pm Adelaide time (5pm Canberra).
| Applications open in RMS* | 24-Sep-24 |
| RDS+ deadline for co-investment and Flinders letter of support | 4-Nov-24 |
| RDS deadline for request not to assess | 25-Oct-24 |
| Request not to assess close | 29-Oct-24 |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 29-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for review | 29-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for submission of final applications in RMS | 8-Nov-24 |
| Applications close | 12-Nov-24 |
*RMS = Research Management System, +RDS = Research Development and Support
Dates may be subject to change. For all schemes the closing time for request not to assess applications and rejoinders is 4:30pm Adelaide time (5pm Canberra).
| Applications open in RMS* | 24-Sep-24 |
| RDS+ deadline for co-investment and Flinders letter of support | 4-Nov-24 |
| RDS deadline for request not to assess | 25-Oct-24 |
| Request not to assess close | 29-Oct-24 |
| NIT Statement deadline for review by DVCR | 29-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for review | 29-Oct-24 |
| RDS deadline for submission of final applications in RMS | 8-Nov-24 |
| Applications close | 12-Nov-24 |
*RMS = Research Management System, +RDS = Research Development and Support
Dates may be subject to change. For all schemes the closing time for request not to assess applications and rejoinders is 4:30pm Adelaide time (5pm Canberra).
Application process
Please let the ARC Research Grants team know as soon as possible if you are intending to apply for an ARC Grant at arc@flinders.edu.au. This will ensure you are kept up to date with all key dates, scheme information and training sessions.
Research Now application
All ARC funding applications need to be supported by a ResearchNow application which will be approved by the Dean of Research in each College and captures key grant information.
All external and internal research grant applications, formal expressions of interest, and contracts or agreements requiring execution by the University require a fully completed application form.
This ensures that your proposed research has the required internal and external authorisations and is recorded and reported on by the University.
You can see more on the ResearchNow Applications and awards 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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