2011-2012 annual report from the australian research councilarchive.arc.gov.au/archive_files/media...

ANNUAL REPORT 2011–2012

Produced by: Australian Research Council

Location: 2nd Floor, 11 Lancaster Place, MAJURA PARK ACT 2609

Postal address: GPO Box 2702, CANBERRA ACT 2601

Telephone: +61 2 6287 6600

Facsimile: +61 2 6287 6601

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© Commonwealth of Australia 2012

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Australian Research Council

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

24 September 2012

Senator the Hon Chris EvansMinister for Tertiary Education, Skills,Science and ResearchParliament HouseCANBERRA ACT 2600

Dear Minister

It is with great pleasure that I present the Australian Research Council (ARC) Annual Report for 2011–12.

During 2011–12 the ARC continued to deliver against its identified Outcome, encouraging the growth of knowledge and innovation through managing research funding schemes, measuring research excellence and providing advice.

The annual report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act) and the guidelines referred to in subsection 63(2) of the Public Service Act 1999.

In accordance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines 2011, I certify that I am satisfied that the ARC has:

> prepared fraud risk assessments and fraud control plans which effectively address the risks of the ARC;

> in place appropriate fraud prevention, detection, investigation, reporting and data collection procedures and processes that meet the specific needs of the ARC; and

> taken all reasonable measures to minimise the incidence of fraud in the ARC and to investigate and recover the proceeds of fraud against the ARC.

Subsection 46(3) of the ARC Act requires you to place a copy of the report before each House of Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the day on which you receive it.

Yours sincerely

Professor Aidan Byrne Chief Executive Officer

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AnnuAl RepoRt 2011–2012

CONTENTSLETTER OF TRANSMITTAL III

GUIDE TO THE REPORT vI

Part 1: OVErVIEW 1

CHAPTER 1: CHIEF EXECUTIvE OFFICER’S REvIEW 2

CHAPTER 2: CALENDAR OF KEY ACTIvITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 7

CHAPTER 3: THE AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL 14

Part 2: PErFOrMaNCE 25

CHAPTER 4: OUTCOME 26

CHAPTER 5: PROGRAM 1.1 DISCOvERY 39

CHAPTER 6: PROGRAM 1.2 LINKAGE 58

CHAPTER 7: PROGRAM 1.3 EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH FOR AUSTRALIA 74

Part 3: MaNaGEMENt aND aCCOUNtaBILItY 83

CHAPTER 8: GOvERNANCE 84

CHAPTER 9: EXTERNAL SCRUTINY 92

CHAPTER 10: PEOPLE MANAGEMENT 96

CHAPTER 11: FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SERvICES 103

CHAPTER 12: ICT AND FACILITIES 106

CHAPTER 13: COMMUNICATION 109

Part 4: FINaNCIaL PErFOrMaNCE 115

CHAPTER 14: FINANCIAL OvERvIEW 116

CHAPTER 15: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 118

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Part 5: aPPENDICES 185

APPENDIX 1: PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK 186

APPENDIX 2: NATIONAL COMPETITIvE GRANTS PROGRAM, DESCRIPTION 188

APPENDIX 3: NATIONAL COMPETITIvE GRANTS PROGRAM, SUMMARY STATISTICS 190

APPENDIX 4: NATIONAL COMPETITIvE GRANTS PROGRAM, PERFORMANCE INFORMATION 193

APPENDIX 5: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MINISTER 202

APPENDIX 6: MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES 204

APPENDIX 7: CLIENT SERvICE CHARTER 218

APPENDIX 8: WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY 220

APPENDIX 9: ADvERTISING AND MARKET RESEARCH 221

APPENDIX 10: ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEvELOPMENT 222

APPENDIX 11: CORRECTION OF ERRORS 226

APPENDIX 12: STAFF STATISTICS 227

APPENDIX 13: LEGAL SERvICES EXPENDITURE 229

APPENDIX 14: COMMUNICATION 230

APPENDIX 15: AGENCY RESOURCE STATEMENTS 232

Part 6: rEFErENCE 235

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES 236

ABBREvIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 238

GLOSSARY 241

COMPLIANCE INDEX 243

ALPHABETICAL INDEX 247

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AnnuAl RepoRt 2011–2012

GUIDE TO THE REPORTPURPOSE

This is the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) report to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research on the performance of the Australian Research Council (ARC) during the financial year 2011–12.

CONTENTS

The report comprises six parts.

Part 1: Overview includes the CEO’s review, an outline of key activities and announcements during the year and a description of the ARC.

Part 2: Performance is a report on the ARC’s performance against the single Outcome and three Programs identified in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2011–12.

The ARC’s performance framework comprises two components, the Portfolio Budget Statements and the ARC Strategic Plan. Figure 3.3 illustrates the relationship between these components.

Part 3: Management and accountability outlines the arrangements in place to support the ARC’s delivery of achievements against its Outcome and Programs. It includes arrangements for governance and external scrutiny and an overview of the ARC’s management of its workforce, finance and legal services, information technology and facilities, and communications activities.

Part 4: Financial performance provides a report on the ARC’s financial performance including the audited and unqualified financial statements and a report by the Auditor-General.

Part 5: appendices provides additional information to support the report on performance provided in Part 2 as well as reports required under specific legislation and guidelines.

Part 6: reference includes a list of tables and figures, a glossary, abbreviations, and an alphabetical and compliance index.

REPORTING > Performance data for the National

Competitive Grants Program (NCGP), unless otherwise indicated, relates to proposals awarded for funding commencing in the 2011–12 financial year (regardless of the date of announcement).

> Research case studies relate to projects awarded funding under the NCGP in previous years that have achieved outcomes in 2011–12.

> The ARC’s capacity to report on the outcomes of research supported under the NCGP is limited by:

– the time lag between research activity and outcomes; and

– the difficulty in attributing the outcomes of research activity specifically to ARC support when they are the culmination of support from a number of sources.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about this report contact:

Director, Policy Coordination and GovernanceAustralian Research CouncilTel: +61 2 6287 6600Fax: +61 2 6287 6601Email: [email protected]

A copy of this report and additional information about the ARC are available at <www.arc.gov.au>.

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CHaPtEr 1: CHIEF EXECUtIVE OFFICEr’S rEVIEW

CHaPtEr 2: CaLENDar OF KEY aCtIVItIES aND aNNOUNCEMENtS

CHaPtEr 3: tHE aUStraLIaN rESEarCH COUNCIL

PART 1: OVERVIEW

CHAPTER 1: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW

AT A GLANCEThe Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) review summarises the Australian Research Council’s:

> significant developments in 2011–12;

> performance and financial results for 2011–12; and

> outlook for 2012–13.

Ms Leanne Harvey was Acting ARC CEO at 30 June 2012.

In December 2011 the previous CEO, Professor Margaret Sheil, announced she would leave the ARC in April 2012 to take up the position of Provost at The University of Melbourne.

On 28 May 2012 Senator the Hon Chris Evans, the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, announced Professor Aidan Byrne as the new ARC CEO. Professor Byrne joined the ARC on 23 July 2012 from The Australian National University.

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Leanne Harvey, Acting CEO

INTRODUCTION

Each year the annual report provides an opportunity to reflect on our purpose and role, how well we have performed, what difference we have made, and what plans we have for the future.

The ARC is a statutory authority of the Australian Government with responsibility for research funding and policy. Specifically we manage the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluations and administer the funding schemes of the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP). We also, together with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), manage the Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC).

The ARC is a critical part of a strongly interrelated system of government support for Australian research and innovation—as well as being one small part of the global research environment. In both spheres the ARC works closely with stakeholders to achieve outcomes of benefit to the community.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

In 2011-12 the ARC commenced the second round of ERA to assess research quality at universities. For this round, the ARC has enhanced the ERA methodology through an extensive process of stakeholder consultation and review.

We developed two new funding initiatives under the NCGP: the Special Research Initiative in Synchrotron Science and the Special Research Initiative for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network. Both initiatives are aimed at building Australia’s research capacity through support for highly collaborative research activities in areas of national importance.

Within the agency, a new enterprise agreement—the ARC Enterprise Agreement 2011–2014—was finalised in September 2011.

In December 2011 Professor Margaret Sheil announced that she would leave the ARC to take up the position of Provost at The University of Melbourne. Professor Sheil joined the ARC in 2007 and was a strong advocate for the ARC and the research sector during her appointment.

PERFORMANCE

Excellence in research for australia

On 27 April 2012 the ARC successfully completed the submission phase for ERA 2012. All 41 universities submitted data about research activities. The ARC has appointed 147 distinguished researchers to evaluate research quality by discipline.

> The ARC has implemented enhancements to the ERA methodology for 2012, including extended provision for the identification and capture of applied measures, non-traditional research outputs and interdisciplinary work, as well as refinements to peer review processes.

> In 2011-12 the ARC worked effectively with other government agencies and the research community to promote research excellence by incorporating ERA results into

OVERVIEW

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PART 1AnnuAl RepoRt 2011–2012

research funding and strategies, including mission-based compacts between the Commonwealth and universities and funding allocations under the Commonwealth’s Sustainable Research Excellence program.

Key challenges in 2011–12 included:

> responding to feedback from the sector about the ERA process, while maintaining the rigour of the ERA methodology; and

> facilitating the use of ERA results as performance measures and targets, while preserving the integrity of ERA data.

National Competitive Grants Program

Across the NCGP funding schemes, the ARC received a total of 7707 proposals for funding commencing in 2011–12, ranging from 29 under the Discovery Indigenous scheme to 3544 under the Discovery Projects scheme. Following a competitive peer review process, the ARC subsequently funded 1761 projects worth a total of $741.8 million over the life of the projects.

Through the funded research projects we enabled:

> the establishment and growth of international research partnerships;

> quality training of early-career researchers; and

> the maintenance of opportunities for Australia’s research workforce.

These are strong indicators of the contribution of ARC-funded research to building Australia’s research capacity. In 2011–12, for example, 59.3 per cent of proposals funded under the NCGP involved international collaboration and we supported over 4635 individual researchers.

As indicated in the performance chapters of this report, measuring outcomes or benefits of research is a long-term proposition. During the year we continued to look for ways to strengthen our ability to report on these outcomes. In this report case studies are provided.


> the increasingly large number of proposals submitted for funding under the NCGP, creating pressure on our administrative resources;

> increasing awareness of the support we provide for career-life balance,

following public criticism of the Australian Government’s support in this area; and

> continuing to monitor the implementation of our peer review processes to ensure that no biases are unintentionally introduced into the system.

australian research Integrity Committee

The ARIC, which was jointly established by the ARC and the NHMRC, has been in operation for over eighteen months.

The committee has a very specific remit to review the processes by which a university has managed an allegation of research misconduct. In this way, it supplements, rather than replaces, the existing framework for the investigation of allegations of research misconduct in Australia.

An important part of our role is creating an awareness of the ARIC and its responsibilities. Chapter 8 of this report provides information on the activities of the committee during 2011–12.

Organisation

Early in 2011–12 we released a new strategic plan—the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14—which maps our direction over the next three years. In the new plan we divided our objectives into key objectives (Research, Capacity, and Policy and Evaluation) and enabling objectives (Organisation and Communication). We made progress on all of the 2011–12 priority actions listed in the strategic plan (see Table 1.1).

The ARC also undertook a broad range of activities during the year to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidelines including those relating to grants administration. Evaluations conducted by the Australian National Audit Office indicated some areas of weakness and we have addressed these areas by putting in place revised processes to ensure future compliance.

We also completed a full review of our risk management framework, finalising a new policy and plan and taking additional steps to strengthen the integration of risk management activities across the agency. We appointed risk management champions to help disseminate the messages at all levels.

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In 2011–12, 88 per cent of ARC respondents to a survey conducted by the Australian Public Service Commission as part of the State of the Service Report indicated that they were happy working at the ARC and 84 per cent indicated that they were satisfied with their job. This is a very pleasing result and it compares with results of 64 and 67 per cent respectively recorded in an ARC staff survey undertaken in 2009. Our staff turnover figures also dropped in 2011–12.


> ensuring that the ARC’s operations, which are heavily reliant on information technology services, continued to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. These services are a critical input to the delivery of both ERA and the NCGP.

FINANCIAL SUMMARy

The total annual appropriation funding for the ARC for 2011–12 was $833.3 million.

The total comprises $22.0 million for departmental appropriation ($18.8 million for operating expenses, $1.7 for Departmental Capital Budget and $1.5 million for equity injection) and $811.3 million for administered appropriation ($808.8 million for special appropriation for the NCGP and $2.5 million for annual administered appropriation).

OUTLOOk FOR 2012–13

We will:

> track the performance of research disciplines at universities over time by completing the second round of ERA and releasing the results in late 2012.

> continue to monitor the outcomes of our selection rounds under the NCGP to improve areas such as supporting career-life balance, encouraging women to apply for grants and maintaining support for Indigenous researchers.

> continue to develop our peer review processes to ensure they are consistent with the merit review principles endorsed by the Global Research Council.

> continue to be engaged in external debate on research matters. In 2011–12 we contributed to a range of reviews including Australia in the Asian Century and the Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia.

CONCLUSION

The achievements reported in this annual report were made possible by the dedication and hard work of the ARC staff. I congratulate them on a successful year and look forward to working with them through the challenges and achievements of 2012–13.

Leanne Harvey Acting CEO (as at 30 June 2012)

OVERVIEW

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table 1.1: Summary of progress against 2011–12 priority actions

PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR 2011–12 PROGRESS AT 30 JUNE 2012

KEy OBJECTIvE 1: RESEARCH

Enhance peer review through improved assessor assignment process

Complete (see report on page 45)

Engage in international discussions about peer review processes

Complete and ongoing; the ARC participated in a global summit on merit review held in the United States of America in May 2012 (see report on page 44)

Continue to simplify and standardise funding rules and agreements

Complete and ongoing; standardisation of funding rules is complete

Provide support to the ARIC Complete and ongoing; the ARC continued to support ARIC during 2011–12 (see report on page 89)

KEy OBJECTIvE 2: CAPACITy

Establish new initiatives to strengthen links between industry and the research community

Partially complete; funding rules for Linkage Projects 2013 were revised to support smaller projects while the new Industrial Transformation Research Program will focus on research programs with greater scale and focus (see report on page 62)

Conduct a selection round under the Special Research Initiatives scheme to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network (ATSIRN)

Ongoing; the ARC selection round for ATSIRN was underway at 30 June 2012 (see report on page 65)

Conduct an initial assessment of the impact of changes to the Discovery Projects scheme and the introduction of the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme

Complete (see report on page 47)

KEy OBJECTIvE 3: POLICy AND EvALUATION

Revise the ARC international strategy to reflect changes in the national and global environment

Complete; the revised ARC international strategy is available on the ARC website (see report on page 43)

Review the ERA 2010 process, taking into account feedback received through targeted and broad consultation, to inform ERA 2012

Complete; the ARC undertook a range of consultations to inform development of ERA 2012 (see report on page 77)

Commence ERA 2012 Complete; the ARC opened the ERA 2012 submission phase on 5 March 2012 (see report on page 79)

Use findings of the evaluation of the Linkage Projects scheme and developments in the global environment to inform the enhancement of ARC funding schemes

Complete; see text above on new initiatives to strengthen links between industry and the research community

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CHAPTER 2: CALENDAR OF kEy ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

AT A GLANCEIn 2011–12 the ARC’s key activities included:

> administering the funding schemes of the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP); and

> starting a new Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation.

These activities were undertaken in the context of evolving national and international research environments.

OVERVIEW

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2011

Professor Pippa Norris, recipient of the 2011 Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship and Professor Mahananda Dasgupta, recipient of the 2011 Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship

Celebrating the ARC’s 10th anniversary. (L to R) Prof Erich Weigold, Executive Director for Physics, Chemistry and Geoscience (2004-06); Prof Lawrence Cram, Executive Director for Physics, Chemistry and Geoscience (2001-03); Prof Elim Papadakis, Executive Director for Social, Behavioural and Economic Science (2004-07); Prof Vicki Sara, ARC CEO (2001-04); Prof Margaret Sheil, ARC CEO (2007-12); Prof Ian Petersen, Executive Director for Mathematics, Information and Communication Sciences (2001-03); and Prof Alan Johnson, Executive Director for Biological Sciences and Biotechnology (2003-05).

14 July—The ARC celebrated its first ten years as an independent statutory agency.

29 July—The Australian Government released the Australian Innovation System Report 2011.

19 august—The then Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, announced 17 new Australian Laureate Fellowships for funding commencing in 2011.

09 September—The ARC announced Elsevier’s Sciverse Scopus as the ERA 2012 citation information provider.

20 September—The new ARC Enterprise Agreement 2011-2014 commenced.

30 September—The Australian Government released its 2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure.

04 October—The Royal Swedish Academy of Science announced the award of the Nobel Prize in Physics to Australian Laureate Fellow Professor Brian Schmidt, jointly with Professors Saul Perlmutter and Adam Riess from the United States of America (USA).

12 October—The Australian Research Council Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 was tabled in Parliament.

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2011

Associate Professor Michael Christie from Charles Darwin University speaking at the ARC major grants announcement about his ARC-funded LIEF project, A living archive of Australian Indigenous languages and his work into Indigenous language, culture and heritage

Professor Shari Forbes from the University of Technology, Sydney, speaking at the 2011 Future Fellowships and DECRA announcement

24 October—The ARC announced the appointment of the ERA 2012 Research Evaluation Committee Chairs.

01 November—The then Minister announced $310 million in funding for research projects commencing in 2012 at the major grants announcement.

14 November—The then Minister announced 277 new Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards for funding commencing in 2012 and 203 new Future Fellowships for funding commencing in 2011.

06 December—The then Minister announced that Professor Sheil would step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in April 2012 to take up a position as Provost of The University of Melbourne.

09 December—The Prime Minister announced the new Industrial Transformation Research Program, a $236 million package designed to help Australian industries become more competitive and create new job opportunities.

12 December—The Prime Minister announced the appointment of Senator the Hon Chris Evans as Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research (the Minister responsible for the ARC).

OVERVIEW

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2012

Professor Brian Schmidt and Minister Chris Evans at the announcement of the one million dollar grant for Professor Schmidt to continue ‘mapping southern skies’

(L to R) Police Fellow, Inspector Jason Saunders, with Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson and ARC Centre of Excellence for Policing and Security Director, Professor Simon Bronitt

20 January—The Prime Minister announced revised arrangements for the Prime Ministers’ Science, Engineering and Innovation Council to enhance its capacity to provide timely scientific advice in areas of strategic importance.

05 March—The ERA submission stage opened.

30 March—The Minister announced an extension of funding for Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt’s Australian Laureate Fellowship.

18 april—The ARC awarded the ARC Centre of Excellence for Policing and Security a one-year funding extension.

29 april—Professor Margaret Sheil stepped down as CEO and Executive General Manager, Ms Leanne Harvey, commenced as Acting CEO.

08 May—The Australian Government released its budget for 2012–13, including almost $9 billion for science, research and innovation.

15–16 May—A representative of the ARC attended the global summit on merit review in the USA.

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http://www.pm.gov.au/press-office/revitalised-prime-ministers-science-council

2012

New ARC CEO, Professor Aidan Byrne Dr Helen Maynard-Casely adjusts a sample before it is placed onto

the Powder Diffraction beamline at the Australian Synchrotron

23 May—Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, launched The Health of Australian Science report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of Australia’s science system.

28 May—The Minister announced that Professor Aidan Byrne would be the next ARC CEO. At the time of this announcement, Professor Byrne was the Dean of Science at The Australian National University (ANU) and the Director of the ANU College of Physical and Mathematical Science.

22 June—The Minister announced a $30 million investment in the Australian Synchrotron through the ARC ($25 million) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) ($5 million).

26 June—The Minister announced $10 million for research in areas vital to Australia’s future under the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme.

30 June—The Minister announced $58.4 million for 185 new research projects commencing under Linkage Projects Round 2 (for funding commencing in 2012).

OVERVIEW

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STRATEGIC CONTEXT

australian Government expenditure on science, research and innovation

The estimated total Australian Government expenditure on science, research and innovation amounted to $9.4 billion in 2011–12 (Australian Government 2011–12 Science, Research and Innovation Budget tables).

australian Government policy

The Australian Government’s policy agenda for science and innovation is articulated in Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century which was released in 2009. The ARC’s activities are directly aligned with the National Innovation Priorities identified in that document.

reports released in 2011–12

Health of Australian Science (Chief Scientist, May 2012)

The report concluded that evidence suggests that Australian science is generally in good health with:

> a growth in science enrolments; and

> researchers producing more per capita than researchers in most other nations with impacts at or above world standard in most discipline areas.

Australian Innovation System Report 2011 (Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR), July 2011)

This is the second of a series of annual reports on the performance of Australia’s national innovation system.

reviews undertaken in 2011–12

Australia in the Asian Century

The Australian Government commissioned a White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century to consider the likely economic and strategic changes in the region and what more can be done to position Australia to engage productively. A whole-of-government task force was established to prepare the document in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Strategic review of health and medical research in Australia

The Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia was established by the Australian Government in late 2011. The review is to report by the end of 2012 and recommend a 10-year strategic health and medical research plan for the nation.

Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Manufacturing

The Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Manufacturing was appointed by the Prime Minister and government to report on what can be done to support jobs and a future for manufacturing in Australia. The taskforce is drawn from representatives from industry, unions, government and the R&D community.

Focusing Australia’s Publicly Funded Research

The final report of this review—Maximising the Innovation Dividend: Review, Key Findings and Future Directions—was released on 3 November 2011. It recommended:

> establishment of the Australian Research Committee;

> refreshment of the national research priorities;

> conduct of a feasibility study on research impact assessment; and

> encouraging collaboration between universities and the end-users of research.

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Sustainable Research Excellence

In 2011 the then DIISR undertook a consultation process with the higher education sector to incorporate an Excellence Index into the funding methodology for the Sustainable Research Excellence (SRE) program. The Excellence Index, derived from the results of the ERA evaluations conducted by the ARC, was incorporated into the SRE funding methodology for 2012 and 2013.

International reports released in 2011–12

The Competitiveness and Innovative Capacity of the United States (United States Department of Commerce, January 2012)

Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth (United Kingdom Department for Business Innovation and Skills, December 2011)

Challenges facing the higher education sector

> Funding pressures due to international revenue decline

> The generation change in the research sector and the need to provide appropriate support for future researchers

> The escalating cost of world-class research infrastructure

> The attraction and retention of Australian and international students

OVERVIEW

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CHAPTER 3: THE AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL

AT A GLANCEThe ARC is a statutory agency within the Australian Government’s Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education portfolio.

The ARC’s main responsibilities are:

> evaluating the quality of research in universities under Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA);

> providing funding for research through the competitive funding schemes of the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP);

> providing policy advice on research matters to the Minister; and

> together with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), administering the Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC).

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AUTHORITy

The ARC is established under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act). At 30 June 2012 the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reported to Senator the Hon Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research.

Senator the Hon Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research

FUNCTIONS AND ROLE

Functions

The ARC’s primary functions, as specified by the ARC Act, are to make recommendations regarding the funding of research programs, to administer funding to support research programs, and to provide policy advice related to research.

role

Specifically, the ARC:

> administers ERA;

> administers the NCGP;

> provides advice on research policy issues; and

> together with the NHMRC, manages ARIC.

ERA assesses research quality at Australian universities by discipline. Committees of internationally-recognised researchers undertake the evaluations based upon a range of metrics and peer review processes.

The NCGP comprises a number of funding schemes organised under two programs—Discovery and Linkage (see Appendix 2). In broad terms Discovery is aimed at supporting fundamental research by teams and individuals, and Linkage is aimed at developing partnerships. Funding is awarded on the basis of a competitive peer review process.

The ARIC provides a review system of institutional processes to respond to allegations of research misconduct. This system ensures institutions investigate such allegations and observe proper process in doing so. The ARIC contributes to quality assurance and public confidence regarding the integrity of Australia’s research effort. ARIC has been in operation since February 2011.

OVERVIEW

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MISSION

the arC’s mission is to deliver policy and programs that advance Australian research and innovation globally and benefit the community.

kEy OBJECTIVES

Key Objective 1: research

To support excellence in research—through funding for research and research training allocated through national competition across all disciplines supported by rigorous peer review processes.

Key Objective 2: Capacity

To build Australia’s research capacity—through support for the training and careers of researchers; critical research infrastructure and research in areas of national need.

Key Objective 3: Policy and evaluation

To provide informed high quality policy advice to government and enhance research outcomes through effective evaluation—through participation in policy forums and government reviews, informed stakeholder consultations, evaluation and ongoing monitoring of performance.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

Enabling Objective 1: Organisation

To continue to improve organisational performance—by ensuring the ARC has a strong governance framework supported by effective systems and processes to enable staff to deliver against the ARC’s objectives.

Enabling Objective 2: Communication

To be a key advocate for the benefits of Australia’s research efforts and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders—through support for promotion and engagement activities aimed at communicating widely the role of the ARC and the outcomes of ARC-funded research.

International collaboration and internationalisation are cross-cutting themes which underpin the ARC’s activities in these areas.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The ARC is guided by a strong commitment to the following principles:

> Excellence in achieving our mission through program and organisational objectives;

> Engagement with government, universities, research agencies, business and the wider community nationally and internationally;

> Benefit to the community through economic and social return on investment, engaged and informed decision making, and efficiency of operations; and

> accountability through adherence to ethical standards and government policy using transparent, efficient and effective processes.

The ARC is committed to the Australian Public Service (APS) Code of Conduct and the APS values.

ARC-funded research is subject to the principles outlined in the:

> Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007;

> National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, 2007;

> Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, 2004; and

> National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, 2001.

The ARC and the NHMRC jointly administer the ARIC which provides a system to review institutional processes to respond to allegations of research misconduct.

The ARC is shaping Australia’s global future by supporting an innovative economy and society through the strategic management of research funding, evaluation of research excellence and advice on research policy.Source: ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14

OVERVIEW

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BUDGET

The ARC’s total annual appropriated resources for 2011–12 were $833.3 million. This comprised:

> $811.3 million for the administered appropriation ($808.8 million special appropriation for the NCGP and $2.5 million for annual administered appropriation); and

> $22.0 million for the departmental appropriation ($18.8 million for operating expenses, $1.7 million for the Departmental Capital Budget, and $1.5 million for an equity injection).

Part 4 provides further information on the ARC’s financial performance in 2011–12.

Figure 3.1: arC total appropriated resources, 2011–12

Administeredappropriation

97%

Departmentalappropriation

3%

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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Figure 3.2 shows the ARC’s organisational structure as at 30 June 2012.

Figure 3.2: Structure of the arC

* The Executive Directors are respected researchers in their fields and play a unique role within the agency. They are contracted, usually for between three and five years, to oversee the assessment of funding proposals through a peer review process; liaise and communicate with the research community and users of research; and identify emerging disciplinary and cross-disciplinary developments and innovative approaches to research.

CHIEF EXECUtIVE OFFICEr

Corporate

Finance

Parliamentary

People and services

Stakeholder relations

Legal services

CHIEF INFOrMatION

OFFICEr

ICT services

IT development

IT operations

EXECUtIVE DIrECtOrS*

EXECUtIVE GENEraL MaNaGEr

Excellence in Research for Australia

ERA evaluation and outreach

Research performance

Research policy

BraNCH MaNaGEr

Strategy and

programs

Policy coordination

and governance

Program evaluation

and reporting

Program operations

Program partnerships

OVERVIEW

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SENIOR STAFF

At 30 June 2012, the ARC had six senior staff including the Acting CEO. In addition, the appointments of the new CEO, Professor Aidan Byrne, and Executive Director, Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Dr Fiona Cameron, had been announced—effective 23 July 2012 and 9 July 2012 respectively.

Chief Executive Officer Ms Leanne Harvey (acting)

The CEO of the ARC has responsibilities under the ARC Act as well as responsibilities with regard to the daily corporate and governance functions of the agency.

Executive General Manager Ms Lesley Nelson (acting)

The Executive General Manager is responsible for the Research Excellence and Corporate Services branches within the agency. The Research Excellence Branch has responsibility for implementation of Excellence in Research for Australia while the Corporate Services Branch includes Finance, Parliamentary, People and Services and Stakeholder Relations.

Executive Director, Physical, Mathematical and Information Sciences Professor richard Coleman

During 2011–12 Professor Coleman was responsible for the Future Fellowships, Australian Laureate Fellowships, Super Science Fellowships and Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities schemes as well as Physical, Mathematical and Information Sciences discipline issues across all NCGP schemes.

Executive Director, Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences Professor Marian Simms

During 2011–12 Professor Simms was responsible for the Discovery Projects and Discovery Early Career Researcher Award schemes as well as Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences discipline issues across all NCGP schemes.

20


Branch Manager, Strategy and Programs Dr Mary Kelly

The Branch Manager, Strategy and Programs, is responsible for Policy Coordination and Governance, Program Evaluation and Reporting, Program Partnerships, and Program Operations. She is also Head, Internal Audit.

Chief Information Officer Mr tony andersen

The Chief Information Officer is responsible for the ICT Services Branch of the ARC, including ICT Development and ICT Operations.

OVERVIEW

21


PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORk

The ARC’s performance framework comprises two main elements:

> the Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS); and

> the ARC strategic plan.

Portfolio Budget Statements

Under the annual report requirements, the ARC is required to report against the outcome and program structure in the PBS, in particular to outline how the agency is performing in relation to the deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs).

The ARC’s outcome and programs structure, as set out in the 2011–12 PBS, comprises one outcome and three programs:

> Outcome 1: Growth of knowledge and innovation through managing research funding schemes, measuring research excellence and providing advice;

> Program 1.1: Discovery—research and research training;

> Program 1.2: Linkage—cross-sector research partnerships; and

> Program 1.3: Excellence in Research for Australia.

Changes in 2011–12

While the overall outcome and programs structure remained unchanged from 2010–11, the deliverables and KPIs for all three programs were revised to ensure direct alignment with the ARC strategic plan.

Strategic plan

Under the ARC Act, the CEO must prepare a strategic plan at least once a year and give it to the Minister for approval. The plan must be in writing, cover a period of at least three years and:

> set out the goals, priorities, policies and strategies to be adopted by the CEO in performing her or his functions;

> set out performance indicators for the assessment of the CEO’s performance of her or his functions; and

> deal with any other matters that the Minister, by notice in writing to the CEO, requires to be dealt with in the plan.

The ARC annual report must include an assessment of the CEO’s performance of her or his functions during that year using the performance indicators identified in the strategic plan.

Changes in 2011–12

The ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 identifies three key objectives and two enabling objectives. It sets out the KPIs (nine in total) which are used to assess the agency’s performance in achieving its objectives.

In 2011-12 the performance indicators in the plan were revised to ensure alignment with the PBS and details of the associated measures were provided. Appendix 1 of this report provides a table mapping the indicators in the ARC strategic plan to those in the 2011-12 PBS.

this report

Figure 3.3 illustrates the relationship between the elements of the 2011-12 PBS and strategic plan.

The report on performance in Part 2 is based on the outcome and programs structure of the PBS. The ARC pursues the three key objectives outlined in the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 through implementation of the three programs.

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Figure 3.3: arC performance framework

SOURCE COMPONENTS OF PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK THIS REPORT

PBS / PLAN OUTCOME 1 MISSION CHAPTER(S)

Growth of knowledge and innovation through managing research funding schemes,

measuring research excellence and providing advice

To deliver policy and programs that advance Australian research

and innovation globally and benefit the community

4

PLAN KEy OBJECTIvES CHAPTER(S)

1. Research

2. Capacity

3. Policy and evaluation

5–7

(includes report on KPIs mapped to KPIs in PBS)

PBS PROGRAMS CHAPTERS

1.1 Discovery 1.2 Linkage 1.3 Excellence in Research for

Australia

5–7

Objectives

Deliverables

KPIs

Objectives

Deliverables

KPIs

Objectives

Deliverables

KPIs

PLAN ENABLING OBJECTIvES CHAPTER(S)

1. Organisation 8–12

2. Communication 13

OVERVIEW

23


24


CHaPtEr 4: OUtCOME

CHaPtEr 5: PrOGraM 1.1 DISCOVErY

CHaPtEr 6: PrOGraM 1.2 LINKaGE

CHaPtEr 7: PrOGraM 1.3 EXCELLENCE IN rESEarCH FOr aUStraLIa

PART 2PERFORMANCE

CHAPTER 4: OUTCOME

AT A GLANCEThe case studies provided in this chapter are examples of progress made during 2011–12 towards the ARC’s outcome and mission.

Under the Australian Government’s Portfolio budget statements 2011-12 Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Portfolio, the ARC’s outcome is:

Growth of knowledge and innovation through managing research funding schemes, measuring research excellence and providing advice.

The mission articulated in the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 is:

To deliver policy and programs that advance Australian research and innovation globally and benefit the community.

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NCGP

DISCOVERING PATRICk WHITE’S LOST NOVEL

The publication of Patrick White’s novel The Hanging Garden by Random House Australia in April 2012 was made possible by the work of researchers at The University of Sydney who transcribed the work from manuscript in the National Library of Australia (NLA).

The 45,000 word ‘finished’ book, set in Sydney during WWII, represents about one third of what White intended to write. “We can conjecture that he meant to bring it up to the 1980s due to some notes in the margins at the end of the manuscript, but there’s nothing in the letters or anywhere else to suggest a final shape or trajectory for the completed book,” Professor Margaret Harris told ABC Radio National.

The manuscript was part of a collection, acquired by the NLA in 2006, of papers of the late Patrick White (1912–1990), the only Australian to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Hanging Garden was transcribed as part of a project funded under the Discovery Projects scheme, ‘Patrick White in the 21st Century’, led by Professor Harris and her colleague Emeritus Professor Elizabeth

Webby. The initial transcription was carried out by Jennifer Moore, research assistant on the project, with the help of Dr Olivia Murphy. White’s biographer, David Marr, and Professor Harris completed the edit, with advice from White’s friend and literary executor, Barbara Mobbs.

The manuscript collection includes 10 working notebooks, which reveal new insights into White’s working methods. The research team has transcribed the contents of these notebooks, and is also developing explanatory annotations to be displayed on the project website alongside scanned images of the notebook pages.

Professor Harris has built her academic career on research involving the unpublished work of great writers, including George Eliot and Christina Stead, while Professor Webby is an expert in Australian literature.

PERFORMANCE

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NCGP

ICT ADOPTION IN ABORIGINAL HOUSEHOLDS

According to 2006 census data, Aboriginal households are 69 per cent less likely to access the internet than the rest of the Australian population. To address this, Dr Peter Radoll has studied the factors affecting information and communications technology (ICT) adoption in Indigenous Australian households.

Dr Radoll’s findings show that previous diffusion methods for ICT have been ineffective in the Australian Indigenous context. He has identified education and workplace usage as key drivers to household adoption of ICT and has developed a new model for ICT take up in remote, rural and urban Aboriginal communities. Dr Radoll’s work has attracted interest from policy makers, including at the Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy where he presented his findings.

Dr Peter Radoll. Photo: Stuart Hay / ANU

NCGP

DIAMONDS ARE NOT FOREVER

A research team at the Macquarie University Photonics Research Centre, led by ARC Future Fellow Professor Richard Mildren, has discovered that the surface of a diamond begins to slowly evaporate when exposed to intense light pulses in the Uv-C band (the harsh ultraviolet rays filtered out by the ozone layer).

This new discovery could lead to new processes to create diamond devices with greatly increased precision and resolution. The usual method used to machine diamonds is laser ablation, which burns atoms from the surface but leaves behind

Dr Aaron McKay, Associate Professor Rich Mildren and PhD student Ondrej Kitzler utilising the MQ Photonics Research Centre for their work

Dr Radoll received funding for his research under the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme from 2009 to 2010. He was awarded his PhD in 2011 from The Australian National University and was named 2012 Scholar of the Year by the ACT National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Dr Radoll is from the Anaiwan people of the northern tablelands of New South Wales.

an uneven and graphite-contaminated surface. “It’s a very practical discovery and we are now looking at how we can exploit this,” Professor Mildren said. “If we can make structures in the diamonds that enable us to control the position of the light within a very narrow filament in the diamond, that’s the first step to making smaller and more efficient optical devices such as those used in quantum computing and high performance lasers.”

A story about the discovery appeared in the 15 July 2011 edition of Nature.28


NCGP

GENERATING NEW POLICIES: GENDER INEqUITy IN ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE

The number of men and women graduating from architecture at Australian universities is roughly the same, but over the following years the percentage of women continuing to pursue a career in architecture drops steadily.

Dr Naomi Stead from The University of Queensland is leading a team of researchers examining why women leave the industry and what can be done to improve the gender imbalance in architectural practice. Their project, ‘Equity and diversity in the Australian architecture profession: women, work and leadership’, was funded under the ARC Linkage Projects scheme in 2010 and has a mixture of funding partners across the architectural industry.

In March 2012, the team launched a website, Parlour: Women, Architecture, Equity (www.archiparlour.org), to generate discussion on work/life balance and gender issues in the architectural industry. Edited by team member Justine Clark from The University of Melbourne, the site has generated an initial response suggesting that the research is resonating within the industry, with more than 17,000 unique browsers visiting the site in its first three months. The site has developed an enthusiastic comments culture and has already received international attention, with suggestions that it sets the example for other countries to start conversations about working conditions, gender imbalance in architecture and how to manifest change.

One of the key outcomes will be a draft national policy on equity and diversity for the peak professional body, the Australian Institute of Architects, which is a partner organisation on the project.

Photo: Nick Bassett

PERFORMANCE

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http://www.archiparlour.org

NCGP

CROP ROOT STUDy TO BOOST AUSTRALIAN GRAIN PRODUCTION

The findings of an ARC-funded research project led by Winthrop Professors Zed Rengel and Kadambot Siddique could help mitigate the threat of poor local soils, harsh growing conditions and declining, less-predictable rainfall currently facing Australian grain producers.

Using new screening techniques and advanced computer modelling, Professors Rengel and Siddique identified a high level of genetic variability in lupin root systems. Professor Rengel said that “our findings may be used in breeding new varieties of lupins with modified root system and function that may produce higher yields in soils with relatively limited water and nutrient resources.”

“Traditional crop root systems are poorly suited to the harsh environmental conditions of Australian agriculture,” says Professor Siddique, “their inefficient use of water and fertilisers not only reduce yields but also increases salinity and algal blooms in waterways due to excessive nutrient run-off,” he explained.

This research paves the way for similar research in wheat and barley, and could help maintain the domestic viability and capacity of grain production in Australia. Additionally, it could contribute to addressing the challenges to international food security brought about by the onset of increasing drought and climate change.

The study was conducted at The University of Western Australia, in collaboration with the Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food, Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research and US Pennsylvania State University. It was funded by an ARC Discovery Project grant from 2009 to 2011.

Example root systems of wild L. angustifolius. Images are presented in groups of three – the image on the left is a photograph from the large semi-hydroponic phenotyping experiment; the central image is the root system modelled by ROOTMAP; and the right image is the root system modelled by SimRoot. White bar = 10cm. Photo: from Chen et al. (2011), Plant and Soil 348, p345-364

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NCGP

LASER BEAM REVEALS GOLD ORIGIN

The origins of the largest and deepest gold deposit in the world, which has produced more than 40,000 tonnes of gold for the South African economy, has polarized geologists for more than a century, until now.

Using a new analytical technique developed at CODES, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits based at the University of Tasmania, a team of researchers led by Professor Ross Large has been able to determine the origins of this impressive reef of gold, with surprising results.

Traditionally, the debate on the origins of this gold reef has mainly been between the ‘placerists’ and ‘hydrothermalists’. Placerists believe that the concentration of gold formed in conglomerates about three billion years ago, whereas hydrothermalists propose that the reef was hit by a pulse of gold-rich fluids, leading to its current accumulation.

Unexpectedly, the analytical technique used by the CODES team found that both theoretical camps were correct. By scanning a very narrow laser beam across the gold and associated minerals, the team were able to establish key scientific data, including trace elements and the timing of the input of the gold, which led to the finding that both major geological events combined to produce the current volume of gold.

Professor Large noted that it was pleasing to show both lines of previous research as correct, as it is a rarity to have major research outcomes reconciling two competing theories.

Prof Ross Large (L) and an AngloGold Ashanti geologist 3.5 km underground at the Mponeng mine, South Africa, studying the gold reef

PERFORMANCE

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NCGP

ACCESS TO AUSTRALIA’S MOST POWERFUL COMPUTER

Funding awarded under the ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme will ensure that leading researchers can access Australia’s most powerful computer.

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) at The Australian National University has entered into a collaborative arrangement with Fujitsu to build and install a 1.2 Petaflop supercomputer that is capable of performing 170,000 calculations per second and possesses the computing power, memory and storage of about 30,000 dual-processor computers working in tandem. Funding to upgrade the NCI national facility to petascale capability is being provided through the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education under the Super Science Initiative.

NCI Director Professor Lindsay Botten said that “this state-of-the-art facility will support Australia through an internationally-competitive capability which raises Australia’s position in high-impact research and innovation. Research in climate modelling, advanced materials, astronomy and medicine is critically dependent on high performance computational modelling and data analysis, and researchers in these areas are among the outstanding teams poised to benefit from the new facility.”

The ARC is providing $3.7 million under the LIEF scheme to facilitate merit-based access to the facility for researchers from six of Australia’s leading research universities.

3D variations in the speed of seismic waves travel through the Earth’s mantle. Photo: C. Zaroli, E. Debayle, and M. Sambridge; Visualisation by R. Hawkins, NCI

Professor Lindsay Botten

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NCGP

BIODIVERSITy MANAGEMENT AND NATIVE BIRDLIFE

Researchers have found strong evidence that native revegetation programs on farms in southern Australia result in noticeable improvements in native woodland bird populations. In the area studied, up to 25 per cent of woodland birds returned after about eight years of landscape restoration efforts.

In the five year study, researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED) found an unequivocal return on the investment made by Australian taxpayers in revegetation on farms in terms of birdlife returning to agricultural landscapes.

CEED Director, Professor David Lindenmayer and his team studied bird populations at over a hundred sites in the Murray Catchment Management Authority region, covering large distances on foot (and being chased by bulls) year after year.

Encouragingly, they found a progressive improvement in both the number and diversity of woodland birds (such as the speckled warbler, chestnut-rumped thornbill, the crested shrike-tit and the tiny 8cm weebill) as native trees and shrubs recovered.

“We now have a body of evidence for what we should be doing to look after large parts of Australia,” said Professor Lindenmayer. “With the right sort of revegetation plan, you can be confident that many native species will recover.”

The Murray Catchment Management Authority and Caring for Our Country contributed funding to the project.

The weebill, Australia’s smallest bird, is among species responding to revegetation in southern Australia. Photo: Dean Ingwersen, Birdlife Australia

PERFORMANCE

33


NCGP

SOCIAL MEDIA IN CRISIS COMMUNICATION

A recent report released by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation (CCI) has highlighted the potential role of social media networks to effectively transform crisis communication and strategy.

Investigating the role of Twitter during the 2011 south-east Queensland floods, CCI conducted a detailed qualitative analysis of both the overall patterns of Twitter activity with the #qldfloods hashtag and the conversations surrounding major contributor @QPSMedia (the Twitter account of the Queensland Police Service). The analysis revealed that Twitter effectively adopted the traditional role of broadcast style emergency communication, and extended this role to find and amplify emergency information, increasing the visibility of the Queensland floods in the social media landscape. Twitter was also an effective medium for error correction and rumour management; utilising the popular #mythbusters hashtag, emergency services were able to promptly address rumours circulating during the floods.

CCI found that Twitter was also central to the process of sense-making and collective memory negotiation, enabling affected locals and more distant onlookers to come to terms with events, even as they were unfolding.

The report made several recommendations to the media and emergency services aimed at further realising the potential of social media in crisis communication. The CCI team stressed the potential of social media to facilitate communication between key media organisations and civic authorities and the use of social media platforms to help develop more comprehensive crisis communication infrastructure in Queensland. The report is available at http://cci.edu.au/floodsreport.pdf.

Flooded street on January 13, 2011 in Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland. Photo: Markus Gebauer / Shutterstock.com

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http://cci.edu.au/floodsreport.pdf

NCGP

BIOFUEL PROJECT DISCOVERS INDIGENOUS PARTNERS

A team of researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research (CILR) at The University of Queensland have discovered an exciting alternative biofuel source, the legume tree Pongamia pinnata, preparing Australia for a cleaner, greener future.

Working in conjunction with Cape York’s traditional land owners and partners, the team, led by Director of the CILR Professor Peter Gresshoff, has undertaken a project that will lead to the planting of more than 3000 hectares of Pongamia at Hope vale in north Queensland. The seeds from the Pongamia, a native species, are an ideal choice for biofuel production as they are naturally rich in oil and the tree is tolerant to drought and salinity. Additionally, as legumes the trees require minimal nitrogen fertiliser, grow fast and do not compete for prime agricultural land, making them a sustainable solution for alleviating the environmental ramifications caused by the increasing demands for biofuels by the automotive, aviation, mining and energy industries in Australia.

Researchers estimate that in due course the harvested Pongamia seeds from the Hopevale plantation could yield 10–15 million litres of biofuel, making a small, but significant contribution to Australia’s diesel demand, currently estimated at 20 billion litres a year. Furthermore, the CILR research team is confident that the adaptability of Pongamia could make it an attractive crop for biofuel production internationally, extending the benefits beyond the domestic biofuel industry.

Professor Peter Gresshoff (L) and Dr Paul Scott (R) inspect 15 month old Pongamia trees on a trial plantation site at the University of Queensland, Gatton campus

PERFORMANCE

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NCGP

TIMING OF SLEEP CRUCIAL TO CHILDHOOD HEALTH

Building on the established connection between less sleep and poor health, a research study underpinning a 2011 ARC Linkage Projects grant has shown that an early night’s sleep may be a key factor in reducing obesity and improving fitness among teenagers.

Researchers at the University of South Australia examined the bedtimes and waking times of more than 2000 Australians aged between nine and 16 years comparing their activity in their free time and their weight. Results indicated that even with equal amounts of sleep, teens that went to bed early and woke early were more likely to be slimmer and more active than their counterparts. Dr Carol Maher, recipient of an ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship under the Discovery Projects scheme and co-author of the study, said that “Kids who went to bed late and got up late were 1.5 times more likely to become obese and 2.9 times more likely to be physically inactive.”

Dr Carol Maher, Australian Postdoctoral Fellow

The study revealed that young people that went to sleep late often spent a greater proportion of time engaged in sedentary or screen-based activities. More broadly, late sleepers replaced 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity undertaken by habitually early risers with 30 minutes of sedentary activities such as computer-based activities or watching Tv.

In examining the relationships between health and habits, Dr Maher and her team hope to support education around teenage health and potentially identify trends that can be modified to improve the health and well-being of young people.

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ALIGNING RESEARCH STRENGTHS WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) outcomes locate specific areas of research strength, identify opportunities to develop research capacity and allow for comparisons of research effort over time. These features make ERA data an ideal tool for aligning research strengths with institutional, regional and national priorities to maximise the benefits of public investment in research.

Universities are using ERA data to develop research strengths in areas of strategic priority, including aligning research capacity with undergraduate teaching profile, research training load, opportunities for cross disciplinary research, and the interests of local communities and industry stakeholders.

In the 2009–10 Federal Budget the Australian Government announced a reform package for the higher education sector that included mission-based compacts with Australian universities. ERA results and targets were included in the 2011-13 mission-based compacts negotiated between the Australian Government and Australian universities in 2011, and will be included in the 2014-16 Compacts.

As well as ERA performance targets, Compacts include information about how universities plan to use ERA results to shape research strategy into the future. This includes information on strategies to:

> Build areas performing at world standard as evaluated by ERA;

> Improve performance in areas which did not perform at world standard as evaluated by ERA, or alternatively, discontinue research activity in relevant areas; and

> Develop research capacity in areas of strategic importance with reference to current teaching and/or research activity.

ERA results are critical to the Compacts framework – a framework that enables universities to pursue their distinctive missions and strategic goals while contributing to the Australian Government’s national objectives for higher education, research, research training and innovation.

PERFORMANCE

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Policy advice

FACILITATING INTERNATIONAL MOBILITy

In 2009 the Australian Government announced that ARC fellowships and awards would be opened to excellent researchers overseas—as a means of helping Australia grow and maintain a skilled and talented research workforce.

In 2011–12 the ARC reported the following:

> The new Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme had attracted 109 promising early career researchers to Australian shores in 2012—including citizens of 30 countries and Australians returning from six countries. These 109 researchers represented 40 per cent of the Awards announced under the first selection round.

> The Future Fellowships scheme had helped attract 107 bright mid-career researchers to Australia since 2009. This includes international researchers and returning Australians.

> Ten of Australia’s most prestigious fellowships, the Australian Laureate Fellowships, had been awarded to leading international researchers since 2009 to help them relocate or return to Australia. Further contributing to our research capacity, these research leaders are also using their fellowship to build international research teams within our universities.

> Since 2009, the ARC had received funding proposals under its fellowship schemes from researchers from 49 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

At their March 2012 meeting the ARC Advisory Council discussed the importance of attracting research talent from across the globe to help Australia address national issues such as industry transformation, and global issues such as climate change.

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CHAPTER 5: PROGRAM 1.1 DISCOVERy

AT A GLANCEThe Discovery Program supports high quality research projects led by individuals and teams, and provides opportunities to develop and support the careers of talented researchers at all career stages.

The ARC conducted selection rounds for funding commencing in 2011–12 under the following funding schemes of the Discovery Program:

> Australian Laureate Fellowships;

> Discovery Early Career Researcher Award;

> Discovery Indigenous;

> Discovery Projects;

> Future Fellowships; and

> Super Science Fellowships.

The ARC received 6575 proposals for funding under the Discovery Program commencing in 2011–12 of which 1306 were funded.

Through the program the ARC supported excellent research (including research in priority areas) and excellent researchers as well as the development of research partnerships.

All of the performance targets for 2011–12 were met (Table 5.3).

PERFORMANCE

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GUIDE TO THE REPORT

This chapter provides a report against the ARC performance framework outlined in the Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) 2011-12 and the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14. It includes a report on:

> program deliverables;

> priority actions in the ARC strategic plan;

> performance against the program objectives; and

> performance against the program key performance indicators (Table 5.3).

The deliverables and key performance indicators were revised in 2011–12 to align with the ARC strategic plan.

The ARC pursues the key objectives set out in the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 through implementation of the Discovery Program. In reporting against the program performance framework, we are also articulating our performance against the following key objectives from the strategic plan:

> Research—To support excellence in research;

> Capacity—To build Australia’s research capacity; and

> Policy and evaluation—To provide informed high quality policy advice to government and enhance research outcomes through effective evaluation.

Performance data in this chapter relates to new funding commencing in 2011–12 unless otherwise stated. The performance report is supported by further information provided in Appendices 2, 3 and 4.

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table 5.1: Discovery Program performance framework

Outcome (PBS) Mission (arC strategic plan)

Growth of knowledge and innovation through managing research funding schemes, measuring research excellence and providing advice

Deliver policy and programs that advance Australian research and innovation globally and benefit the community

Key objectives

> Research—To support excellence in research

> Capacity—To build Australia’s research capacity

> Policy and evaluation—To provide informed high quality policy advice to government and enhance research outcomes through effective evaluation

Program 1.1—Discovery

Objectives

The Discovery Program is aimed at supporting the growth of Australia’s research capacity, resulting in advances in knowledge, the development of new technologies, products and ideas, the creation of jobs, economic growth and an enhanced quality of life in Australia. Specifically the Discovery Program aims to:

> support excellent fundamental research by individuals and teams

> support the development of young researchers as well as the ongoing careers of individuals and research teams

> provide incentives for researchers to build the scale of their work, develop teams and support the growth of networks of research (both nationally and internationally)

> enhance the scale and focus of research in areas of national priority.

2010–11 2011–12

Deliverables

> Number of grants

> Number of administering organisations

> Amount awarded

> Number of grants

> Number of researchers supported

> Amount awarded

> Communication activities

> Policy advice

Key performance indicators

> Research careers

> Research collaboration

> Areas of national priority

> Outputs and outcomes

> Collaboration

> Research training


> Policy advice

PERFORMANCE

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DELIVERABLES

table 5.2: Discovery Program deliverables

DELIvERABLE RESULT

2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

Number of grants awarded 1149 1205 1306

Number of researchers supported (investigators named in funded proposals)*

n/a n/a 2537

Funding awarded to administering organisations ($’000) $516 435 $513 430 $547 343

Communications activities that foster stakeholder and community awareness of the role of the ARC and benefits of ARC support for research and research training*

n/a n/a Achieved

Policy advice relating to research and research training* n/a n/a Achieved

*These deliverables were not measured in previous years.

Grants awarded

The number of grants awarded under the Discovery Program increased in 2011–12 due to the establishment of a separate scheme to support early career researchers, the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme. Previously, support for early career researchers was provided as part of the Discovery Projects scheme (through Australian Postdoctoral Fellowships and early career researcher only proposals).

researchers supported

New projects with funding commencing in 2011–12 under the Discovery Program involve 2537 researchers. Investigators named in funded proposals include chief investigators, fellows and awardees, and partner investigators.

Totals do not include Super Science Fellows, who are recruited by the chief investigators subsequent to the award of funding; the postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers recruited to support Australian Laureate Fellows; and other unnamed project personnel and postgraduate students.

Funding awarded

The funding awarded to administering organisations under the Discovery Program increased in 2011–12 to $547.3 million. The increase was primarily due to the establishment of the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme and the subsequent increased number of grants. There were also increases in funding provided under the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme, to accommodate the additional two fellowships for women, and the Discovery Indigenous scheme, where the average grant size increased in comparison to previous years.

Communication activities

Communication activities that foster stakeholder and community awareness of the role of the ARC and benefits of ARC activities in supporting research and research training are identified as deliverables in the 2011-12 PBS.

Communication activities undertaken by the ARC include funding announcement events (such as the Australian Laureate Fellowships announcement pictured on page 43), media releases and interviews and management of the ARC website. Further details are provided in Chapter 13.

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Australian Laureate Fellowships announcement: (L to R) Professor Peter Bartlett, Professor Gordon Wallace, Professor David Studdert, Professor Margaret Sheil, Professor Maria Forsyth, Senator the Hon. Kim Carr, Professor Mahananda Dasgupta, Professor Martin Asplund, Professor Pippa Norris, Professor Ian Petersen, Professor Warwick Anderson, Professor Stuart Wyithe, Professor Richard Coleman

Policy advice

In 2011–12, the ARC provided advice and engaged in discussions on a range of policy matters relevant to the Discovery Program. The ARC:

> revised Funding Rules for Discovery Program schemes, including a new definition of medical and dental research and revised eligibility requirements;

> revised its international strategy;

> participated in the inaugural Global Summit on Merit Review, hosted by the US National Science Foundation;

> provided input to the 2012 process to refresh the National Research Priorities, led by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education;

> participated in the Health of Australian Science Advisory Group;

> made a submission to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper focussing on the need to build a strong research capacity to ensure that Australia is well equipped to engage with the growing economies in the region; and

> made a submission to Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia.

Strategic plan: priority action for 2011–12 revise the arC international strategy

In 2011–12 the ARC revised its international strategy to align it with the ARC strategic plan and take into account recent developments in the external environment. The revised strategy was published on the ARC website in May 2012. The ARC’s overarching aim in supporting international research collaboration is “To maximise Australia’s contribution to and benefits from international research collaborations, partnerships, developments and policy.”

PERFORMANCE

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Strategic plan priority action for 2011–12: Engage in international discussions about peer review

On 15 May 2012, participants at a two-day Global Summit on Merit Review, hosted by the US National Science Foundation, established a Global Research Council and released a set of merit review principles. Representatives of research councils from around 50 countries, including Australia, participated in the summit. Professor Andrew Wells represented the ARC at the meeting.

The statement of merit review principles was developed with two primary objectives: to foster international cooperation between funding agencies that support the scientific research community, and for those countries that are developing new funding agencies, to provide a global consensus on the key elements necessary for a rigorous and transparent review system.

Merit review principles > Expert Assessment — Collectively,

reviewers should have the appropriate knowledge and expertise to assess the proposal both at the level of the broad context of the research field(s) to which it contributes and with respect to the specific objectives and methodology. Reviewers should be selected according to clear criteria.

2012 Global Summit on Merit Review. Photo: Sandy Schaeffer

> Transparency — Decisions must be based on clearly described rules, procedures and evaluation criteria that are published a priori. Applicants should receive appropriate feedback on the evaluation of their proposal.

> Impartiality — Proposals must be assessed fairly and on their merit. Conflicts of interest must be declared and managed according to defined, published processes.

> Appropriateness — The review process should be consistent with the nature of the call, with the research area addressed, and in proportion to the investment and complexity of the work.

> Confidentiality — All proposals, including related data, intellectual property and other documents, must be treated in confidence by reviewers and organisations involved in the review process.

> Integrity and Ethical Consideration — Ethics and integrity are paramount to the review process.

44


OBJECTIVES

Objective: Support excellent fundamental research by individuals and teams

The funding schemes of the Discovery Program provide support for the highest quality research conducted at Australia’s higher education institutions and other eligible organisations. To ensure excellent research is funded, the ARC uses a rigorous assessment process involving academic peers. The academic impact of outputs arising from ARC-funded research is measured periodically through citation analysis.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > In 2011–12 the ARC continued to enhance

peer review processes to ensure the best research is funded. This included a greater emphasis on the assessments of specialised external reviewers; refocus of the role of the ARC College members as moderators; enhancement of processes and systems to improve the assessment of interdisciplinary proposals; and completion of the roll-out of the A-E ranking system across ARC funding schemes.

> Recipients of ARC funding are required to provide progress and final reports to the ARC on their research projects. These final reports give an indication of initial outputs and achievements of ARC-funded research projects. The case studies in Chapter 4 and on pages 54-57 of this chapter provide some examples of the high quality outcomes arising from research funded under the Discovery Program.

Strategic plan priority action for 2011–12: Enhance peer review through improved assessor assignment processes

In 2011–12 the ARC enhanced its capacity to match funding proposals to external assessors by improving systems capability; obtaining up-to-date data on the research expertise of assessors; designing processes to track assessor reliability; and providing feedback to assessors. The ARC is continuing to develop new approaches to assessor-proposal matching in 2012–13.

PERFORMANCE

45


Objective: Support the development of young researchers as well as the ongoing careers of individuals and research teams

The ARC provides support for researchers at all career stages through fellowships and awards administered under the Discovery Program including:

> Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards;

> Future Fellowships;

> Australian Laureate Fellowships;

> Discovery Indigenous Awards (under the Discovery Indigenous scheme); and

> Discovery Outstanding Researcher Awards (under Discovery Projects).

In addition the ARC:

> has an assessment process that provides a flexible approach to the consideration of a researcher’s capabilities and assists those who have had career interruptions, particularly for family-related reasons;

> provides funding for postgraduate stipends and salaries for research personnel, such as research assistants and associates and technical officers;

> provides funding to support postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers to work in teams with the world class researchers who have been awarded Australian Laureate Fellowships; and

> administers the Discovery Indigenous scheme to build research capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > The ARC awarded funding for 578 new

fellowships and awards commencing in 2011–12 under the Discovery Program, up from 464 in 2010–11.

> The ARC established the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme to provide more opportunities for promising early career researchers in teaching and research and research-only positions. There was a very high demand for funding in the first Discovery Early Career Researcher Award selection round, with 2159 proposals considered, of which 277 were approved for funding.

> In the Australian Laureate Fellowships selection round for funding commencing in 2011, two fellowships specifically allocated for outstanding female researchers were awarded for the first time. Professor Mahananda Dasgupta was awarded the inaugural Georgina Sweet Fellowship for women in science and technology and Professor Norris was awarded the inaugural Kathleen Fitzpatrick Fellowship for women in the humanities and social sciences.

> Under the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme funding is available to support postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers who will work within teams under the mentorship of the world-class researchers who are awarded Australian Laureate Fellowships. In the selection round for funding commencing in 2011, $16.8 million in funding was provided for 34 postgraduate and 33 postdoctoral researchers to work with the 17 Fellows.

> In the Discovery Indigenous selection round for funding commencing in 2012, there was a small increase in demand compared with the Discovery Indigenous Researcher Development selection round for funding commencing in 2011. This is consistent with the broader eligibility guidelines under the new scheme. Ten successful proposals were awarded a total of $3.9 million.

> The Discovery Indigenous scheme for funding commencing in 2012 includes the Discovery Indigenous Award, which is available to chief investigators who are Indigenous Australian researchers, at five salary levels depending on experience. Five Discovery Indigenous Awards were approved for funding commencing in 2012.

> The Discovery Outstanding Researcher Award was introduced under the Discovery Projects scheme for funding commencing in 2012 to provide opportunities for mid to late career research-only and teaching and research academics. Discovery Outstanding Researcher Awards provide a salary for a period of up to three years—equivalent to the duration of the Discovery Projects grant.

46


Strategic plan priority action for 2011–12: assess impact of changes to Discovery Projects and Discovery Early Career researcher award schemes

The following changes were made to Discovery Projects for funding commencing in 2012:

> the establishment of the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme;

> the introduction of the Discovery Outstanding Researcher Award;

> the discontinuation of fellowships previously offered under Discovery Projects; and

> the discontinuation of the allocation for early career researcher-only proposals under Discovery Projects.

Reflecting the changes to the Discovery Program, there was a decrease in demand for funding for Discovery Projects—from 4230 in 2011 to 3544 in 2012—as many of the early career researchers who would have otherwise applied for Discovery Projects funding applied under the new Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme instead.

As a result of the establishment of the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme, less funding was available under the Discovery Projects than in previous years.

In the selection round for funding commencing in 2012, $236.8 million was awarded to 778 successful proposals, compared with $318.2 million to 931 successful proposals in 2011. However, total funding commencing in 2012 for the Discovery Projects and Discovery Early Career Researcher Award schemes combined was $340.7 million, an increase from 2011 Discovery Projects funding.

There were more research projects led by early career researchers supported through the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award selection round for funding commencing in 2012, than in previous years under the Discovery Projects scheme. In the Discovery Projects selection round for funding round commencing in 2011, 108 Australian Postdoctoral Fellowships were awarded and 87 early career researcher-only proposals,1 supporting 95 early career researchers, were funded.2

1 Early career researcher-only proposals were proposals on which all nominated investigators had been awarded their PhD within five years or less of the date of submission of the proposal.

2 Includes some double counting. That is, some Australian Postdoctoral Fellowships were awarded within early career researcher-only proposals.

PERFORMANCE

47


Objective: Provide incentives for researchers to build the scale of their work, develop teams and support the growth of networks of research

Building teams

The Discovery Program supports research involving collaboration within and across institutions and research disciplines. Multiple chief investigators from eligible organisations can work together on research projects funded under the Discovery Projects and Discovery Indigenous schemes, and researchers from other organisations can participate as partner investigators on projects funded under the Discovery Projects scheme. Project funding can also be used for postgraduate stipends, and to engage research assistants, research associates and technical officers.

The Future Fellowships scheme supports cross-institutional collaboration by allowing fellows to spend up to two years of their fellowship conducting research at a host organisation other than the administering organisation.

As outlined on page 46, the Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme supports the development of research teams through providing funding for postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers to work with Australian Laureate Fellows. This enables world class researchers to build the scale of their work while mentoring and developing research students and early career researchers.

International networking and mobility

The ARC supports international networking and mobility across all schemes of the Discovery Program. Funding up to the specified limits for individual funding schemes can be used for overseas travel by chief investigators, fellows and other project personnel, and by partner investigators based overseas to travel to Australia.

In addition, International Collaboration Awards are available under the Discovery Projects scheme to enhance opportunities for collaboration among researchers, research teams and/or research centres in Australia and overseas.

To grow Australia’s research capacity all ARC fellowships and awards are open to international researchers who will undertake research in Australian universities and other eligible organisations, irrespective of their nationality.

Significant developments in 2011–12 > In the Discovery Projects selection round

for funding commencing in 2012, an average of 2.7 chief investigators and partner investigators were involved in each successful proposal.

> Funding was provided for 34 postgraduate and 33 postdoctoral researchers to work with the 17 new Australian Laureate Fellows.

> In the selection rounds for funding commencing in 2011–12 under the Discovery Program, there were 1689 instances of international collaboration reported on the 1029 successful proposals across the schemes for which this data was collected.

> In the Discovery Projects selection round for funding commencing in 2012, 94 proposals were awarded International Collaboration Awards.

> In the selection rounds for funding commencing in 2011–12, 21.9 per cent of fellowships and awards went to foreign nationals and 7.8 per cent to Australian citizens or permanent residents returning from overseas.

48


Objective: Enhance the scale and focus of research in areas of national priority

The ARC considers the four National Research Priorities (NRPs) in administering the NCGP. The four NRPs are: an environmentally sustainable Australia; promoting and maintaining good health; frontier technologies for building and transforming Australian industries; and safeguarding Australia. These are underpinned by 21 NRP goals.

The ARC implements NRPs through all schemes of the Discovery Program except Discovery Indigenous. Researchers have the opportunity to state whether their research proposal falls within one of the four priority areas, and they can also indicate how the proposal addresses one or more of the NRP goals.

In the selection round for Future Fellowships commencing in 2011, researchers were asked to identify if the proposal targeted research areas of national significance; or targeted disciplinary areas where there was an identified need for capacity development.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > Over 90 per cent of proposals funded under

the Discovery Program indicated that they involved research in an area of national research priority (Table 5.3). The largest number is in the area of frontier technologies (29.8 per cent of proposals).

> Among the 203 successful proposals under the Future Fellowships scheme for funding commencing in 2011, there were 112 instances of research in the targeted discipline areas and 207 instances of the targeted research areas. Proposals could identify more than one targeted discipline and/or research area.

PERFORMANCE

49


kEy

PERF

ORM

ANCE

INDI

CATO

RS

tabl

e 5.

3: D

isco

very

Pro

gram

, per

form

ance

aga

inst

key

per

form

ance

indi

cato

rs

KEY

PER

FOR

MA

NC

E IN

DIC

ATO

RS

MEA

SUR

ETA

RG

ETP

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RM

AN

CE

Out

puts

and

out

com

es a

risin

g fr

om

AR

C-s

uppo

rted

res

earc

h ar

e of

a h

igh

qual

ity a

nd p

rodu

ce n

atio

nal b

enefi

ts

[KP

I 1.1

in th

e st

rate

gic

plan

]

Evid

ence

of i

mpa

ct o

f AR

C-f

unde

d re

sear

chSi

gnifi

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ly e

xcee

ds b

ench

mar

ks w

here

av

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2011

–12:

A b

iblio

met

ric s

tudy

was

not

un

dert

aken

in th

e re

port

ing

perio

d.

Out

com

es a

risin

g fr

om A

RC

-fun

ded

rese

arch

that

pro

vide

soc

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econ

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, en

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tal a

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ultu

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enefi

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Evid

ence

of b

enefi

ts a

risin

g fr

om th

e ou

tcom

es o

f AR

C-f

unde

d re

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chE

xam

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of o

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of A

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-fun

ded

rese

arch

are

pro

vide

d in

cha

pter

4.

AR

C fu

ndin

g su

ppor

ts

exce

llent

res

earc

hers

[KP

I 2.1

in th

e st

rate

gic

plan

]

Ext

erna

l rec

ogni

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of th

e ac

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ts

of A

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-fun

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Pre

stig

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priz

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war

ds a

re

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by

AR

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d re

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xam

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and

aw

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won

by

AR

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s ar

e pr

ovid

ed o

n pa

ges

52-5

3.

Evid

ence

of i

mpa

ct o

f res

earc

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ted

by A

RC

-fun

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fello

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Exc

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ben

chm

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whe

re a

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2011

–12:

A b

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ly to

hig

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res

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[KP

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in th

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rate

gic

plan

]

Pro

port

ion

of A

RC

-fun

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rese

arch

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who

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ly c

aree

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sear

cher

s (w

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fiv

e ye

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of c

ompl

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thei

r P

hD)

[nam

ed in

vest

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only

]

Gre

ater

than

20

per

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2011

–12:

22.

0 pe

r ce

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2010

–11:

18.

5 pe

r ce

nt

200

9–1

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9.7

per

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AR

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in th

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Pla

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Pro

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of fu

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at

addr

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earc

h P

riorit

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(NR

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Gre

ater

than

85

per

cent

2011

–12:

91.

1 pe

r ce

nt2

2010

–11:

90

per

cent

200

9–1

0: 9

0.2

per

cent

Evid

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of i

mpa

ct in

NR

P a

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xam

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of i

mpa

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NR

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Exa

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f out

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RC

-fun

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as a

re p

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54

-57.

50


KEY

PER

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Ther

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inte

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nova

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[KP

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in th

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]

Pro

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of p

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lvin

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tern

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than

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2011

–12:

67.

6 pe

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2010

–11:

63.

9 pe

r ce

nt

200

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5.8

per

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Pol

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[KP

I 3.1

in th

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Evid

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of i

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advi

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impr

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the

AR

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ca

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to th

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nova

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da

Cha

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Pro

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by

redu

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pot

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fund

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acro

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ore

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1 In

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inve

stig

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s an

d fe

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s na

med

on

succ

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all s

chem

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xclu

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fund

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who

sub

sequ

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ruite

d ea

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aree

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sear

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take

up

the

50

Supe

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llow

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ndin

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mm

enci

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Jul

y 20

11.

2 A

cros

s al

l Dis

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chem

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xclu

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Dis

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dige

nous

whi

ch d

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not c

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ct d

ata

on n

atio

nal r

esea

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prio

ritie

s.3

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all D

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sch

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exc

ludi

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isco

very

Ear

ly C

aree

r R

esea

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war

d w

hich

did

not

col

lect

dat

a on

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labo

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sele

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und

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cing

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201

2. T

his

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will

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in fu

ture

yea

rs.

PERFORMANCE

51


PRIZES AWARDED TO ARC FELLOWS

2011 Nobel Prize for Physics (joint winner)Professor Brian Schmidt, Australian Laureate Fellow, The Australian National University (ANU)

2011 Prime Minister’s Science PrizesAssociate Professor Min Chen, Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Fellow, The University of Sydney (Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year)

Professor Stuart Wyithe, Australian Laureate Fellow, The University of Melbourne (2011 Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year)

2011 Eureka Prizes

Emerging Leader in Science – Associate Professor Kevin Pfleger, Future Fellow, The University of Western Australia

Leadership in Science – Professor Ben Eggleton, Federation Fellow and Director, ARC Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems

Sir Nicholas Shackleton Medal for the most outstanding Quaternary scientistDr Zenobia Jacobs, QEII Fellow, University of Wollongong

WH (Beattie) Steel medalProfessor Min Gu, Australian Laureate Fellow, Swinburne University

2011 State Scientists of the Year NSW: Professor Michelle Simmons, Federation Fellow, The University of New South Wales

WA: Professor Richard Hobbs, Australian Laureate Fellow, The University of Western Australia

SA: Professor Peter Langridge, Researcher Leader and Chief Executive Officer, Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics

2011 tall Poppy awardsDr Cormac Corr, Future Fellow, ANU

Dr Natalie Ban, Australian Postdoctoral Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies

Associate Professor Matthew Davis, QEII Fellow, The University of Queensland

Dr Tamara Davies, Future Fellow, The University of Queensland

Dr Mariana Fuentes, Super Science Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies

Dr Deanna D’Alessandro, QEII Fellow, The University of Sydney

Dr Melissa Green, Future Fellow, The University of New South Wales

Dr George Hobbs, QEII Fellow, CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science

Associate Professor Min Chen, winner of The 2011 Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year with the Hon Senator Kim Carr, then Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

52


2011 the australian Innovation Challenge awards:

Overall winner

Professor Mark Kendall, Future Fellow, The Univeristy of Queensland

Health Category

Professor Marcela Bilek, Federation Fellow, The University of Sydney

Environment Category

Professor Rick Shine, Federation Fellow, The University of Sydney

australian academy of Science 2011 awards

2012 Fenner medal for distinguished research in biology

Winthrop Professor A Harvey Millar, ARC Professorial Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, UWA

2012 Christopher Heyde medal for distinguished research in the field of applied, computational and financial mathematics

Dr Josef Dick, QEII Fellow, The University of Melbourne

2012 Dorothy Hill award for female researchers in the earth sciences

Dr Karen Black, Australian Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of New South Wales

2012 Pawsey medal for outstanding research in physics

Professor Tanya Monro, Federation Fellow, The University of Adelaide

australian Institute of Physics 2011 Walter Boas MedalProfessor Ben Eggleton, Federation Fellow and Director, ARC Centre for Ultrahigh-Bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems

National Measurement Institute, 2012 Prize for Excellence in Measurement researchDr Sharath Sriram, Australian Postdoctoral Fellow, RMIT University

Professor Harvey Millar, winner of the 2012 Fenner medal for

distinguished research in biology.

PERFORMANCE

53


National research Priority 1: an Environmentally Sustainable australia

WA MARINE ECOSySTEMS DISRUPTED By 2011 HEATWAVE

An unprecedented heat wave in early 2011 saw sea temperatures off the coast of Western Australia reach their highest levels in 140 years and remain up to five degrees warmer than normal for more than 10 weeks. A paper published in Nature Climate Change1 has shown that this event had a significant impact on marine ecosystems.

The study, an international collaboration led by researchers from the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at The University of Western Australia, compared the impacts of the heat wave on biodiversity in two Indian Ocean locations: Jurien Bay and Hamelin Bay, 500km further south. The coastal margins along Australia’s western coast, including Jurien Bay, form a biodiversity hotspot and transition zone between tropical and temperate ecosystems.

Following the heat wave, the Jurien Bay area experienced a reduction in large cool-water seaweeds and an increase in tropical fish species. The ratio of tropical fish to other species increased from 5–10 per cent to up to about 20 per cent. The reduction in seaweeds allowed the proliferation of turf-forming algae and, as a consequence, a loss in encrusted coralline algae and sponges. The long-term impact of the event at Jurien Bay is not known. By comparison, in the cooler region of Hamelin Bay, the heatwave did not affect the marine ecosystem.

Predictive modelling of the impact of climate change on ecosystems is usually largely based on gradual warming scenarios. This research suggests that discrete extreme climate events can have a significant impact on marine ecosystems and that this should be studied further.

The leader of the research program and lead author of the paper, Associate Professor Thomas Wernberg, is the recipient of an ARC Future Fellowship.

A lined dotty back (Labracinus lineatus ), one of the warm-water fishes to increase in abundance in Jurien Bay after the heatwave. Photo: T. Wernberg

1 Thomas Wernberg, Dan A. Smale, Fernando Tuya, Mads S. Thomsen, Timothy J. Langlois, Thibaut de Bettignies, Scott Bennett & Cecile S. Rousseaux ‘An extreme climatic event alters marine ecosystem structure in a global biodiversity hotspot’ Nature Climate Change (2012) doi:10.1038/nclimate1627

54


National research Priority 2: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health

PLANTING THE SEED FOR NEW CANCER THERAPIES

Dr Joshua Mylne from The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience was awarded the 2012 Peter Goldacre Award by the Australian Society of Plant Scientists in recognition of his unusual finding that the drug-like protein, SFTI, begins life buried in a sunflower seed protein.

SFTI is a small, stable protein ring that can block digestive enzymes called proteases, which digest our meals, but tumours can also use them to eat into surrounding flesh and create space for the tumour to grow.

In its natural form, SFTI will block a well-known breast cancer protease, and in modified forms will block proteases associated with other types of cancer. These proteins have not been broadly adopted by drug designers despite their potential to fight cancer partly because of the expense of producing them using traditional, synthetic methods.

Dr Mylne’s discovery of SFTI within sunflower seeds has opened up a potential solution to this problem. “Seeds are an attractive system for the production of pharmaceuticals, as they are cheap to grow and their contents are stable at room temperature, and sterile inside their coat,” Dr Mylne said. “There are also established systems in place for their production, harvest, storage and transportation, meaning they could be the ultimate low-cost drug manufacturing system.”

Dr Mylne is the recipient of an ARC Discovery Projects grant and Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship over the period 2008–2012 and has been awarded a Future Fellowship at The University of Western Australia commencing in 2013.

Dr Joshua Mylne works to extract DNA from a relative of the sunflower. Photo: J. Mylne

PERFORMANCE

55


National research Priority 3: Frontier technologies for Building and transforming australian Industries

BREAkTHROUGH IN THIN FILM SOLAR CELL TECHNOLOGy

Two ARC Fellowship and Award recipients were part of a research team that has developed the world’s most efficient broadband nanoplasmonic solar cells. In a paper published in Nano Letters,1

the researchers describe how they have manufactured thin film solar cells with an absolute efficiency of 8.1 per cent. Thin film solar cells have potential as a cheap alternative to crystalline cells but because of they are thin they have been less effective at absorbing sunlight. To create more efficient thin film cells, the researchers used nucleated or ‘bumpy’ nanoparticles.

Co-author of the paper, Dr Baohua Jia, from Swinburne University of Technology, believes that this new technology will have an important impact on the solar industry. “What we have found is that nanoparticles that have an uneven surface scatter light even further into a broadband wavelength range. This leads to greater absorption, and therefore improves the cell’s overall efficiency.” One of the potential applications of thin film solar cells is to cover glass windows, which could enable whole sky scrapers to run off solar power in the future.

Dr Jia was the recipient of an Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship under the Discovery Projects scheme from 2009 to 2011 and was awarded one of the inaugural ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards for funding commencing in 2012. The paper’s other co-authors include ARC Australian Laureate Fellow, Professor Min Gu, others from Swinburne University and researchers from Suntech Power Holdings. The research was conducted under the auspices of the victoria-Suntech Advanced Solar Facility at Swinburne, a $12 million program jointly funded by the victorian Government, Swinburne and Suntech.

Dr Baohua Jia holding a new, more efficient solar cell with quantum dots. Photo: L’Oréal Australia / sdpmedia.com.au

1 Xi Chen*, Baohua Jia*, Jhantu K. Saha*, Boyuan Cai*, Nicholas Stokes*, Qi Qiao**, Yongqian Wang**, Zhengrong Shi**, and Min Gu*, Nano Lett., 2012, 12 (5), pp 2187–2192, DOI: 10.1021/nl203463z

* Centre for Micro-Photonics, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology

** Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., China

56


National research Priority 4: Safeguarding australia

ROVER ROBOTS HELP DEFENCE TRAINING

Robotic smart targets for live-fire training, initially developed by researchers at The University of Sydney, had continued market success in 2011–12 and are providing a realistic, interactive and challenging training scenario for Australian and United States defence personnel.

From 2003 researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems worked with the Australian Defence Forces to develop mobile robots for counter-terrorism training. Dr Alex Brooks, Dr Tobias Kaupp, and Dr Alex Makarenko commercialised the technology through their start-up company, Marathon Targets. Dr Alex Makarenko was the recipient of an Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship under the Discovery Projects scheme during the period in which the technology was developed.

Marathon Targets’ Rover robots are the first of their kind. The armoured autonomous robots look, move and behave like real people. They weigh only 150 kilograms, are based on the Segway platform and can accelerate at up to 12.6km/h. Using a GPS and a scanning laser

range-finder for navigation, they can turn on the spot, quickly change direction, navigate in and out of buildings, react quickly to avoid obstacles, and even run for cover when one of their buddies is hit by a bullet.

The Australian Defence Force has been using the system since 2008 and in 2010 the company was awarded a US$50 Million contract by the United States Marine Corps for a trial project. Marathon Targets was selected as the nation’s top technology start-up at the 2010 Tech23 Awards. In 2011–12 Marathon Targets delivered its second generation two-wheel smart targets to the United States Marine Corps (USMC), received a follow-on order from the USMC for its new four-wheel smart target, and was awarded its latest smart target contract from a NATO member country.

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CHAPTER 6: PROGRAM 1.2 LINkAGE

AT A GLANCEThe Linkage Program supports research collaboration between universities and between universities and other organisations (including businesses and government departments).

The ARC conducted selection rounds for funding commencing in 2011–12 under the following funding schemes of the Linkage Program:

> Linkage Projects;

> Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities;

> Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects; and

> Special Research Initiative in Synchrotron Science.

The ARC also provided ongoing funding to ARC Centres of Excellence, co-funded research centres and Special Research Initiatives that commenced in previous years. A brief description of the schemes comprising the Linkage Program is provided at Appendix 2.

In 2011–12 the ARC received 1132 proposals for funding under the Linkage Program funding schemes of which 455 were funded.

Through the program the ARC supported excellent research (including research in priority areas) and excellent researchers as well as the development of research partnerships.

All except one of the performance targets for 2011–12 were met (Table 6.3). The proportion of funded projects involving international collaboration was 40.7 per cent, which is slightly short of the target of 42 per cent. The difference between the target and the result represents only six projects.

58


GUIDE tO rEPOrt

This chapter provides a report against the ARC’s performance framework outlined in the Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) 2011-12 and ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14. It includes a report on:


> relevant priority actions in the ARC strategic plan;


> performance against the program key performance indicators (Table 6.3).

The deliverables and key performance indicators were revised in 2011–12 to align with the ARC strategic plan.

The ARC pursues the key objectives set out in the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 through implementation of the Linkage Program. In reporting against the program performance framework, we are also articulating our performance against the following objectives:

> Research—To support excellence in research;

> Capacity—To build Australia’s research capacity; and


Performance data in this chapter relates to new funding commencing in 2011–12 unless otherwise stated. The performance report is supported by further information provided in Appendices 2, 3 and 4.

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table 6.1: Linkage Program performance framework

Outcome (PBS) Mission (arC strategic plan)



Key objectives




Program 1.2—Linkage

Objectives

The Linkage Program is aimed at improving research outcomes and the use of research outcomes by strengthening links within Australia’s innovation system and with innovation systems internationally. The objectives of the Linkage Program are to:

> encourage partnerships between university-based researchers and end-user organisations (including business, industry, government and community organisations, and publicly funded research agencies);

> foster opportunities for postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers to pursue research in collaboration with organisations outside the higher education sector;

> support investment in strategic national research infrastructure and access to major international facilities; and

> encourage the growth of clusters of research and research training as platforms for innovation through funding research centres and hubs.

2010–11 2011–12

Deliverables

> Number of grants

> Funding awarded

> Number of administering organisations

> Number of grants

> Number of researchers

> Funding awarded

> Communication activities

> Policy advice


> Research careers

> Collaboration


> Outputs and outcomes

> Research training


> Collaboration

> Policy

60


DELIVERABLES

table 6.2: Linkage Program deliverables

DELIvERABLE RESULT

2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

Number of grants awarded 525 495 455

Number of researchers^* (investigators named in funding proposals)

n/a n/a 2 098

Funding awarded to administering organisations ($’000) 219 642 409 732 194 483

Communications activities that foster stakeholder and community awareness of the role of the ARC and benefits of ARC support for research collaboration*

n/a n/a Achieved

Policy advice relating to encouraging research collaboration* n/a n/a Achieved

^Includes Linkage Projects and Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities schemes only.

*These deliverable were not measured in previous years.

Grants

The ARC awarded funding for 455 grants for funding commencing in 2011–12, which was fewer than in previous years. Fewer projects were funded under the Linkage Projects scheme, partially due to the discontinuation of Australian Postgraduate Awards (Industry) from the selection rounds for funding commencing in 2011 onwards. Trend data is available at Appendix 3.

researchers

For funding commencing in 2011–12, the ARC supported 2098 researchers under the Linkage Projects and Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities schemes, including 20 Australian Postdoctoral Fellows (Industry) (APDIs).

Investigators named in funding proposals include chief investigators, fellows and partner investigators. Totals do not include other unnamed project personnel and postgraduate students who will work on the projects.

Funding awarded

Grants awarded for funding commencing in 2011–12 under the Linkage Program totalled approximately $194.5 million over the life of the projects, a decrease on previous years. This is primarily due to funding awarded in 2010–11 including funding for 13 ARC Centres of Excellence commencing in 2011 ($255.9 million over seven years).

Communication

Communication activities that foster stakeholder and community awareness of the role of the ARC and benefits of ARC activities to support research collaboration are identified as deliverables in the 2011-12 PBS.

Communication activities arranged by ARC include funding announcement events, media releases, interviews and keeping the ARC website up-to-date with dates and other important information. Further details are provided in Chapter 13.

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Policy advice

In 2011–12, the ARC provided policy advice and engaged in policy dialogue on a range of matters relevant to Program 1.2. This included:

> the development of new initiatives, such as the Industrial Transformation Research Program, the Special Research Initiative in Synchrotron Science, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network;

> engagement in international dialogue on peer review processes, including participation in the inaugural Global Summit on Merit Review, hosted by the United States National Science Foundation;

> providing input into and comments on other Government agencies’ briefs and reports, where relevant, such as providing comments on the implementation paper for the R&D Tax Incentive, and making submissions to the White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century and the National Research Priorities 2012 Consultation Paper;

> participating in policy discussion and formulation through membership on relevant advisory councils, such as the National Research Infrastructure Council, the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) and the Australia–India Council.

Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects

On 26 June 2012, the Australian Government announced that $10 million over three years would be allocated to the Australian Council of Learned Academies through the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme to support research conducted by the Learned Academies to inform the PMSEIC.

The successful proposals are research programs addressing the multi-disciplinary areas of strategic interest identified by PMSEIC to inform their advice to government, namely:

> Australia’s comparative advantage

> Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Country comparisons

> Asia literacy – language and beyond

> The role of science, research and technology in lifting Australian productivity

> New technologies and their role in our security, cultural, democratic, social and economic systems

> Engineering energy: unconventional gas exploration

Strategic plan priority action for 2011-12: New initiatives to strengthen links between industry and the research community

The Industrial Transformation Research Program will provide a range of new opportunities for researchers and industry to work together. The program will comprise Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Industrial Transformation Training Centres that will provide more targeted support to build critical mass in key areas of importance to key Australian industries than previously provided under the Linkage Projects scheme.

62


OBJECTIVES

Objective: Encourage partnerships between university-based researchers and end-user organisations

The Linkage Projects scheme supports collaborative research and development projects between higher education organisations and other parts of the national innovation system to enable the application of advanced knowledge to problems. It aims to encourage and develop long-term strategic alliances between higher education organisations and other organisations, including businesses and other end-user organisations.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > The ARC conducted two Linkage Projects

selection rounds for funding commencing in 2011–12, providing over $110 million in funding for 370 research projects. These projects involve 806 partner organisations who committed $225.9 million to the successful proposals.

> In late 2011 the Australian Government announced a new ARC scheme to encourage research and development projects that could help solve the big problems facing our industries today. The establishment of research hubs will see managers, researchers and industry workers working together to tackle big industry challenges as well as short-term projects that may help answer emerging issues or questions.

Objective: Fostering opportunities for postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers to pursue research in collaboration with organisations outside the higher education sector

The Linkage Program offers opportunities for postgraduate and early career researchers to pursue internationally competitive research opportunities in collaboration with industry.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > In the selection rounds for funding

commencing in 2011–12, 20 APDIs were awarded. In 2011–12 the ARC also provided ongoing funding for 85 APDIs funded in previous Linkage Projects selection rounds.

> Australian Postgraduate Awards (Industry) (APAIs) are no longer funded under the Linkage Projects scheme. Ongoing funding in 2011–12 was provided for 566 APAIs awarded under previous Linkage Projects selection rounds. Project funding can still be used to fund postgraduate stipends.

> In late 2011 the Australian Government announced that through the ARC it would establish training centres nationwide over the next five years that will foster close partnerships between university-based researchers and the industry members who will use the research outcomes. Under the Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme, up to 600 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers will have the opportunity to work with industry partners, directly harnessing research capability to address industry needs.

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Objective: Support investment in strategic national research infrastructure and access to major international facilities

Through the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme the ARC supports the purchase and development of, and access to, tools which are crucial for leading edge research in Australia. The scheme encourages the development of cooperative initiatives so that expensive infrastructure, equipment and facilities can be shared between higher education organisations and also with industry. Funding under the scheme includes international subscriptions to enable Australian-based researchers to access major international facilities.

The Special Research Initiatives scheme is also used to fund initiatives relevant to this objective.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > In 2012 the ARC awarded over $28 million

to 77 new research infrastructure projects. This included funding of $750,000 to secure membership to the NANTEN2 Observatory in Chile for the next five years; building on the one-year membership to the NANTEN2 Observatory funded in 2010–11.

> The ARC continued to fund access to the following international research facilities: the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program; the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory Project; and the ISIS Neutron Spallation Source.

> In February 2012 the ARC released a consultation paper and questionnaire on ARC-supported research infrastructure and its alignment with the national infrastructure roadmap. Stakeholder feedback is being considered in the review of the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities funding rules.

> In June 2012 the Australian Government announced that $30 million in funding had been awarded under the Special Research Initiative in Synchrotron Science to support and manage researcher access to the Australian Synchrotron over the next four years. The ARC is contributing $25 million and the National Health and Medical Research Council is contributing $5 million.

Objective: Encourage the growth of clusters of research and research training as platforms for innovation through funding research centres and hubs

The ARC supports the development of clusters of research and research training through support for:

> ARC Centres of Excellence;

> co-funded research centres; and

> Special Research Initiatives.

The ARC Centres of Excellence scheme funds hubs of expertise through which high-quality researchers maintain and develop Australia’s international standing in research areas of national priority. The ARC also works collaboratively with other government agencies to jointly fund a number of high-quality research centres.

The Special Research Initiatives scheme aims to enhance and develop Australia’s research excellence through highly innovative and collaborative research activities.

In late 2011 the Australian Government announced the establishment of the Industrial Transformation Research Program which will provide support for the establishment of research centres and hubs.

Significant contributions in 2011–12

arC Centres of Excellence

> The ARC continued to fund 24 ARC Centres of Excellence that were initially funded under selection rounds in 2005 and 2011. Case studies highlighting achievements of some of the ARC Centres of Excellence in 2011–12 can be found on pages 31 and 33–35 in Chapter 4.

Co-funded research centres

> Some of the key achievements of co-funded centres in 2011–12 are highlighted on pages 66–67.

> A mid-term performance review of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training took place at The Flinders University of South Australia on 13 March 2012. The review concluded the centre had made excellent progress and established itself as a reputable centre.

64


Special research Initiatives

> In April 2012 the Australian Government announced a $1 million extension of funding to the ARC Centre of Excellence for Policing and Security under the Special Research Initiatives scheme. This follows a comprehensive review of its operations and performance in 2012, which found that the centre had been undertaking high quality research and training and making good progress towards meeting its objectives.

> In 2011–12, the ARC provided ongoing funding under the Special Research Initiatives scheme to the Research in Bionic Vision Science and Technology Initiative. The ARC is providing $50 million in funding over four years, commencing in 2009, to two proposals to develop a functional bionic eye.

> In November 2010 the Minister announced that $21 million over seven years had been awarded to Stem Cells Australia under the Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science to further build Australia’s capacity to conduct stem cell research. Stem Cells Australia is administered by The University of Melbourne and led by internationally renowned researcher Professor Martin Pera. Funding for this initiative commenced in July 2011.

Industrial transformation research Program

> The Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme will see managers, researchers and industry workers collaborating to tackle big industry challenges as well as short-term projects that may help answer emerging issues or questions. Funding for the scheme will commence in 2012–13.

> The Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme will establish training centres nationwide over the next five years that will foster close partnerships between university-based researchers and industry organisations, and fund up to 600 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to be trained in industry settings.

Strategic plan priority action for 2011–12: Conduct a selection round to establish an aboriginal and torres Strait Islander researchers’ Network

In 2012 the ARC will fund a new research network to build the capacity and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network will receive funding of up to $800,000 over four years to bring together researchers across Australian universities, within and across research disciplines, to facilitate collaborative and innovative approaches to planning and undertaking research and research training and advancing research in Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The intention of the Network is to involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander researchers of all career stages and contribute to improving the retention and completion of Indigenous Australian higher degree research students.

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65


CO-FUNDED CENtrES HIGHLIGHtS IN 2011–12

AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR PLANT FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS

The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG), which was established in 2002, is funded jointly by the ARC and Grains Research and Development Corporation. The Australian Government has committed $43 million to fund the ACPFG from 2002 to 2013.

> Lead Researcher and CEO, Professor Peter Langridge, was named 2011 South Australian Scientist of the Year.

> The ACPFG established a transgenic field testing site in Western Australia to provide real life insight into crop performance in very saline conditions.

> The ACPFG expanded a long-standing research collaboration with DuPont, bringing a new focus on advanced cereal breeding through molecular markers, discovery research for agronomic traits and hybrid seed production in wheat.

> The ACPFG coordinated Fascination of Plants Day in Australia, a worldwide event with 39 countries planning celebrations.


NATIONAL ICT AUSTRALIA

National ICT Australia (NICTA), which was also established in 2002, is jointly funded by the ARC and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. Additional funding for NICTA of $185.5 million over four years from July 2011 to June 2015 was approved in 2009, bringing the total funding for the period 2002–15 to $564.5 million.

> One of NICTA’s senior researchers, June Andronick, was recognised by Technology Review magazine as one of the world’s top innovators in 2011 under the age of 35.

> Professor Graeme Clark, one of Australia’s greatest scientists and the pioneer of the bionic ear, joined NICTA to lead a new project aimed at developing technologies capable of providing new types of hearing implants.

> NICTA signed a new three-year agreement with the US-based surveying company GeoNav Group International, where NICTA’s automatic video analysis technology will be used to help improve road safety.

> A purpose-built demonstration facility for NICTA, the Digital Productivity Showcase, was launched.

> NICTA is leading a multi-million dollar ICT-enabled geothermal initiative for the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy, where NICTA’s expertise in machine learning and big data analytics will be used to locate geothermal energy sources deep beneath the surface of the Earth.

66



NATIONAL CENTRE FOR GROUNDWATER RESEARCH AND TRAINING

The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) which was established in 2009, is funded jointly by the ARC and the National Water Commission (NWC). The ARC and the NWC are jointly committing up to $29.5 million over five years to the centre.

> The NCGRT is mid-way through its five-year funding period and now has 36 chief investigators, 30 postdoctoral researchers, 48 PhD and 21 honours students working within the centre’s five research programs.

> A world-class centrifuge permeameter facility was commissioned for the NCGRT and is situated at The University of New South Wales’ Water Research Laboratory on Sydney’s northern beaches. The facility was officially opened in September 2011.

> The NCGRT launched the research ambassadors program, a professional development opportunity which aims to equip students with the skills necessary to build successful graduate careers.

> The inaugural NCGRT summer school was held in Adelaide and attended by almost all of the centre’s members, giving researchers and students the opportunity to share their work and to attend lectures presented by distinguished visitors.

NCGRT research fellow Edward Banks and postdoctoral researcher Jordi Batlle-Aguilar pump groundwater for testing in the Willunga Basin, South Australia

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67


kEy

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PERFORMANCE

69


National research Priority 1: an Environmentally Sustainable australia

THE BENEFITS OF MARINE RESERVES

Marine reserves are implemented around the world to lessen the impact of fishing, conserve biodiversity and enhance ecosystem resilience. Whilst the potential benefits are well documented, there have been inconsistencies in the performance of reserves and uncertainty remains over how they should be designed and monitored.

Funded by a Linkage Projects grant, a research team led by Professor Rod Connolly and Dr Kylie Pitt from the Australian Rivers Institute at Griffith University, in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management and the CSIRO, established that marine reserves can have a positive impact on biodiversity and fish numbers, but this may depend on whether they incorporate key connections in the seascape.

The team published the results of their study in the prestigious science journal Conservation Letters early this year. The paper highlights the importance of habitat connectivity for the performance of reserves and demonstrates greater fish numbers in marine reserves that include adjacent mangroves and reefs. Andrew Olds, a PhD student on the project and lead author of the paper, says, “The ability of marine reserves to improve fish numbers can be enhanced if we make sure they are located in the right areas … we found more harvested and herbivorous fish in reserves where both habitats occur in close proximity.”

The effect on herbivorous fish, which graze on algae and help maintain reef resilience, suggests that protected reefs near mangroves may be better placed to recover from major disturbances, such as the flooding of the Brisbane River in early 2011.

Mangroves adjacent to coral reef habitat

70


National research Priority 2: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health

CARDIAC ACCESSIBILITy AND REMOTENESS INDEX FOR AUSTRALIANS

A team of health and geography experts led by Professor Robyn Clark at the University of South Australia has developed a rating system that could improve the ability of health care professionals, communities and individuals to develop effective response pathways to cardiac events.

Funded under a Linkage Projects grant, the ‘Cardiac Accessibility and Remoteness Index for Australia’ (Cardiac-ARIA) uses a numeric/alpha rating to inform residents and health professionals about the level of emergency and preventative care that is available in their neighbourhood in the event of a cardiac event, and their proximity to services which help prevent a secondary cardiac arrest.

Professor Clark stressed that receiving treatment within the first 60 minutes is paramount when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, or any cardiac event, to achieve the best recovery possible. Emphasising that an awareness of the Cardiac-ARIA ranking could encourage individuals to be aware of warning signs and react early if they knew how far they were from cardiac care, Professor Clark proposed that the index could also benefit communities and health professionals.

She suggested that once towns and communities knew their ranking, they could better understand their risk and implement clinical pathways that could be activated for rapid access to specialist cardiac care. Additionally, it could help health professionals make the best decision on which type of emergency care to use to enhance survival and recovery time.

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National research Priority 3: Frontier technologies for Building and transforming australian Industries

‘CHIPLESS’ TECHNOLOGy COSTS LESS & DOES MOREA project team led by Associate Professor Nemai Karmakar from Monash University has developed a chipless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanning system that is set to revolutionise logistics, library and membership-based industries. Using ‘backscatter’ technology in RFID tags, Associate Professor Karmakar and his colleagues have produced a cheaper, faster and smaller system to streamline industry operations in Australia.

The backscatter technology significantly reduces costs by replacing the expensive microchip in standard RFID tags with a series of printed silver squares on paper or plastic. Additionally, the integration of millimetre-wave scanner technology means that RFID tags can be scanned from up to a metre away.

“The key benefits of RFID technology, reading without line of sight and reading multiple tags at once, will now become available to a number of industries in Australia that have not previously utilised RFID technology due to the expense,” Associate Professor Karmakar explains. The distribution industry is one example of how the chipless RFID system can improve operations. With the new system despatch offices will be able to print RFID tags on the fly and, rather than having to read barcodes on individual boxes, they will be able to scan entire pallets of product to determine content.

Associate Professor Karmakar and his team intend to utilise the rest of their Linkage Projects grant to further develop the capacity of the current antennae and increase the range up to seven metres.

Monash University and FE Tech Development teams with long range chipless RFID scanner (Dr Karmakar is holding the scanner)

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National research Priority 4: Safeguarding australia

NEW WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANE TOADS

Cane toads are widely regarded as one of the biggest biological threats to Australian biodiversity in northern Australia, and the problem of eliminating or even slowing the progression of this invasive species has been troubling Australia’s best and brightest for many decades. Researchers funded under the Linkage Projects scheme have recently had a breakthrough, developing a cheap and innovative method for controlling the cane toad population.

Using a chemical ‘bait’ comprised of the cane toad’s own poison, the researchers discovered that the poison acts as a highly effective lure to cane toad tadpoles. Targeting toad tadpoles is far more effective than adult toads as it stops the amphibians at the early stage of their life cycle, before they can reproduce. “Native fauna such as fishes and insects aren’t attracted to this chemical but toad tadpoles are incredibly good at detecting it, and…search for its source as soon as they encounter it,” Professor Rick Shine, the project leader, said.

Trials in the Northern Territory, where the bait has been used in funnel traps in water bodies, has been highly successful, almost exclusively attracting toad tadpoles. Professor Shine and his team intend to develop an even stronger, safer and easier to use bait by isolating the active agent in the toad’s secretion and use it in its pure form without all of the associated poisons.

Professor Rick Shine measuring a small cane toad. Photo: Terri Shine

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CHAPTER 7: PROGRAM 1.3 EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH FOR AUSTRALIA

AT A GLANCEExcellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluates the quality of the research conducted at Australian universities by discipline. It identifies the specific research strengths of individual universities and of the Australian university sector as a whole. It also highlights disciplines where there are opportunities to further develop the research capacities of Australian universities.

In the 2009–10 budget the Australian Government committed $35.8 million over four years to the development, trial and implementation of ERA. ERA funding is ongoing. To date the ARC has conducted a trial (in 2009) and one full round of evaluation (ERA 2010).

As at 30 June 2012, the second full round of evaluation (ERA 2012) was underway.

The outcomes of ERA 2012 will be announced in 2012–13. This will allow Australia to track the research performance of its universities over time.

The deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs) identified in the Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) 2011-12 were achieved.

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GUIDE tO rEPOrt

This chapter provides a report against the ARC’s performance framework outlined in the PBS 2011-12 and ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14. It includes a report on:


> priority actions in the ARC strategic plan;


> performance against the program key performance indicators. These KPIs are consistent with those in the ARC strategic plan.

The deliverables and key performance indicators were revised in 2011–12 to reflect the different stage of the ERA process, that is, preparation for and commencement of the ERA 2012 evaluation.

Through implementation of Program 1.3, the ARC pursues Key objective 3: Policy and evaluation, which is outlined in the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14. In reporting against the program performance framework, we are also articulating our performance against this key objective:


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table 7.1: Era performance framework

Outcome (PBS) Mission (Strategic Plan)



Key objectives




Program 1.3—Era

Objectives

ERA aims to improve research outcomes by identifying universities and disciplines that are internationally competitive and highlighting areas where there are opportunities for further development and investment. In particular ERA aims to:

> administer an evaluation framework that gives government, industry, business and the wider community assurance of the excellence of research conducted in Australia’s higher education institutions;

> provide a national overview of areas of research strength and areas where there may be opportunity for development;

> allow for comparisons of Australia’s research nationally and internationally for all disciplines offered in Australian higher education institutions; and

> allow for comparisons of Australia’s research effort over time.

2010–11 2011–12

Deliverables

> A full evaluation of eight discipline clusters across 41 eligible Australian higher education institutions will be conducted in 2010 with outcomes reported following the evaluation process

> Preparation for the 2012 round of ERA, including targeted and broad sector-wide review of the ERA 2010 indicators, ranked outlets, evaluation methods, discipline categories and research definitions and reference periods

> ERA system and policy development in light of the sector-wide reviews

> Key documentation required for institutions’ preparation for ERA 2012


> Successful implementation of the 2010 ERA evaluation of all eight discipline clusters

> Contribution to best practice evaluation of Australia’s research investment in universities

> Achievement of milestones for delivery of ERA 2012

> Successful outreach initiatives that further inform the sector and other key stakeholders of overarching ERA policy and implementation

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DELIVERABLES

table 7.2: Era deliverables

DELIvERABLE RESULT:

Preparation for the 2012 round of ERA, including targeted and broad sector-wide review of the ERA 2010 indicators, ranked outlets, evaluation methods, discipline categories and research definitions and reference periods.

Achieved

ERA system and policy development in light of the sector-wide reviews Achieved

Key documentation required for institutions’ preparation for ERA 2012 Achieved

Preparation for Era 2012

Appointment of committees and peer reviewers

Committees of distinguished and internationally-recognised researchers, who have expertise in research evaluation, will evaluate the data submitted by Australia’s universities for ERA 2012.

In July 2011, the ARC called for nominations for the ERA 2012 Research Evaluation Committees (RECs) from Australian universities, the four Learned Academies, the National Tertiary Education Union and the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council. The ARC received approximately 650 nominations. Nominations were received for researchers from Australia and overseas, with a wide range of disciplinary expertise. The ARC announced the Chairs of the RECs on 24 October 2011 and the members of the RECs on 8 March 2012.

Peer review is used to complement the expertise of the RECs in disciplines where citation metrics are not used. These disciplines include humanities, creative arts, social sciences and some mathematics and information sciences. In late 2011 the ARC called for expressions of interest for peer reviewers to take part in ERA 2012. The ARC received over 800 nominations and undertook supplementary recruitment where required. Over 1000 ERA peer reviewers were appointed.

Citation provider

The ARC announced Elsevier’s Sciverse Scopus as the successful tenderer to provide citation information for the second round of ERA on 9 September 2011.

Strategic plan: priority action for 2011–12 review the Era 2010 process, taking into account feedback received through targeted and broad consultation, to inform Era 2012

In preparing for ERA 2012, the ARC consulted formally on the draft ERA 2012 journal list; the draft ERA 2012 documents (including submission guidelines and discipline matrix); and any other general issues related to ERA. In the general consultation, feedback was received on the discipline matrix, applied measures and a range of other specified issues.

In addition to the formal consultation processes, representatives of the ARC conducted a range of outreach activities. Members of the ERA 2010 Research Evaluation Committee also participated in the review process.

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Era system and policy development

On 30 May 2011, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, the former Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, announced enhancements to the ERA method.

The enhancements were based on feedback from the research community and a review of the ERA 2010 process. They included the following:

> the withdrawal of the ranked outlets indicator and the introduction of a refined journal indicator that does not use prescriptive ranks.

> improved capability to accommodate interdisciplinary research. In an extension of an arrangement successfully trialled in 2010 for the mathematical sciences, universities were permitted to code a journal article with significant content (66 per cent or greater) not represented by the journal’s Fields of Research (FoR) to the FoR code that best describes the content.

> for peer review disciplines, the low volume threshold was increased to 50 apportioned weighted outputs, bringing it in line with the threshold for citation disciplines (50 apportioned indexed articles).

> a change in the rules for the attribution of patents, plant breeders’ rights and registered designs to allow them to be submitted when they are granted to eligible researchers (as well as when they are granted to universities).

Following the announcement of these enhancements, the ARC undertook a range of system and policy development activities to incorporate the changes into the processes and documentation for ERA 2012. The changes were reflected in draft documentation which was released for consultation and feedback before being finalised in August–September 2011. Other improvements to the ERA IT system, and elements of the data collection and data checking processes were developed and implemented for ERA 2012.

Documentation

In preparation for the submission phase of ERA 2012 the ARC prepared and released the following documentation:

> ERA 2012 Journal List;

> ERA 2012 Submission Guidelines;

> ERA 2012 Discipline Matrix;

> ERA-SEER 2012 Technology Pack;

> ERA Indicator Principles; and

> ERA-SEER 2012 Business Rules.

The ARC released the ERA 2012 Journal List on 14 October 2011, following a consultation on the draft conducted between 5 and 19 September 2011. The draft ERA 2012 submission documentation was released on 16 September 2011, following a period of consultation which closed on 1 August 2011.

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OBJECTIVES

Objective: administering an evaluation framework that provides assurance of research excellence

To facilitate ERA evaluations, universities submit comprehensive information about their research activities, including details relating to staff, publications, awards, grants, commercial income and patents.

Committees of internationally-recognised researchers evaluate this material by discipline. Their expert judgements are informed by a range of quantitative indicators and peer assessments based on the data submitted by universities. This method provides robust evidence of research quality relative to world standards and is recognised internationally as state of the art. The validity of ERA evaluations of research quality is also widely recognised in Australia.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > ERA 2010 outcomes were incorporated in

the 2012 funding formula for the Australian Government’s Sustainable Research Excellence program. In 2011–12 the ARC participated in consultations undertaken by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education on options for the inclusion of ERA in the funding allocation model for the Sustainable Research Excellence program. Following the release of a consultation paper the ARC attended a series of workshops with universities in each state. The final funding model for 2012 was approved in late 2011.

Strategic plan priority action for 2011–12: Commence Era 2012

The ERA 2012 submission phase was completed successfully, with 41 universities submitting comprehensive information about their research activities.

The ARC opened the submission phase of ERA 2012 on 5 March 2012. During this phase, all eligible higher education institutions uploaded their ERA 2012 data into the ERA online system, the System to Evaluate the Excellence of Research.

The submission process ended on 27 April 2012 with the certification of institutional ERA submissions by each of those institution’s vice-Chancellors.

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Objective: Providing an overview of areas of research strength and areas with opportunities for development

The outcomes of ERA evaluations provide detailed information about the strengths and capacities of research disciplines at Australian universities at both a national and an institutional level. This information assists government, local industry, professionals, students, international partners and the broader community to engage successfully with the Australian research sector.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > The ARC responded to requests for

information about ERA outcomes from a wide range of sources in Australia and overseas, including industry, students, universities, researchers and government.

> The ARC also provided information about ERA outcomes for a wide range of purposes, including the Chief Scientist’s report on the Health of Australian Science and the development of the Australian Government’s MyUniversity website.

EXTRACT FROM THE HEALTH OF AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE REPORT (PAGE 32)

The 2010 Excellence in Research for Australia, or ERA, exercise benchmarked research in Australian universities against the world on the basis of research outputs, measures of esteem and patents sealed in the period 2003 to 2008. In total, 191 270 research outputs (journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, books and non-traditional outputs), 2162 esteem measures and 659 patents sealed were reported in the science-related fields of research. Of the 12 broad fields of science-related research considered in this report, Australia performed at world standard (an ERA rating of 3.0) or better in 10 of those fields.

[Office of the Chief Scientist, May 2012]

Objective: allowing comparisons of australian research nationally and internationally for all disciplines

The RECs that undertake ERA evaluations comprise researchers from Australia and overseas that are recognised nationally and internationally for their disciplinary expertise.

ERA evaluations are informed by a range of discipline-specific national and international benchmarks based on the ERA data submitted by universities to assist the committees to rate research activity relative to world standards.

ERA evaluation processes are also broadly similar to a number of the research evaluation exercises undertaken by comparable countries and this further facilitates international comparisons.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > The ARC continued to develop ERA

processes in accordance with international best practice, while taking account of developments in research assessment exercises in a number of comparable countries. The ARC had ongoing engagement in 2011–12 with overseas authorities involved in the development of research evaluation policies and practices, including the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and research funding agencies in Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

> The ARC appointed 147 internationally-recognised researchers with wide ranging disciplinary expertise to the ERA 2012 RECs, as outlined on page 79.

> The ARC announced Elsevier’s Sciverse Scopus as the successful tenderer to provide citation information for the second round of ERA on 9 September 2011. Scopus provided the citation information for the 2009 ERA trial and the first full ERA evaluation in 2010, which was the first ever comprehensive assessment of the research effort of Australia’s universities.

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Objective: allowing comparisons of research effort over time

The first full round of ERA evaluations took place in 2010 and a second full round is taking place in 2012. ERA is designed to allow comparisons of Australia’s research effort over time.

Significant contributions in 2011–12 > The outcomes of ERA 2012 will allow for the

establishment of data that tracks the research performance of Australian universities over time.

> Comparisons between ERA 2010 and ERA 2012 will be facilitated by the use of similar submission and evaluation processes for both evaluations:

– Universities have submitted data for ERA 2012 in accordance with reference periods that are similar to those used in ERA 2010.

– ERA 2012 will use indicators of research quality that are very similar to those used in ERA 2010.

– The ERA 2012 RECs will follow similar evaluation guidelines to those adopted for ERA 2010.

– ERA 2012 will use the same five point rating scale as used in 2010. Under this scale, a rating of 3 is world standard and a rating of 3 or above is an excellent outcome.

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82


CHaPtEr 8: GOVErNaNCE

CHaPtEr 9: EXtErNaL SCrUtINY

CHaPtEr 10: PEOPLE MaNaGEMENt

CHaPtEr 11: FINaNCIaL aND LEGaL SErVICES

CHaPtEr 12: ICt aND FaCILItIES

CHaPtEr 13: COMMUNICatION

PART 3MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITy

CHAPTER 8: GOVERNANCE

AT A GLANCEThe ARC’s governance framework includes:

> ministerial oversight of the ARC;

> enabling legislation;

> roles of senior executive staff;

> committee structures within the ARC;

> strategic planning and reporting;

> risk management and compliance processes;

> internal audit; and

> ethical values.

Specific accountabilities relating to human resources and finances are included in Chapters 10 to 11.

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MINISTER

At 30 June 2012 the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Chris Evans, was the Minister responsible for the ARC. Senator Evans is also the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

Senator Evans was appointed Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research on 12 December 2011, replacing Senator the Hon Kim Carr as the Minister responsible for research.

LEGISLATION

The ARC is established under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act). The Minister has a range of powers under the ARC Act as detailed in Appendix 5.

Under the ARC Act particulars of any directions given by the Minister to the ARC in a financial year must be included in the annual report.

The ARC received no formal ministerial directions during 2011–12. One ministerial direction issued during 2002–03 continued to apply: the then Minister for Education, Science and Training directed the ARC to take account of national research priorities in performing its functions under the ARC Act.

Under the ARC Act the functions of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are to:

> make recommendations to the Minister on proposals for funding;

> administer the financial assistance for research provided through the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP);

> provide advice to the Minister on research matters; and

> undertake any other function conferred on them by the ARC Act or any other Act.

The CEO also has statutory responsibilities for managing and leading the agency in accordance with the requirements of the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act), the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act) and other legislation.

10 yEAR ANNIVERSARy

Friday 1 July 2011 marked ten years since the ARC became an independent statutory authority.

To celebrate this significant milestone the ARC held a reception on 14 July 2011 and invited the ARC’s first CEO, Professor vicki Sara, to provide a historical retrospective of the agency’s road to independence and reflect on the ARC’s accomplishments over the decade.

Attendees included previous and current Executive Directors and staff.

Former ARC CEO, Vicki Sara, shares memories of her time at the ARC at the ten year anniversary celebration

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SENIOR STAFF

Chapter 3 outlines the responsibilities of the ARC’s senior staff as at 30 June 2012.

COMMITTEES

In addition to governance committees, the ARC convenes committees to assist with delivery of the NCGP and Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) as well as the Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC) (Figure 8.1). Appendix 6 provides information on membership of the committees.

Governance

Advisory Council

Under the ARC Act the Minister may establish a designated committee to assist the CEO in carrying out her or his functions.

At 30 June 2012 the ARC had one designated committee—the ARC Advisory Council. The council provides the CEO with non-binding strategic and policy advice on issues relating to the ARC’s mission; policy matters relating to innovation, research and research training; and matters relating to research evaluation.

The CEO is the Chair of the council. In addition, the council comprises up to nine other members, who are external to the ARC. Members are appointed based on their research background or achievements in business research and development. They are appointed for periods of up to three years.

The council met twice in 2011–12. Members discussed and provided advice on the ERA process; international researchers; changes to the NCGP; and the ARC strategic plan.

Figure 8.1: Key arC committees

CHIEF EXECUtIVE OFFICEr

GOvERNANCE

(ExTERNAL)

ARC Advisory Council

ARC Audit Committee

GOvERNANCE

(INTERNAL)

Senior Management Group

Strategic Budget and Human Resources Committee

Salary Review Committee

Work Health and Safety Committee

People Management and Development Committee

ICT Governance Committee

ARC Security Committee

NCGP

(ExTERNAL)

ARC College

Appeals Committee

Scrutiny Committee

NCGP

(INTERNAL)

NCGP Executive Committee

ERA

(ExTERNAL)

Research Evaluation Committees

OTHER

(ExTERNAL)

Australian Research Integrity Committee

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Audit Committee

The ARC Audit Committee is established by the CEO in accordance with the FMA Act. The committee provides independent assurance and assistance to the CEO on the ARC’s risk, control and compliance framework as well as the financial statements. The committee comprises two external contractors (one of whom is the Chair) and two senior ARC staff members. The committee meets at least four times a year.

In 2011–12 the ARC Audit Committee Charter was reviewed and updated to reflect changes to the FMA Regulations and the release of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) Better Practice Guide on Public Sector Audit Committees. The CEO approved the revised charter in March 2012.

Other committees

Other committees reporting to the CEO in 2011–12 included the:

> Senior Management Group (SMG), which provides advice and direction on strategic and operational issues and coordinates activities across the agency. The committee meets fortnightly.

> Strategic Budget and Human Resources Committee, which reviews and recommends internal budget priorities and allocations. The committee meets monthly and as required.

> Salary Review Committee, which provides advice on salary and staff performance issues. The committee meets twice a year following mid- and end-of-cycle performance reviews.

> Work Health and Safety (WHS) Committee, which develops and promotes initiatives that protect the health and safety of ARC staff, contractors and visitors. It is also responsible for implementing and reviewing the effectiveness of WHS policies and practices. The committee meets formally at least four times a year and as required.

> People Management and Development Committee, which provides advice on staffing issues. The committee is a staff consultative forum comprising four elected staff representatives, a union representative and a management representative. The committee meets at least four times a year.

> ICT Governance Committee, which reviews ICT services requirements and provides guidance on priorities. The committee meets annually and as required.

> ARC Security Committee, which oversees the effective and efficient adherence to physical, personnel, and IT security measures. The committee meets annually and as required.

National Competitive Grants Program

ARC College

In early 2012 the ARC College of Experts was renamed the ARC College. The change in name was made following the implementation of reforms to the ARC peer review process.

The ARC engages the college to identify research excellence, moderate external assessments and recommend fundable proposals. The college also helps the ARC recruit and assign assessors and implement peer review reforms in established and emerging disciplines as well as interdisciplinary areas.

The ARC appointed 33 new members to the ARC College in January 2012 after a competitive selection process. The ARC took coverage of the expanding research areas of grant proposals, gender balance, institutional affiliations and state/territory representation into consideration in appointing members to the college.

The 2012 college comprises 85 members across five discipline clusters, comprising experts of international standing drawn from the Australian research community—from higher education, industry and public sector research organisations. Members are appointed for up to three years subject to an annual performance review.

Meetings of ARC College members are convened during the year depending on scheme requirements. Generally, larger multi-panel meetings are held in April and August each year, while smaller interdisciplinary sub-groups meetings may be convened at the ARC or online at other times.

MANAGEM


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Appeals Committee

The Appeals Committee considers appeals submitted to the ARC in relation to the NCGP. For each appeal, the committee determines if there was an administrative error related to a selection process that has adversely affected a proposal. They then make a recommendation to the CEO about whether an appeal should be upheld or dismissed. The Appeals Committee also provides general advice to the ARC in relation to how administrative processes could be modified or improved. The committee consists of external members appointed by the CEO.

In 2011–12 the committee met once to consider 28 appeals received by the ARC in relation to NCGP proposals across the Discovery Early Career Researcher Award; Discovery Projects; Discovery Indigenous; Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities; and Future Fellowships schemes. Of these, five appeals were upheld, including two that were subsequently funded.

Scrutiny Committee

The Scrutiny Committee scrutinises the probity of the assessment processes of the ARC College in relation to funding proposals involving members of the college and/or ARC staff. On completion of the process, the committee reports its findings and recommendations to the CEO. The committee consists of three members, who are external to the ARC, but have prior experience of membership of the ARC College. New members are appointed each year by the CEO. In 2011–12 the committee met twice.

NCGP Executive Committee

The NCGP Executive Committee provides strategic policy and operational advice on the NCGP. It also makes recommendations on appointments to the ARC College and serves as the NCGP Eligibility Committee.


The role of the ERA Research Evaluation Committees (RECs) is to evaluate research at Australian higher education institutions by discipline. The committees comprise distinguished and internationally-recognised researchers with expertise in research evaluation.

For the ERA 2012 evaluations 147 members were appointed to eight RECs.


ARIC reviews the processes institutions use in their response to allegations of research misconduct. The framework under which ARIC operates is designed to contribute to quality assurance and public confidence regarding the integrity of Australia’s research effort.

Upon request, ARIC reviews whether an institution’s investigation of allegations of research misconduct is consistent with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007) and the institution’s own policies and procedures.

ARIC is established jointly by the ARC and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and reports to both agencies. The Committee comprises four members.

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Strategic plan priority action for 2011–12: Provide support to the australian research Integrity Committee

In 2011–12 ARIC and its secretariat continued to work on refining the operational procedures within which ARIC and its convened panels work. This revision is aimed at clarifying the roles of ARIC and its supporting secretariat, improving responsiveness to applications, and ensuring accurate and consistent application of the ARIC Framework (February 2011).

During the reporting period, ARIC received four requests for review. Three of the requests were deemed to lie outside the scope of ARIC. One request, relating to research funded by the NHMRC, was reviewed by an ARIC-NHMRC panel. The request contained 10 allegations, the majority of which were found by ARIC to be unsubstantiated. ARIC reported its findings to the NHMRC CEO, who, in turn, notified the relevant parties of the outcome of the review.

PLANNING AND REPORTING

Strategic Plan

Under the ARC Act, the ARC CEO is required to provide a strategic plan to the Minister each year for approval and tabling.

The Minister tabled the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 in Parliament in October 2011. The plan establishes the ARC’s direction until 2014 and describes the key strategies which will be used by the ARC to meet its three key objectives and two enabling objectives (see page 4). The plan also identifies performance indicators to measure the organisation’s progress in achieving its key objectives and the priority actions to be undertaken by the ARC for 2011–12. The strategic plan is on the ARC website.

To support the strategic plan, the ARC prepares a one-year operational plan that is reviewed annually. The operational plan outlines the main actions undertaken by the ARC to implement the strategies in the strategic plan.

Portfolio Budget Statements

The Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS), which are part of the Australian Government’s budget process, summarise the planned outcomes, deliverables, key performance indicators and targets for a given financial year. The ARC is included as a separate agency within the Portfolio Budget Statements 2011–12 Budget Related Paper No. 1.14 Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Portfolio.

reporting

The annual report is the primary mechanism through which the ARC reports to the Parliament. The report provides information on the activities and performance of the ARC against the performance indicators in the strategic plan and PBS for a given financial year.

Progress against the actions identified in the ARC operational plan is monitored internally throughout the year. A final report, reviewing all actions against the operational plan, is prepared after 30 June each year.

RISk MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE

risk Management Framework

The ARC is committed to ensuring that a strong risk management culture exists within the agency. The ARC manages risk to:

> meet its responsibilities with regard to delivery of the NCGP and ERA;

> meet its financial and social responsibilities; and

> support good decision-making in all areas of operation.

During 2011–12, the ARC reviewed and updated its risk management framework in accordance with Australian Standard (AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009). An ARC Risk Management Policy Statement and ARC Risk Management Plan and Toolkit, incorporating input from the ARC Audit Committee, were approved by the CEO in April 2012. The documents were published on the ARC intranet and all members of staff were notified. Top-down and bottom-up risk assessments were carried out in accordance with the new framework.

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In 2011–12 executive staff as well as the Chief Information Officer and Senior Legal Counsel participated in a strategic risk assessment of the ARC. The assessment identified strategic risks that may prevent or delay delivery of the objectives set out in the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 and/or the three programs outlined in the 2011-12 PBS. The risks identified during this process were reported to the ARC Audit Committee and used to develop a Strategic Risk Profile, which was approved by the CEO and communicated across the ARC.

Informed by the results of the strategic risk assessment, all ARC business units conducted an operational risk register review. The operational risk register review applied a systematic approach to reviewing and collating ARC operational risks; ensured business units were treating all credible risks so they rated as medium or low; and identified significant risks (high or extreme after treatment) for reporting to SMG and the ARC Audit Committee.

The ARC participated in Comcover’s annual Risk Management Benchmarking survey. This provided the opportunity to review the effectiveness of the ARC risk management framework and activities; identify areas for improvement and assess the overall risk maturity of the agency.

Fraud Control

During 2011–12 the ARC reviewed and updated its Fraud Control Plan. The CEO distributed the updated ARC Fraud Control Plan, including a Fraud Policy Statement, to all staff. The plan was also published on the ARC intranet. Staff attended fraud control training and reported regularly to the Audit Committee on fraud control matters.

The CEO has certified within the Letter of Transmittal (page iii) that the ARC has complied with the requirements of the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines.

Business Continuity and Disaster recovery

In 2011–12 the ARC reviewed its Business Continuity Plan and associated Disaster Recovery Plan.

Disaster recovery scenario and testing

To ensure that the ARC is prepared to minimise any disruption to ARC business caused by a disaster event, a series of simulated disaster scenarios are conducted annually with the impact and outcomes of those tests recorded. This enables the ICT Services Branch to validate both the impact of disaster scenarios and the procedures to be undertaken to re-establish services.

In late December 2011 there was an unplanned shutdown of the ARC ICT systems in Majura Park. As a result, all associated ICT services automatically migrated to the infrastructure in the TransACT Data Centre as Majura Park systems failed. This unplanned event demonstrated that the systems and processes developed by the ICT Services Branch are sufficient to ensure business system continuity for the ARC’s key ICT applications and services.

INTERNAL AUDIT

Internal audit is an integral part of the ARC corporate governance framework. It assists the ARC to manage risks, achieve corporate objectives and legislative compliance, and improve business operations.

The Audit Committee reviews and monitors the internal audit strategic plan and its implementation. The committee also reviews findings and recommendations and monitors management action in response to recommendations.

In 2011 the ARC used the Department of Employment Education and Workplace Relations Accounting Services Panel to obtain quotes for the provision of internal audit services. The outcome of the selection process was the appointment of KPMG as the ARC Internal Auditor in December 2011.

Three internal audits were finalised by the Internal Auditor in 2011–12 in the areas of procurement, grant administration and staff timekeeping. The results indicated that, generally, ARC processes were operating effectively.

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INSTITUTIONAL REVIEWS

During 2011–12 the ARC internally undertook two institutional reviews. The objective of the reviews was to monitor and evaluate universities’ compliance with ARC funding agreement requirements. As part of the reviews, testing was performed on the universities’ internal frameworks and discussions held with key stakeholders.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

Staff

High ethical standards are promoted by senior ARC leaders and the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 includes among its guiding principles ‘accountability through adherence to ethical standards’. Ethical standards are incorporated into ARC governance policies and guidelines and an intranet site has been developed to promote ethical behaviour and the Australian Public Service Commission Ethics Advisory Service.

Induction training for new appointees includes an overview of the Australian Public Service (APS) Code of Conduct and APS values. The ARC provides new appointees with copies of the codes and the values. New appointees are required to acknowledge that they understand and adopt the code and values before their appointments are finalised. Biannual individual performance reviews provide on-going opportunities for staff and supervisors to directly address ethical issues.

The ARC Audit Committee has continued to carry out its responsibility for reviewing whether management has taken steps to embed a culture that promotes the proper use of Commonwealth resources and is committed to ethical and lawful behaviour, as set out in the ARC Audit Committee Charter (March 2012).

The ARC social media policy covers the general requirements for official, professional and personal use of social media. The policy was finalised in September 2011. It was published on the intranet and distributed to all ARC staff and contractors by email.

Access to social media is monitored in accordance with ARC information technology security policy.

arC-funded researchers

ARC-funded research is subject to the principles outlined in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007; the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, 2007; the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, 2004 ; and the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, 2001. The NCGP funding rules and funding contracts clearly state requirements for ethical compliance.

The ARC Complaints Handling Policy and Procedures includes a formal process for handling research misconduct allegations related to scientific fraud, ethical breaches and research misconduct that is external to the ARC and associated with ARC-funded research. The ARC has a Research Misconduct Officer responsible for registering, managing and reporting all cases of research misconduct allegations.

The ARC, together with the NHMRC, administers ARIC. ARIC provides a system to review institutional processes to respond to allegations of research misconduct.

arC committee members and assessors

The ARC is committed to preserving public confidence in the integrity, legitimacy, impartiality and fairness of its decision-making processes. Selection committee members and assessors (or equivalent) are bound by the ARC Guidelines for Disclosure of Interests and Confidentiality Obligations. The guidelines outline confidentiality, code of conduct and conflict of interest obligations and ensure that real or perceived conflicts are identified, disclosed and managed in a rigorous and transparent way. The guidelines are made available to any relevant parties and are available on the ARC website.

The ARC Complaints Handling Policy and Procedures outlines reporting processes for ARC College members or assessors who discover a possible case of research misconduct during the peer review of a proposal.

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CHAPTER 9: EXTERNAL SCRUTINy

AT A GLANCEThe ARC is subject to external scrutiny by a range of bodies including:

> the Australian Parliament;

> the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO);

> a range of other external bodies (including the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Privacy Commissioner and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal); and

> stakeholder organisations.

As part of the scrutiny by parliament, the ARC is required to provide information in its annual report on:

> a number of matters required by legislation (work health and safety; advertising and market research; ecologically sustainable development)

> the grant programs it administers;

> disability reporting;

> social inclusion; and

> freedom of information.

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PARLIAMENTARy COMMITTEES

The ARC appeared before the Senate Economics Legislation Committee at estimates hearings held in October 2011, February 2012 and May 2012. The ARC responded to six questions on notice arising from these hearings. It also provided input to 75 questions on notice directed to the ARC’s portfolio department (Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education).

On 15 March 2012 the Senate Economics Legislation Committee released its report on annual reports of the agencies for which it is responsible (Annual reports (No. 1 of 2012)). The committee reported that it considered that the ARC had met its reporting requirements under section 63 of the Public Service Act 1999, the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act) and the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act).

In 2011–12 the ARC made a submission to the inquiry on the Defence Trade Controls Bill 2011 being conducted by the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. If passed, the Bill will give effect to the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America concerning Defense Trade Cooperation.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE

The ANAO is responsible for auditing the ARC’s annual financial statements. Chapter 15 of this report provides details of the audit.

During 2011–12 the ANAO tabled two cross-agency audit reports involving input from the ARC. They were:

> Administration of Grant Reporting Obligations, Audit Report No. 21, tabled on 24 January 2012—the ANAO reported that in the period under consideration the ARC had more than 20 instances of grant program guidelines for which there was no evidence of the required approval (by the Expenditure Review Committee) being obtained prior to their release.

> Development and Approval of Grant Program Guidelines, Audit Report No. 36, tabled on 30 May 2012—the ANAO reported that the ARC had not met the requirements of the Commonwealth Grant Guidelines with regard to posting of grants information on its website.

The ARC has subsequently implemented processes to ensure that it complies with both these requirements. A standard data extraction has been formulated for the grants information and all funding rules are forwarded to the Department of Finance and Deregulation for consideration.

In addition to the reports above, the ANAO released a number of audit reports with recommendations relevant to the ARC including:

> Confidentiality in Government Contracts: Senate Order for Departmental and Agency Contracts (Calendar Year 2010 Compliance), Audit Report No. 2, tabled on 25 August 2011;

> Development and Implementation of Key Performance Indicators to Support the Outcomes and Programs Framework, Audit Report No. 5, tabled on 8 September 2011;

> Information and Communications Technology Security: Management of Portable Storage Devices; Audit Report No. 18, tabled on 20 December 2011; and

> Establishment and Use of Procurement Panels, Audit Report No. 31, tabled on 1 May 2012.

The ANAO also released a number of Better Practice Guides relevant to the ARC including: Public Service Audit Committees; Developing and Managing Contracts; and Public Sector Environmental Management.

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OTHER EXTERNAL BODIES

During 2011–12:

> the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Office did not initiate any investigations about ARC business;

> the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner did not refer any complaints to the ARC;

> no complaints about the ARC were referred to the Federal Privacy Commissioner;

> there were no judicial decisions against the ARC under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (which provides for judicial review of most administrative decisions made under Commonwealth enactments on grounds relating to the legality, rather than merits, of decisions);

> there were no claims received by the ARC under the Compensation for Detriment for Defective Administration scheme (which allows people adversely affected by the maladministration of an Australian Government agency to receive compensation when they have no legal redress— one claim that was reported in last year’s annual report as being ongoing as at 30 June 2011 was finalised in July 2011); and

> there were two requests for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner to review an ARC freedom of information decision.

STAkEHOLDERS

Client Service Charter

In 2011–12 the ARC reviewed and updated the ARC Client Service Charter. The CEO approved the updated charter and it was published on the ARC website in November 2011.

The charter sets out the standards of service clients and stakeholders should expect from the ARC. It also provides guidance for the process clients and stakeholders can follow if they are dissatisfied with the level of service they have received.

The ARC received no complaints in relation to the client service charter mechanism in 2011–12. Appendix 7 provides details of the ARC’s performance against the service standards in the charter.

Complaints handling

During the year the ARC developed and implemented a new complaints handling policy and procedures document. The document was published on the ARC website in November 2011.

The policy aims to ensure a consistent approach to the management of complaints; provide a system that facilitates management of complaints in a timely, sensitive and effective manner; increase awareness of feedback and complaints management requirements; provide a framework of clear governance; and enable a mechanism for using complaints and consumer feedback to improve services.

It covers complaints made by clients or stakeholders in the following three areas:

> general complaints about the ARC;

> appeals about the administrative processes of the NCGP; and

> research misconduct allegations related to scientific fraud, ethical breaches and research misconduct external to the ARC, but associated with research funded by the ARC.

In 2011–12, 28 appeals about NCGP administrative processes and five research misconduct allegations were submitted to the ARC. There were no instances of general complaints submitted to the ARC.

MANDATORy REPORTING IN ANNUAL REPORTS

Legislative requirements

In accordance with specific legislative requirements, an annual report must include matters in relation to:

> work health and safety (Schedule 2, Part 4 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011);

> advertising and market research (section 311A, Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918);

> ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance (section 516A, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999); and

> compliance with the agency’s obligations under the Carer Recognition Act 2010.

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Appendices 8, 9 and 10 respectively provide reports against the first three requirements above. The ARC does not have any obligations with regard to the Carer Recognition Act 2010, that is, it is not an agency as defined in the Public Service Act 1999 that is responsible for the development, implementation, provision of evaluation of policies, programs or services directed to carers or the persons for whom they care.

Other requirements

Grant programs

The ARC administers a number of funding schemes under the National Competitive Grants Program. Appendix 2 provides a list of the funding schemes. Information on grants awarded by the ARC during the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 is available at www.arc.gov.au.

Disability reporting

Since 1994, Commonwealth departments and agencies have reported on their performance as policy adviser, purchaser, employer, regulator and provider under the Commonwealth Disability Strategy. In 2007–08, reporting on the employer role was transferred to the Australian Public Service Commission’s State of the Service Report and the APS Statistical Bulletin. These reports are available at www.apsc.gov.au. From 2010–11, departments and agencies are no longer required to report on these functions.

The Commonwealth Disability Strategy has been overtaken by a new National Disability Strategy which sets out a ten year national policy framework for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. A high-level report to track progress for people with disability at a national level will be produced by the Standing Council on Community, Housing and Disability Services to the Council of Australian Governments and will be available at www.fahcsia.gov.au.

The Social Inclusion Measurement and Reporting Strategy agreed by the Australian Government in December 2009 will also include some reporting on disability matters in its regular How Australia is Faring report and, if appropriate, in strategic change indicators in agency annual reports. More detail on social inclusion matters can be found at www.socialinclusion.gov.au.

Social inclusion outcomes

For departments that have developed social inclusion strategic change indicators with the Social Inclusion Unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, an annual report must contain information about relevant programs and progress in relation to social inclusion strategic change indicators. This requirement does not apply to the ARC.

Freedom of Information

Agencies subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) are required to publish information to the public as part of the Information Publication Scheme (IPS). This requirement is in Part II of the FOI Act and has replaced the former requirement under the annual report requirements to publish a section 8 statement in an annual report. Each agency must display on its website a plan showing what information it publishes in accordance with the IPS requirements.

Correction of errors

Appendix 11 outlines the errors or omissions of fact identified in the ARC Annual Report 2010–11.

OTHER REPORTING

Commonwealth Grants Guidelines

The Commonwealth Grant Guidelines (CGGs) establish the grants policy and reporting framework for all departments and agencies subject to the FMA Act. Under the CGGs the ARC must publish on its website details of all grants within seven days of the signing of the grant agreement. This information is provided on the ARC website at http://www.arc.gov.au/about_arc/grants.htm.

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http://www.fahcsia.gov.au

http://www.socialinclusion.gov.au

CHAPTER 10: PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

AT A GLANCEAt 30 June 2012 the ARC had 125 staff primarily located in Canberra.

The ARC undertook several key people management initiatives during the year including

> finalising and implementing a new enterprise agreement;

> reviewing and updating human resource policies to reflect the new agreement;

> implementing new work health and safety requirements; and

> encouraging staff development and strengthening leadership and management skills.

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STAFF STATISTICS

Statistics on ARC employees by classification level, full-time/part-time status, gender and employment arrangement are provided in Appendix 12 (Tables A12.1 to A12.4). At 30 June 2012:

> The ARC had 125 staff compared to 112 at the same time last year. The largest number of staff were at the Executive Level 1. (Figure 10.1)

> Over 92 per cent of total staff were ongoing and over 87 per cent were full-time. (Figure 10.2)

> 67 per cent of staff were female with the largest number of female staff employed at the Executive Level 1 level. (Figure 10.3)

– the numbers of female staff at the Senior Executive Service Band 1, Executive Level 1, APS6 and APS4-5 levels have increased.

> The ARC had recorded 20 separations from the agency, compared to 35 in 2011.

Since our last annual report:

– the numbers of staff at the Executive Level 1, APS6 and APS4-5 levels increased.

Figure 10.1: ARC staff by classification

Executive Level 1

30%

APS 627%

APS 4–526%

APS 1–34%

Executive Level 213%

Figure 10.2: Ongoing and non-ongoing ARC staff

On-goingPart-time

13%

Non-ongoingFull-time

8%

On-goingFull-time

79%

Figure 10.3: ARC staffing by gender

Female67%

Male33%

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WORkFORCE PLANNING

The ARC undertakes a workforce planning exercise each year as part of internal budget deliberations. Priorities for the upcoming year and resources required to meet those priorities are considered.

various committees have input into ensuring the needs of the organisation and individuals are met. Workforce planning in a small agency includes staff rotations within the organisation, training, knowledge management and succession planning.

STAFF TURNOVER AND RETENTION

During 2011–12, 20 employees separated from the ARC (excluding the CEO). Table 10.1 shows the number of staff separations by classification level and employment category.

The ARC has a range of human resource strategies in place which contribute to the retention of skilled staff. These strategies include the provision of:

> flexible employment conditions;

> access to training and development opportunities;

> a safe and healthy work environment;

> workplace diversity;

> good communication strategies; and

> rewards and recognition.

EMPLOyMENT CONDITIONS

Overview

Table 10.2 shows the number of ARC staff under various workplace arrangements at 30 June 2011 and 2012.

At 30 June 2012 the ARC employed 122 non-SES staff under either the ARC Enterprise Agreement 2011-14 or an Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA). Four staff employed under the Enterprise Agreement were also covered by Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs). At 30 June 2012 there were four senior executive service (SES) staff employed under common law contracts.

table 10.1: Staff separations by classification level and employment category, 2010–11 and 2011–12

CLASSIFICATION ONGOING NON-ONGOING TOTAL

2010–11 2011–12 2010–11 2011–12 2010–11 2011–12

SES Bands 1–3 1 0 1 2 2 2

Executive Level 2 2 0 0 1 2 1

Executive Level 1 5 2 2 0 7 2

APS 6 (ARC Level 3) 10 3 4 0 14 3

APS 4–5 (ARC Level 2) 2 7 5 3 7 10

APS 1–3 (ARC Level 1) 1 1 2 1 3 2

TOTAL 21 13 14 7 35 20

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table 10.2: Employment arrangements covering staff (at 30 June 2011 and 2012)

EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENT STAFF 2011

(NO.)

2012

(NO.)

ARC Enterprise Agreement SES 0 0

Non-SES 94 115

Australian Workplace Agreements SES 0 0

Non-SES 13 7

Common Law Contracts SES1 5 4

Non-SES 0 0

s. 24(1) Determinations SES 0 0

Non-SES2 4 2

Individual Flexibility Arrangements SES 0 0

Non-SES2 0 4

1. The Acting CEO was covered by a common law contract but not included in staffing figures. 2. Non-SES Employees with a section 24(1) Determination or IFA are also covered by the Enterprise Agreement. As a result the total number of agreements is higher than the total number of staff by the number of s. 24(1) Determinations and IFAs.

Workplace arrangements

Enterprise agreement

The Enterprise Agreement came into effect on 20 September 2011. Features of the agreement include the following:

> three pay increases, each of three per cent, payable from the date of commencement; 1 July 2012; and 1 July 2013;

> payment of a Healthy Lifestyle Allowance of $250 per year;

> extension of access to part-time work arrangements for parents until a child is six years old (up from two years old in previous agreement);

> a new provision for access to annual leave at half pay (for periods of absence of up to 10 days);

> an increase in compassionate leave to three days per occasion;

> provision of training for supervisors on the Performance Management System to improve feedback to staff and consistency in the implementation of the system;

> provision of an allowance for Harassment Contact Officers; and

> provision for staff training on preventing and dealing with bullying and harassment.

The agreement is consistent with the Australian Public Service Bargaining Framework.

Individual flexibility arrangements

Staff covered by the Enterprise Agreement may agree to make an IFA to vary the effect of terms of the agreement. IFAs within the ARC generally deal with retention allowances or remuneration allowing the CEO to remunerate specialised employees based on market forces and experience.

Australian Workplace Agreements

Some non-SES staff were covered by AWAs in 2011–12. These AWAs were in place prior to the changes to the Workplace Relations Act 1996 which stipulated that no new AWA may be entered into on or after 13 February 2008.

Section 24(1) Determinations

Under Section 24(1) Determinations of the Public Service Act, the CEO can offer staff remuneration or conditions to supplement those available under an enterprise agreement or AWA

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in order to avoid disadvantage. Section 24(1) Determinations used in the ARC are individual arrangements and in general provide for a specified retention allowance. The Enterprise Agreement obviates the need for new determinations although existing determinations will continue.

Common Law Contracts

Employee arrangements under common law contracts set the terms and conditions for employment of SES staff at the ARC.

remuneration

Non-SES staff

The 2011–12 salary ranges for non-SES staff at the ARC are as follows:

> Executive Level 2—$107,846–$150,000;

> Executive Level 1—$89,881–$96,790;

> APS6—$70,372–$78,590;

> APS5—$63,560–$67,169;

> APS4—$58,506–$61,827;

> APS3—$52,043–$54,996;

> APS2—$46,599–$50,623; and

> APS1—$43,104–$44,208.

The ranges include salaries under all workplace arrangements outlined above.

SES staff

At 30 June 2012 the notional salary range for SES Band 1 and Band 2 officers was between $164 800 and $267 800. In the financial statements, Note 13 provides additional information on executive remuneration in 2011–12 (see Part 4, page 157).

Individual common law contracts determine the nature and amount of remuneration provided to SES employees. The CEO reviews remuneration annually taking into account the individual’s personal skills, knowledge, experience and capabilities as well as achievements against goals set in the preceding performance cycle.

Performance pay

Performance pay is not available to employees at the ARC.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Expenditure

The ARC spent a total of $128 791 on learning and development activities, including formal training programs, in 2011–12 (Table 10.3).

The average training and development expenditure was $1030 per person (based on 125 employees) with an average attendance of 2.5 days per person. The ARC spent a total of $12 111 on studies assistance for six staff members to undertake studies approved under the ARC Studies Assistance Guidelines during 2011–12.

Internal training

During the year all new employees were required to attend three programs—Introduction to ARC, Introduction to the APS and Introduction to Administrative Law. The Enterprise Agreement included access to these programs to ensure continuation of the initiative.

In 2011–12 the ARC also introduced performance management training for supervisors following from a commitment made in the ARC’s new agreement.

SAFE AND HEALTHy WORk ENVIRONMENT

Appendix 8 provides information on the ARC’s work health and safety performance, as required under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) (WHS Act).

On 1 January 2012 the WHS Act commenced for the Commonwealth jurisdiction. The WHS Act replaces the now retracted Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (OHS Act). In preparation for commencement of the WHS Act, People and Services:

> undertook a gap analysis of the OHS Act and the WHS Act to understand how the ARC was placed to manage the transition and the changes needed to achieve compliance;

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> reviewed and adapted the existing Health and Safety Management Arrangements to reflect the consultative arrangements requirement of the WHS Act and the various other changes to terminology and roles;

> developed guidance material for officers to assist them to understand the extent of their duties and what they need to do to satisfy the ‘due diligence’ requirement of their duty;

> educated ARC staff about the WHS Act (including providing guidance material and a self-training module prepared by Comcare on the ARC intranet); and

> identified changes that needed to be made to the wording of contracts.

In 2011–12 the ARC’s Occupational Health and Safety committee was renamed the Work Health and Safety committee.

WORkPLACE POLICIES

During 2011–12 the ARC reviewed its Workplace Diversity Plan and Discrimination and Harassment-free Workplace Policy.

The Enterprise Agreement included an ongoing commitment to promoting a productive workplace that provides employees with a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace, characterised by respect, courtesy, inclusion and equity; and early intervention and resolution in instances of workplace harassment, bullying or discrimination and fair treatment of employees involved. It also included a commitment to provide staff with a training course on preventing and dealing with bullying and harassment in the workplace.

The ARC is committed to making all reasonable endeavours to increase Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander employment within the ARC. During 2011–12 several staff undertook cultural competency training.

PRODUCTIVITy GAINS

In 2011–12 the ARC made productivity gains by:

> using the portfolio department for corporate services such as training;

> strengthening the performance management framework;

> implementing various retention strategies;

> improving links with business planning and human resources strategic plans;

> improving business processes;

> expanding and strengthening learning and development opportunities;

> strengthening the governance framework; and

> improving the efficiency of corporate functions.

COMMUNICATION

In 2011–12 the ARC reviewed its intranet and implemented new and improved features to better inform staff about issues relating to the agency. The changes included home page alerts on recent updates and improving the accessibility of information on key policies, procedures and governance issues.

REWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Each year the ARC awards Australia Day Achievement Medallions. Details are provided on page 102.

table 10.3: training and development by classification level, 2011–12

CLASSIFICATION STAFF

(NO.)

PERSON DAYS USED

(NO.)

EXPENDITURE

($)

CEO and SES 4 4.5 7 085

Executive Level 1–2 35 111.1 48 331

APS 1–6 57 190.8 73 375

TOTAL 96 306.4 128 791

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AUSTRALIA DAy ACHIEVEMENT MEDALLIONS

The Australia Day Achievement Medallions provide government departments and agencies with the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of their staff for outstanding performance of special projects or in performance of their core duties.

On 25 January 2012, at an Australian Day Barbeque, the CEO presented six Australia Day Achievement Medallions to ARC staff and teams.

Recipients were:

> Laurence Garner for his professionalism and dedication to the ARC in maintaining the new ICT infrastructure.

> Jennie thanopoulos for her management of several high-quality ministerial announcement events during 2011 and taking on roles beyond her executive assistant and ERA duties.

> Letitia abela for her unfailing commitment to help the ARC with legal issues.

> the rMS assignment Module redevelopment team (Salesi Akauola, Lien Nguyen, Scott Egan, Alex Brown, Adrian Sawade and Annette vincent) for delivering the new RMS assignment module in a compressed time frame, providing the ARC with significant improvements to business productivity)

> the Discovery Early Career researcher award team (Claudia Stien, Isa Chan and Akshra Kaul) for seamlessly getting the DECRA scheme up and running under short notice.

> the Quality assurance and Business Systems team (Cherie Atkinson, Belinda Graham and Beverley Biglia) for their hard work in providing essential communication and quality control services between Program Operations, RMS support and data management.

ARC CEO, Margaret Sheil (L) congratulates Laurence Garner on receiving the 2012 Australia Day medallion (CEO Award) for his professionalism and dedication to the ARC in maintaining the new ICT infrastructure

ARC CEO, Margaret Sheil (2nd from L) awarding 2012 Australia Day medallions to the DECRA team of (L to R) Isa Chan, Claudia Stien and Akshra Kaul for getting the new DECRA scheme up and running with such short notice

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CHAPTER 11: FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SERVICES

AT A GLANCEThis chapter provides an outline of:

> the ARC’s procurement framework including the use of consultants; and

> the ARC’s arrangements for legal services.

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

Purchasing

The Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (CPGs) set out the key principles of purchasing which are:

> value for money;

> encouraging competition;

> efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of resources; and

> accountability and transparency.

The ARC complies with the Australian Government’s purchasing polices as articulated in the CPGs, including procuring goods and services through a whole of government arrangement where applicable.

The governance framework includes the ARC Chief Executive Instructions (CEIs) which outline mandatory requirements, internal procedure manuals and instructions that expand on the CEIs by setting out operational requirements. In 2011–12, specific and detailed instructions on procurement were developed and issued to all Regulation 9 delegates and additional guidance material was placed on the ARC’s intranet.

The Finance Unit has overall responsibility for procurement within the ARC. Staff of the unit provide information and training about procurement policies and procedures as required.

The ARC makes information on procurements expected each year available in the ARC Annual Procurement Plan, available from the AusTender website www.tenders.gov.au. This plan outlines the more significant planned procurements for the forthcoming year and gives potential suppliers early notice.

Consultants

Policy on selection and engagement of consultants

The ARC engages consultants where it lacks specialist expertise or when independent research, review or assessment is required. Consultants are typically engaged to investigate or diagnose a defined issue or problem; carry out defined reviews or evaluations; or provide independent advice, information or creative solutions to assist in the ARC’s decision making.

Prior to engaging consultants, the ARC takes into account the skills and resources required for the task, the skills available internally, and the cost-effectiveness of engaging external expertise. The decision to engage a consultant is made in accordance with the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act) and related regulations including the CPGs. The ARC’s policy on selecting and engaging consultants is also set out in its CEIs and in related procurement instructions and guidance material.

Expenditure

During 2011–12, the ARC entered into 182 new consultancy contracts involving total actual expenditure of $830 000. In addition, 24 ongoing consultancy contracts were active during the 2011–12 year, involving total actual expenditure of $252 000.

The majority of the new consultancy contracts in 2011–12 were payments for services relating to ARC committees, including the ARC College and the ERA Research Evaluation Committees.

Over the past three years the ARC’s expenditure on consultancy contracts was:

> $1 081 686 in 2011–12;

> $2 640 108 in 2010–11; and

> $1 358 696 in 2009–10.

Annual reports contain information about actual expenditure on contracts for consultancies. Information on the value of contracts and consultancies is available on the AusTender website www.tenders.gov.au.

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http://www.tenders.gov.au

Exempt contracts

The Chief Executive Officer did not exempt any contracts from publication on the AusTender website on the basis that their release would disclose exempt matters under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

australian National audit Office access clauses

All contracts let during the reporting period of $100 000 or more (inclusive of GST) provided for the Auditor-General to have access to the contractor’s premises.

LEGAL SERVICES

Overview

The ARC in-house Legal Counsel provides general legal advice across the ARC’s corporate and program responsibilities as well as about the agency’s compliance with various reporting requirements (including those in relation to freedom of information and legal services). External legal advice is sought as required.

Legal services expenditure

Under the Legal Services Directions 2005 the ARC is required to make publicly available by 30 October each year details of its legal services expenditure for the previous financial year. The ARC makes this information available in its annual report (Appendix 13).

Freedom of Information

In 2011–12 the ARC received 12 requests for access to ARC documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1988 (FOI Act)— a slight increase over the number of requests received in 2010–11. Table 11.1 shows the status of requests made under the FOI Act since 2009–10.

table 11.1: requests under the FOI act, 2009–10 to 2011–12

REQUESTS YEAR

2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

Received 7 9 12

Granted in full or in part 4 7 9

Denied 0 0 3

Not finalised (as at 30 June) 3 1 0

Transferred to another agency 0 0 0

Withdrawn 0 1 0

Proceeded to internal review 1 0 1

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CHAPTER 12: ICT AND FACILITIES

AT A GLANCEICT Services supplies the ICT infrastructure, help desk services, data management, software development and technical support to enable the delivery of the ARC’s two key initiatives—Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) and the National Competitive Grants Program—as well as the ARC’s corporate functions.

At June 2012, the ARC’s external IT systems were accessed by over 65 000 users in the research community. The ARC’s internal systems support over 100 ARC staff mainly located in Canberra.

The ARC leases office space in Majura Park Canberra. The Facilities team is responsible for liaison with the building owners regarding property and maintenance matters.

Other key responsibilities include records management, mail services, pool vehicle, security and parking passes, stationery and office equipment, and a range of work health and safety activities.

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ICT SERVICES

Planning

The ICT Operational Plan sets key milestones that enable ICT support of business functions within the ARC from both an infrastructure and software development perspective. Traffic light reporting provides a quick and easy assessment against the targets and is reviewed monthly by ICT leadership and reported to the ICT Governance Committee.

In addition, the ARC Software Development Plan, a component within the ICT Operational Plan, sets an 18 to 24 month view of both business as usual and new software development projects.

Delivery of the National Competitive Grants Program

The Research Management System (RMS) is a web-based system used to prepare and submit research proposals, assessments and rejoinders. RMS is used by:

> researchers to complete pre-submission eligibility issues, proposals and rejoinders and submit them to the relevant administering organisation;

> researchers to update personal information and their expertise;

> administering organisations (research offices) to check pre-submission eligibility issues, proposals and rejoinders and submit them to the ARC;

> administering organisations (research offices) to maintain internal user account records; and

> ARC administrators.

The RMS application currently has 65 493 registered ‘active’ users made up of researchers, researcher/assessors, research office staff and ARC staff. The RMS was available to the research sector for 99.999 per cent of planned available time for the 2011–12 financial year.

Stakeholder engagement

The RMS Help Desk service operates 9am–5pm on each business day. The current service, both automated and manual, offers RMS users immediate automated assistance for password resets and personal assistance for issues of a technical/business nature and also tracks calls escalated for resolution. Typically, all calls are resolved on first contact; if not, the caller is updated on the status of their query within 48 hours.

The Help Desk routinely receives e-mails of praise and complaint on how RMS functions impact individual researchers. There were no significant complaints from the sector during this period.

Delivery of Excellence in research for australia

The System for the Evaluation of Excellence in Research (SEER) was redeveloped to support Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2012. Four system releases were successfully developed and implemented to provide the enhanced and additional functionality required for the second ERA evaluation. The changes were delivered on time and within budget.

Stakeholder engagement

SEER experienced seven unplanned outages during 2011–2012 resulting in 99.7 per cent availability. The outages caused minimal disruption to users with only two being longer than 30 minutes.

It infrastructure and services

In early 2012, ICT Services completed an agency-wide desktop hardware and software refresh which delivered new tools across the agency including desktop video conferencing for internal and external collaboration.

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FACILITIES

Property Management

ARC head office is at Majura Park, Canberra Airport. During 2011–12 the ARC also occupied share offices in Brisbane and Hobart. The facilities team manages the leases, memorandum of understanding and licence agreements for the ARC’s property portfolio.

The ARC has a Property Management Plan to cover all occupied leases to ensure better practise in property management planning. The ARC has met the Australian Government occupational density target of 16 square metres per occupied workpoint.

asset Management

Asset management is not a significant aspect of the ARC’s strategic business.

The agency’s assets include office fit out, furniture, IT software and ‘portable and attractive’ equipment held at the ARC offices at Majura Park Canberra and at the Brisbane and Hobart offices.

The ARC reviews its asset holdings annually to ensure cost effectiveness and whole-of-life asset utilisation. In February 2012 the ARC conducted a stocktake of its assets located at Majura Park Canberra, Brisbane and Hobart offices. While the facilities team coordinates asset management activities, responsibility for the safekeeping of assets remains within each functional area of the ARC.

records Management

The ARC’s records are a major component of its corporate memory and as such are a vital asset that supports ongoing operations and provides valuable evidence of business activities over time. The ARC is committed to implementing best practice record keeping systems to ensure the creation, maintenance and protection of records with appropriate evidential characteristics.

The Facilities team coordinates responsibility for records management activity within the ARC. During 2011–12:

> the ARC records management policy and procedures were updated and placed on the ARC intranet;

> all staff with file management responsibilities received training; and

> information on records management was included as part of induction training.

Physical Security

Facilities manages the ARC security passes for ongoing and non-ongoing staff and contractors. The ARC complies with the advice on protective security provided by the Australian Government Information Management Office. In 2011–12 the ARC implemented recommendations on identification card design which are aimed at achieving standardisation and transparency in the policies and practises relating to staff identity and identity management across the Australian Government.

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CHAPTER 13: COMMUNICATION

AT A GLANCE This chapter provides a report on the ARC’s activities:

> as an advocate for the benefits of Australian research; and

> in maintaining productive relationships with its stakeholders.

The ARC’s key stakeholders are Australian higher education institutions and their partners in the government, private, and non-profit sectors, the Parliament of Australia, and the Australian public.

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PROMOTION

Grants announcement events

In 2011–12 the ARC arranged three events for the Minister to announce the outcomes of selection rounds conducted under the National Competitive Grants Program (NNGP) schemes:

> Australian Laureate Fellowships on August 2011;

> Discovery Projects, Discovery Indigenous, Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities and Linkage Projects on 1 November 2011; and

> Discovery Early Career Researcher Award and Future Fellowships on 14 November 2011.

research Expo

The ARC held a research expo in conjunction with the major grants announcement in November. At the expo, the ARC, the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) and Australian universities showcased publicly-funded research and highlighted the Australian Government’s support for research and innovation in Australia.

Researchers, senior members of the academic community, industry representatives, parliamentarians and members of the general community (including primary and secondary school students) attended the expo. It was an opportunity to increase student awareness of research to engage and excite them to pursue future research careers.

Media releases and publications

The Minister and the ARC made a total of 34 media announcements during the year about ARC matters. Of the 34, 26 media releases were to announce funding outcomes and the remaining eight were about:

> an extension in funding awarded to the ARC Centre of Excellence for Policing and Security;

> the number of international researchers that come to Australia with ARC support;

> ARC-funded researchers who were made fellows of the Learned Academies;

> the appointment of the Research Evaluation Committees Chairs for Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2012, and the appointment of the committee members;

> Australia’s Nobel Laureate in Physics, Professor Brian Schmidt;

> the appointment of the citation provider for ERA 2012; and

> the ten-year anniversary of the ARC.

Media releases are listed in Appendix 14.

Sponsorship

Australasian Research Management Society

The ARC sponsored the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) 13th Annual National Conference ‘Imagine the Transformation. Transform your Imagination’ held in Sydney on 13 to 16 September 2011.

RMIT researchers at the Research Expo held in conjunction with the ARC’s major grants announcement at Parliament House, 1 November 2011

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The ARMS Annual Conference is the principal research meeting for research managers and administrators in Australasia, attracting researchers and a wide range of industry professionals from both public and private organisations and other research management institutes. The aim of the conference is to provide a stimulating and practical program with social events and networking opportunities.

The ARC is a ‘bronze’ sponsor of the event, providing $8 500 (including GST) in sponsorship funding towards the event.

Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research by an Interdisciplinary Team

The ARC sponsored the Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research by an Interdisciplinary Team for the third time in 2011. The $10 000 prize rewards an Australian research partnership, group or team for a ground breaking outcome that has involved collaboration and integration between researchers from two or more unrelated disciplines.

Communicating research outcomes

Subject to commercial sensitivities and Intellectual Property considerations, the ARC expects researchers and research institutions to communicate the outcomes of ARC-funded research projects to the research community and, where appropriate and possible, to the community at large.

The ARC also showcases the outcomes of ARC-funded research, including through participation in conferences and exhibitions.

An example – Super Science Fellows symposium

An inaugural symposium of Super Science Fellows in astronomy was held in Tasmania on 18–20 April 2012, hosted and organised by the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Tasmania.

The event was opened by His Excellency the Honourable Peter Underwood AC, Governor of Tasmania and the University of Tasmania vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Rathjen. It featured talks from Super Science Fellows, with general attendance open to all members of the astronomy and space-science community.

Showcasing of the ARC and ARC-funded research

The ARC showcased ARC-funded research at the Innovation in Australia showcase in Brisbane. Hosted by DIISR, the Innovation Showcase was held on 7 December 2011. The showcase coincided with the announcement of award winners from The Australian Innovation Challenge. The ARC also hosted a stall at the CRC Association annual conference Collaborate, Innovate 2012, held in Adelaide 15–17 May 2012.

STAkEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Consultations

The ARC undertook a number of stakeholder consultations during the year including:

> the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities consultation;

> the ERA public consultation; and

> the ERA Ranked Outlets consultation.

Part 2 of this report provides further information on these consultations.

Participation in national and international forums

National

Ex-officio membership

During 2011–12 the ARC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was a member of the: Australia-India Council Board; Cooperative Research Centres Committee; National Research Infrastructure Committee; National Research Foundation of Korea; Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council; and Science Industry Endowment Fund Advisory Council.

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EUREkA PRIZE

The Australian Museum presents the Eureka Prizes annually. The prizes reward excellence in a range of fields including research and innovation, science leadership, school science and science journalism and communication.

The 2011 Eureka Prizes were presented at the Eureka Prizes annual gala awards dinner held in Sydney on 6 September 2011. The winner of the Eureka Prize for Excellence in Research by an Interdisciplinary Team was the Nanopatch vaccination team. Professor Mark Kendall, an ARC Future Fellow from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology at The University of Queensland, led this ground breaking work.

The Nanopatch vaccination team includes engineers, mathematicians, materials scientists and immunologists. It also receives input from the laboratories of cervical cancer vaccine inventor Professor Ian Frazer, the Translational Research Institute at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital; Professor Michael Roberts, Director of the Therapeutics Research Unit at The University of Queensland’s School of Medicine; and The University of Melbourne’s Professor Lorena Brown from the Department of Immunology and Microbiology.

Professor Mark Kendall from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology accepting the 2011 Eureka Prize for Research by an Interdisciplinary Team from ARC CEO Margaret Sheil. Image courtesy of Eureka Prizes, Australia Museum

Portfolio

The ARC worked closely with the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education across a range of areas relating to research policy and programs including:

> the development of the funding allocation methodology for the Sustainable Research Excellence program in which ERA outcomes are an integral element;

> liaising with the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency on the development of the research standards as part of its regulation of higher education;

> the implementation of key elements of the Research Workforce Strategy; and

> the development of the Australian Government’s Feasibility Study on Research Impact Assessment.

The ARC also worked with the department to provide information and advice for the Focusing Australia’s Publicly Funded Research Review, the Chief Scientist’s Health of Australian Science Report, and the Australian Research Committee’s National Research Investment Plan.

Submissions to australian Government reviews and Inquiries

During 2011–12 the ARC made submissions to:

> the development of a White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century; and

> the Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research.

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Inspiring australia contact officers group

The ARC continued to participate in the Inspiring Australia contact officers group. The group, formed to further the communication of science and innovation to the general public, consists of representatives from many science-related Commonwealth Departments and agencies. During 2011–12 the working group met three times to discuss upcoming opportunities for the promotion of science and research, and to seek opportunities for collaboration between agencies.

Ocean and Coastal Communicators Network

The ARC participated in the Ocean and Coastal Communicators Network, which is established under the Oceans Policy Science Advisory Group to encourage the wider communication of marine-related science and research. The network also consists of representatives from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, CSIRO, Geosciences Australia, the University of Tasmania’s Integrated Marine Observing System and the Australian Antarctic Division.

Through regular monthly teleconferences and two face-to-face meetings during 2011–12, the group collaborated on opportunities to promote marine-related science outcomes including an event at Parliament House on 16 August 2011 to celebrate the Census of Marine Life.

International

During the year ARC representatives visited a range of research agencies and organisations overseas to participate in conferences; seek new ideas and common ground on research policy; exchange information about research assessment processes; and further develop methods of, and coach others on best practice in, evaluating research excellence.

visits made included the following:

> opening of the Sino-Australia Neurogenetics Laboratory (Shanghai, China) August 2011;

> China-Australia Joint Science and Technology Commission (Shanghai, China) August 2011;

> Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai, China) August 2011;

> Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Ottawa, Canada) October 2011;

> Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (Ottawa, Canada) October 2011;

> Global Merit Review Meeting of Asia Pacific Region countries (Delhi, India) December 2011;

> Higher Education Funding Council for England (London, United Kingdom) January 2012;

> Thomson Reuters (London, United Kingdom) January 2012;

> Elsevier (Amsterdam, Netherlands) January 2012;

> National Research Council of Thailand (Bangkok, Thailand) January 2012;

> Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (London, United Kingdom) February 2012;

> vitae (London, United Kingdom) February 2012;

> Inaugural Global Summit on Merit Review (Washington DC, United States of America) May 2012; and

> International Network of Research Management Societies Conference (Copenhagen, Denmark) May 2012.

The ARC also hosted visits from overseas agencies including the:

> Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore;

> National Research Council of Thailand;

> Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany;

> National Research Foundation, Korea;

> National Natural Science Foundation of China; and

> Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Provision of information

Visits to institutions

ARC representatives visited higher education institutions on request and published the presentation material related to those visits on the ARC website.

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ARC forums

The ARC hosted a one-day forum for ARC Centre Directors (or delegates) on 26 September 2011. Participants included representatives of 23 ARC Centres of Excellence, three co-funded Centres and three Special Research Initiatives. The forum was themed with several presentations made by participants and ARC executives on three topics:

> Starting Out—prospects for establishing a successful ARC Centre of Excellence;

> Looking Back—lessons from building a successful ARC Centre of Excellence; and

> Looking Ahead—positioning for a future beyond initial ARC funding.

Feedback from the forum was very positive with a proposal to hold a similar forum on an annual basis in the future.

ARC/NHMRC Research Administrators seminar

Each year the ARC, together with the Australasian Research Management Society and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), holds a Research Administrators’ Seminar. The 2011 seminar was held on 7–8 November 2011 in Canberra. Three hundred people, from approximately 70 institutions, attended the seminar which provided information on the development of NCGP funding schemes, policies and programs.

ARC website

The ARC website provides information about the ARC to national and international researchers and stakeholders, and interested parties.

The website recorded 1 117 529 visits in 2011–12 compared with 1 069 397 in 2010–11. The peak period of web traffic occurred in October and November 2011 with two peak days of visits:

> 31 154 visits on Monday 31 October 2011 due to the major grants announcement for the Discovery Projects, Linkage Projects, Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities and Discovery Indigenous schemes; and

> 21 457 visits on Sunday 13 November 2011 due to the release of the funding outcomes for Discovery Early Career Researcher Award and Future Fellowships schemes.

In March 2012, the ARC began reviewing its website to comply with the requirements of the Australian Government’s new Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0). These guidelines require all federal websites to meet the medium conformance level AA by the end of 2014.

While undertaking the review for the WCAG 2.0 the ARC took the opportunity to improve and update the content of the ARC website to better promote and communicate processes and activities.

Network messages

During 2011–12 the ARC issued 45 network messages. The ARC uses network messages to communicate information to institutional research offices and administration stakeholders. The messages provide information about ARC funding and processes—from application to announcement—and other relevant information that may assist the research offices in their contact with the ARC.

Social media

In addition to posting information on its website and through network messages, the ARC also has Facebook and Twitter accounts.

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CHaPtEr 14: FINaNCIaL OVErVIEW

CHaPtEr 15: FINaNCIaL StatEMENtS

PART 4FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

CHAPTER 14: FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

AT A GLANCEThis chapter should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for 2011–12 which appear in the next chapter.

The ARC supports both departmental and administered expenses.

Departmental expenses involve the use of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses controlled or incurred by the agency in its own right.

Administered expenses involve the management or oversight by the agency, on behalf of the Australian Government, of items controlled or incurred by the Australian Government.

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INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides a summary of the ARC’s 2011–12 financial performance. The Parliament of Australia provides the ARC with two types of funding: administered and departmental where:

> administered funding is managed by agencies on behalf of the Australian Government, including for example, grants, subsidies and benefits.

> departmental items are assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses that are controlled by the agency in providing its outputs, including for example, employees expenses, supplier expenses, and other operational expenses.

ANALySIS OF PERFORMANCE

The ARC’s total annual appropriated resources for 2011–12 were $833.3 million. This comprised:

> $811.3 million for the administered appropriation ($808.8 million special appropriation for the National Competitive Grants Program and $2.5 million for annual administered appropriation); and

> $22.0 million for the departmental appropriation ($18.8 million for operating expenses, $1.7 million for the Departmental Capital Budget and $1.5 million for an equity injection).

In 2011–12 the ARC disclosed an operating deficit of $0.386 million due to the removal of depreciation funding as part of the Operation Sunlight net cash appropriations framework. To ensure the ERA election commitment is met, the Minister for Finance and Deregulation approved the transfer of Administered Annual Appropriation of $0.55 million for Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) from 2011–12 to 2012–13 and $2.30 million of future funds from 2013–14 to 2012–13. The transfer of funds is required to provide appropriate support and remuneration for the committee members associated with the ERA evaluation process.

The Minister for Finance and Deregulation approved for Excellence in Research for Australia the movement of Administered Annual Appropriation of $0.550 million initiative from 2011–12 to 2012–13 and $2.300 million of future funds from 2013–14 to 2012–13 to ensure the ERA election commitment is met. The transfer of funds is required to provide appropriate support and remuneration for the committee members associated with the ERA evaluation process.

A resource summary of the ARC’s departmental and administered expenses is provided in Appendix 15. Actual expenses at year-end varied from budgeted expenses in the following area:

> The 2011–12 departmental operating expenses are $2 million less than the budget estimate. This is due to the implementation of a range of strategies to manage departmental expenditure.

Further information on the financial performance of the ARC is in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The Australian National Audit Office found that the ARC’s financial statements, including lead schedules and reconciliations, were appropriate for the needs of the audit, and that controls were operating effectively and information was being accurately captured in all relevant systems.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

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CHAPTER 15: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AT A GLANCEThe following pages provide the financial statements for the Australian Research Council (ARC) for the financial period ended 30 June 2012. They have been submitted to the Auditor General for scrutiny as required by section 57 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997.

Page No.

Audit Report .....................................................................................................................119

Statement by the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer ............................................ 121

Statement of Comprehensive Income ............................................................................... 122

Balance Sheet .................................................................................................................. 123

Statement of Changes in Equity ........................................................................................ 124

Cash Flow Statement ........................................................................................................ 125

Schedule of Commitments ............................................................................................... 126

Schedule of Administered Items ....................................................................................... 128

Notes of the Financial Statements ..................................................................................... 133

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119


120



121


Australian Research CouncilSTATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEfor the period ended 30 June 2012

2012 2011Notes $'000 $'000

EXPENSESEmployee benefits 3A 11,688 11,456 Supplier 3B 4,887 7,456 Depreciation and amortisation 3C 2,556 2,093 Finance costs 3D 308 237 Write-down and impairment of assets 3E 62 2,068 Total expenses 19,501 23,310

LESS: OWN-SOURCE INCOMEOwn-source revenueSale of goods and rendering of services 4A 200 202 Total own-source revenue 200 202

GainsOther Gains 4B 67 1,793 Total gains 67 1,793 Total own-source income 267 1,995 Net cost of services 19,234 21,315 Revenue from Government 4C 18,805 19,224 Surplus (Deficit) (429) (2,091)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEChanges in asset revaluation surplus 43 (130)Total other comprehensive income 43 (130)Total comprehensive income (loss) 30 (386) (2,221)

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

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Australian Research CouncilBALANCE SHEET

2012 2011Notes $’000 $’000

ASSETSFinancial AssetsCash and cash equivalents 5A 1,119 520 Trade and other receivables 5B 8,980 7,189 Total financial assets 10,099 7,709

Non-Financial AssetsLand and buildings 6A,C 2,791 3,011 Property, plant and equipment 6B,C 302 78 Intangibles 6D,E 16,430 16,322 Other non-financial assets 6F 12 58 Total non-financial assets 19,535 19,469 Total assets 29,634 27,178

LIABILITIESPayablesSuppliers 7A 1 102 Other payables 7B 835 1,446 Total payables 836 1,548

Interest Bearing LiabilitiesLeases 8 2,786 2,876 Total interest bearing liabilities 2,786 2,876

ProvisionsEmployee provisions 9A 2,486 2,049 Other provisions 9B 302 252 Total provisions 2,788 2,301 Total liabilities 6,410 6,725 Net assets 23,224 20,453

EQUITYContributed equity 21,692 18,535 Reserves 43 -Retained surplus 1,489 1,918 Total equity 23,224 20,453


as at 30 June 2012


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2012 2011Notes $’000 $’000

OPERATING ACTIVITIESCash receivedAppropriations 18,068 17,797 Sale of goods and rendering of services 165 239 Net GST received 1,150 957 Total cash received 19,383 18,993

Cash usedEmployees 11,475 11,294 Suppliers 6,348 7,856 Other 308 237 Total cash used 18,131 19,387 Net cash from (used by) operating activities 11 1,252 (394)

INVESTING ACTIVITIESCash usedPurchase of property, plant and equipment 420 66 Other (Purchase of intangibles) 2,358 3,562 Total cash used 2,778 3,628 Net cash used by investing activities (2,778) (3,628)

FINANCING ACTIVITIESCash receivedContributed equity 2,125 4,245 Total cash received 2,125 4,245 Net cash from financing activities 2,125 4,245

Net increase (decrease) in cash held 599 223 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 520 297 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 5A 1,119 520

CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the period ended 30 June 2012



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Australian Research CouncilSCHEDULE OF COMMITMENTS

2012 2011BY TYPE $’000 $’000Commitments receivableNet GST recoverable on commitments 1 (2,770) (2,883)Total commitments receivable (2,770) (2,883)

Commitments payableCapital commitmentsIntangibles2 194 1,675 Total capital commitments 194 1,675

Other commitmentsOperating Leases3 26,967 28,199 Other 4 3,307 1,841 Total other commitments 30,274 30,040 Net commitments by type 27,698 28,832

BY MATURITYCommitments receivableOther commitments receivableOne year or less (366) (455)From one to five years (837) (702)Over five years (1,567) (1,726)Total other commitments receivable (2,770) (2,883)

Commitments payableCapital commitmentsOne year or less 194 1,675 From one to five years - -Over five years - -Total capital commitments 194 1,675

Operating lease commitmentsOne year or less 1,838 1,749 From one to five years 7,889 7,471 Over five years 17,240 18,979 Total operating lease commitments 26,967 28,199

Other CommitmentsOne year or less 1,992 1,586 From one to five years 1,315 255 Over five years - -Total other commitments 3,307 1,841 Total commitments payable 30,468 31,715 Net commitments by maturity 27,698 28,832

As at 30 June 2012

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Australian Research CouncilSCHEDULE OF COMMITMENTS (continued)

NB: Commitments are GST inclusive where relevant.

1. GST credit on commitments receivable from ATO.2. Outstanding contractual payments for IT systems under development.3. Operating leases included are effectively non-cancellable and comprise:

4. Other commitments primarily consist of provision of information technology products and services, office suppliers and contractors.

The above schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Lease for office accommodation

Agreements for the provision of motor vehicles to senior executive officers

Lease payments are subject to annual increase of 4.25%. The initial period of office accommodation lease is still current and the lease is for a period of 15 years commencing in September 2010.

No contingent rentals exist. There are no renewal or purchase options available to the ARC.


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2012 2011Notes $’000 $’000

Suppliers 17A 2,427 4,599 Grants 17B 824,580 751,464

827,007 756,063

LESS:

Non-taxation revenueOther revenue 18 3,946 8,254 Total non-taxation revenue 3,946 8,254

Total own-source income administered on behalf of Government 3,946 8,254 Net cost of services 823,061 747,809 Surplus (Deficit) (823,061) (747,809)

Total comprehensive income (loss) (823,061) (747,809)


Administered Schedule of Comprehensive Incomefor the period ended 30 June 2012

EXPENSES

Total expenses administered on behalf of Government

OWN-SOURCE INCOMEOwn-source revenue

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

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Australian Research CouncilAdministered Schedule of Assets and Liabilities

2012 2011Notes $’000 $’000

Financial assetsCash and cash equivalents 19A - -Trade and other receivables 19B 1,613 1,402 Total financial assets 1,613 1,402

Total assets administered on behalf of Government 1,613 1,402

PayablesGrants 20A 324,007 291,867 Other payables 20B 249 225 Total payables 324,256 292,092

324,256 292,092

(322,643) (290,690)

Total liabilities administered on behalf of Government

Net assets

ASSETS

LIABILITIES


as at 30 June 2012


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2012 2011$’000 $’000

Opening administered assets less administered liabilities as at 1 July (290,690) (234,360)Surplus (deficit) items:

Plus: Administered income 3,946 8,254 Less: Administered expenses (827,007) (756,063)

Administered transfers to/from Australian Government:Appropriation transfers from OPA:

Annual appropriations for administered expenses 2,359 4,599 Special appropriations (limited) 799,196 699,596 Administered GST Appropriations 7,251 4,614

Transfers to OPA:Appropriations (1,134) (8,793)Special Accounts (9,548) (3,933)Return of GST Appropriation to OPA (7,016) (4,604)

Closing administered assets less administered liabilities as at 30 June(322,643) (290,690)

Administered Reconciliation Schedule

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2012 2011Notes $’000 $’000

OPERATING ACTIVITIESCash receivedNet GST received 5,101 4,934 Other 3,949 8,243 Total cash received 9,050 13,177

Cash usedGrant payments 797,512 703,323 Suppliers 2,646 4,891 Total cash used 800,158 708,214 Net cash used by operating activities (791,108) (695,037)Net cash flows used by operating activities 21 (791,108) (695,037)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period - 3,558

Cash from Official Public Account for: -Appropriations 801,555 704,195 -Administered GST Appropriations 7,251 4,614

808,806 708,809

Cash to Official Public Account for: - Appropriations (1,134) (8,793) - Special Accounts (9,548) (3,933) - Return of GST Appropriation to OPA (7,016) (4,604)

(17,698) (17,330)

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 19A - -

for the period ended 30 June 2012

This schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Administered Cash Flows


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Australian Research CouncilSchedule of Administered Commitments

2012 2011$’000 $’000

BY TYPECommitments receivable

Net GST recoverable on commitments1 (10,142) (9,282)Total commitments receivable (10,142) (9,282)

Commitments payableOther commitmentsOther 3,435 20 ARC National Competitive Grants 2 1,625,127 2,060,877

Total commitments payable 1,628,562 2,060,897 Net commitments by type 1,618,420 2,051,615

BY MATURITYCommitments receivable

Other commitments receivableOne year or less (3,097) (2,502)From one to five years (7,045) (6,780)Over five years - -

Total commitment receivable (10,142) (9,282)

Commitments payableOther commitmentsOne year or less 727,002 692,518 From one to five years 901,560 1,368,379 Over five years - -

Total commitments payable 1,628,562 2,060,897 Net commitments by maturity 1,618,420 2,051,615

NB: Commitments are GST inclusive where relevant.

1. GST credit on commitments receivable from the ATO.

ARC conducts the following administered activities on behalf of the Government

· measuring research excellence in Australian universities by conducting research evaluation.

This schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

as at 30 June 2012

· advancing Australian research and innovation by providing strategic policy advice to Government;· managing the National Competitive Grants Program; and

2. ARC National Competitive Grants relate to grant amounts payable under agreements in respect of which the grantee has yet to provide the services required under the agreement. It comprises mainly grants under the ARC National Competitive Grants scheme.

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Table of Contents - Notes

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesNote 2: Events After the Reporting PeriodNote 3: ExpensesNote 4: IncomeNote 5: Financial AssetsNote 6: Non-Financial AssetsNote 7: PayablesNote 8: Interest Bearing LiabilitiesNote 9: ProvisionsNote 10: RestructuringNote 11: Cash Flow ReconciliationNote 12: Contingent Assets and LiabilitiesNote 13: Senior Executive RemunerationNote 14: Remuneration of AuditorsNote 15: Financial InstrumentsNote 16: Financial Assets ReconciliationNote 17: Administered ExpensesNote 18: Administered IncomeNote 19: Administered - Financial AssetsNote 20: Administered - PayablesNote 21: Administered Cash Flow ReconciliationNote 22: Administered - Contingent Assets and LiabilitiesNote 23: Administered Financial Instruments Note 24: Administered Financial Assets ReconciliationNote 25: AppropriationsNote 26: Special Accounts Note 27: Compliance with Statutory Conditions for Payments from the CRFNote 28: Compensation and Debt ReliefNote 29: Reporting of OutcomesNote 30: Net Cash Appropriation Arrangement


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Australian Research Council Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.1 Objectives of the Australian Research Council The Australian Research Council (ARC) is an Australian Government controlled entity. It is a not-for-profit entity. The mission of the ARC is to deliver policy and programs that advance Australian research and innovation globally and benefit the community.

The ARC is structured to meet one outcome which is ‘Growth of knowledge and innovation through managing research funding schemes, measuring research excellence and providing advice.’

ARC activities contributing toward this outcome are classified as either departmental or administered. Departmental activities involve the use of assets, liabilities, income and expenses controlled or incurred by the ARC in its own right. Administered activities involve the management or oversight by the ARC, on behalf of the Government, of items controlled or incurred by the Government.

ARC conducts the following administered activities on behalf of the Government:

• advancing Australian research and innovation by providing strategic policy advice to Government; • managing the National Competitive Grants Program; and • measuring research excellence at Australia’s universities by conducting research evaluation. The continued existence of the ARC in its present form and with its present program is dependent on Government policy and on continuing appropriations by Parliament for the ARC’s administration and program.

1.2 Basis of Preparation of the Financial Statements

The financial statements and notes are required by section 49 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and are a general purpose financial report.

The financial statements and notes have been prepared in accordance with:

• Finance Minister’s Orders (FMOs) for reporting periods ending on or after 1 July 2011; and

• Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that apply for the reporting period.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for certain assets at fair value. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or the financial position.

The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars unless otherwise specified.

Unless an alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard or the FMOs, assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when and only when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the ARC or a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required and the amounts of the assets or liabilities can be reliably measured. However, assets and liabilities arising under Agreements Equally Proportionately Unperformed are not recognised unless required by an accounting standard. Liabilities and assets that are unrecognised are reported in the schedule of commitments. The ARC did not have any contingencies at 30 June 2012.

Unless alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard, income and expenses are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income when and only when the flow, consumption or loss of economic benefits has occurred and can be reliably measured.

Administered revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and cash flows reported in the Schedule of Administered Items and related notes are accounted for on the same basis and using the same policies as for departmental items, except where otherwise stated in Note 1.20.

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1.3 Significant Accounting Judgements and Estimates In the process of applying the accounting policies listed in this note, the ARC has made a judgement that have the most significant impact on the amounts recorded in the financial statements: the fair value of buildings has been taken to be the market value of similar properties as determined by an independent valuer.

The ARC has a number of material balances in the financial statements that are dependent on management assumptions for their measurement. The most significant of these relate to depreciation and employee provisions.

No accounting assumptions or estimates have been identified that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next accounting period.

1.4 Change in Australian Accounting Standards Adoption of new Australian Accounting Standard requirements No accounting standard has been adopted earlier than the application date as stated in the standard. The following new accounting standards and interpretation that were issued prior to the signing of the statement by the chief executive and chief financial officer and are applicable to the current reporting period did not have a material financial impact, and are not expected to have a future material financial impact on the entity:

• AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures - November 2010 (Compilation) • AASB 8 Operating Segments - December 2009 (Compilation) • AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements - May 2011 (Compilation) • AASB 107 Statement of Cash Flows - May 2011 (Compilation) • AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors - May 2011 (Compilation) • AASB 110 Events after the Reporting Period - December 2009 (Compilation) • AASB 118 Revenue - October 2010 (Compilation) • AASB 119 Employee Benefits - October 2010 (Compilation) • AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures - December 2009 (Principal) • AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Presentation - May 2011 (Compilation) • AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets - October 2010 (Compilation) • AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement - October 2010 (Compilation) • AASB 1031 Materiality - December 2009 (Compilation) • AASB 1054 Australian Additional Disclosures - May 2011 (Principal) • Interp. 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease - December 2009 (Compilation) • Interp. 14 AASB 119 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their

Interaction - December 2009 (Compilation) • Interp. 115 Operating Leases – Incentives - October 2010 (Compilation) • Interp. 132 Intangible Assets – Web Site Costs - October 2010 (Compilation)

Future Australian Accounting Standard requirements The following new standards, amendments to standards or interpretations have been issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board but are effective for future reporting periods. It is estimated that the impact of adopting these pronouncements when effective will have no material financial impact on future reporting periods:

• AASB 9 Financial Instruments – [Dec 2010] • AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities - August 2011 (Principal) • AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement - September 2011 (Principal) • AASB 119 Employee Benefits - September 2011 (Principal) • AASB 2010-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure

Requirements [AASB 1,2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 101, 102, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112, 116, 117, 119, 121, 123, 124, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, 136, 137, 138, 140, 141,1050 & 1052 and Interpretations 2, 4, 5, 15, 17, 127, 129 & 1052]

• AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010) [AASB 1, 3, 4, 5,7, 101, 102, 108, 112, 118, 120, 121, 127, 128, 131, 132, 136, 137, 139, 1023 & 1038 and Interpretations 2, 5, 10, 12, 19 & 127]


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• AASB 2011-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Orderly Adoption of Changes to the ABS GFS Manual and Related Amendments [AASB 1049]

• AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel Disclosure Requirements [AASB 124]

• AASB 2011-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13 [AASB 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 2009-11, 2010-7, 101, 102, 108, 110, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 128, 131, 132, 133, 134, 136, 138, 139, 140, 141, 1004, 1023 & 1038 and Interpretations 2, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 131 & 132]

• AASB 2011-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income [AASB 1, 5, 7, 101, 112, 120, 121, 132, 133, 134, 1039 & 1049]

• AASB 2011-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 119 (September 2011) [AASB 1, AASB 8, AASB 101, AASB 124, AASB 134, AASB 1049 & AASB 2011-8 and Interpretation 14]

• AASB 2011-11 Amendments to AASB 119 (September 2011) arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements • AASB 2011-13 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standard – Improvements to AASB 1049 • AASB 2012-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Fair Value Measurement - Reduced

Disclosure Requirements [AASB 3, AASB 7, AASB 13, AASB 140 & AASB 141]

Other new standards, interpretations and amending standards that were issued prior to the signing of the statement by the chief executive and chief financial officer and are applicable to the future reporting period are not expected to have a future financial impact on the ARC.

1.5 Revenue Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when: • the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer; • the ARC retains no managerial involvement nor effective control over the goods; • the revenue and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and • it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the ARC.

Revenue from rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date. The revenue is recognised when:

• the amount of revenue, stage of completion and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and • the probable economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the ARC.

The stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date is determined by reference to the proportion that costs incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of the transaction.

Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nominal amounts due less any impairment allowance account. Collectability of debts is reviewed at balance date. Allowances are made when collectability of the debt is no longer probable.

Revenue from Government Amounts appropriated for departmental outputs appropriations for the year (adjusted for any formal additions and reductions) are recognised as revenue when the agency gains control of the appropriation.

Appropriations receivable are recognised at their nominal amounts.

Parental Leave Payments Scheme Amounts received under Parental Leave Payments Scheme (for payment to employees) are offset by amounts paid to employees under that scheme, because these transactions are only incidental to the main revenue-generating activities of the ARC. Amounts received by the ARC not yet paid to employees would be presented as a liability (payable). The total amount received under this scheme is disclosed as a footnote to the Note 7B: Other Payables (2011: nil).

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1.6 Gains Resources Received Free of Charge Resources received free of charge are recognised as gains when, and only when, a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated. Use of those resources is recognised as an expense.

Resources received free of charge are recorded as either revenue or gains depending on their nature.

Contributions of assets at no cost of acquisition or for nominal consideration are recognised as gains at their fair value when the asset qualifies for recognition, unless received from another Government agency or authority as a consequence of a restructuring of administrative arrangements (Refer to Note 1.7).

Sale of Assets Gains from disposal of non-current assets is recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer.

1.7 Transactions with the Government as Owner

Equity injections Amounts appropriated which are designated as ‘equity injections’ for a year (less any formal reductions) and Departmental Capital Budgets (DCBs) are recognised directly in contributed equity in that year.

Restructuring of Administrative Arrangements Net assets received from or relinquished to another Australian Government agency or authority under a restructuring of administrative arrangements are adjusted at their book value directly against contributed equity.

1.8 Employee Benefits Liabilities for services rendered by employees are recognised at the reporting date to the extent that they have not been settled. Liabilities for ‘short-term employee benefits’ (as defined in AASB 119) and termination benefits due within twelve months of balance date are measured at their nominal amounts. The nominal amount is calculated with regard to the rates expected to be paid on settlement of the liability. All other employee benefit liabilities are measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.

Leave The liability for employee benefits includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken in future years by employees of the ARC is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave.

The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees’ remuneration at the estimated salary rates that applied at the time the leave is taken, including the ARC’s employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on termination.

The liability for long service leave is recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated future cash flows to be made in respect of all employees at 30 June 2012. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation.

Separation and redundancy Provision is made for separation and redundancy benefit payments. The ARC recognises a provision for termination when it has developed a detailed formal plan for the terminations and has informed those employees affected that it will carry out the terminations.


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Australian Research Council Superannuation Staff of the ARC are mainly members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) or the PSS accumulation plan (PSSap).

The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government. The PSSap is a defined contribution scheme. The liability for defined benefits is recognised in the financial statements of the Australian Government and is settled by the Australian Government in due course. This liability is reported by the Department of Finance and Deregulation as an administered item.

The ARC makes employer contributions to the employee superannuation scheme at rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost to the Government of the superannuation entitlements of the ARC’s employees. The ARC accounts for the contributions as if they were contributions to defined contribution plans. The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June represents outstanding contributions for the final fortnight of the year.

1.9 Leases A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of leased non-current assets. An operating lease is a lease that is not a finance lease. In operating leases, the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits.

Where an asset is acquired by means of a finance lease, the asset is capitalised at either the fair value of the lease property or, if lower, the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the contract and a liability is recognised at the same time and for the same amount.

The discount rate used is the interest rate implicit in the lease. Leased assets are amortised over the period of the lease. Lease payments are allocated between the principal component and the interest expense.

The ARC has only one finance lease for the office fitout. This lease is non-cancellable.

Operating lease payments are expensed on a straight line basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets.

1.10 Borrowing costs

All borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.

1.11 Cash

Cash is recognised at its nominal amount. Cash and cash equivalents include:

• cash on hand • demand deposits in bank accounts with an original maturity of 3 months or less that are readily convertible to known

amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value; • cash held by outsiders; and • cash in special accounts .

1.12 Financial Assets

The ARC classifies its financial assets in the following categories:

• financial assets at fair value through profit or loss; • held-to-maturity investments; • available-for-sale financial assets; and • loans and receivables.

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Australian Research Council The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.

Financial assets are recognised and derecognised upon trade date.

Effective interest method The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts over the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period. Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis except for financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Financial assets are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss where the financial assets:

• have been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future; • are a part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the agency manages together and has a recent

actual pattern of short-term profit-taking; or • are derivatives that are not designated and effective as a hedging instrument.

Assets in this category are classified as current assets.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest earned on the financial asset.

Loans and receivables Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as ‘loans and receivables’. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date. These are classified as non-current assets. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less impairment. Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate.

Impairment of financial assets Financial assets are assessed for impairment at each balance date.

• financial assets held at amortised cost - if there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred for loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investments held at amortised cost, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount is reduced by way of an allowance account. The loss is recognised in the income statement.

• available-for-sale financial assets - if there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on an available-for-sale financial asset has been incurred, the amount of the difference between its cost, less principal repayments and amortisation, and its current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognised in expenses, is transferred from equity to the income statement.

• available-for-sale financial assets (held at cost) - if there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred the amount of the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate for similar assets.

1.13 Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities ‘at fair value through profit and loss’ or other financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are recognised and derecognised upon trade date.


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Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are initially measured at fair value. Subsequent fair value adjustments are recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest paid on the financial liability.

Other financial liabilities Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Supplier and other payables are recognised at amortised cost. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced).

1.14 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets are not recognised in the balance sheet but are reported in the relevant schedules and notes. They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of a liability or asset or represent an asset or liability in respect of which the amount cannot be reliably measured. Contingent assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are disclosed when settlement is greater than remote.

At 30 June 2012 the ARC did not have any contingent liabilities and assets (2011: nil).

1.15 Financial guarantee contracts

As at 30 June 2012 the department held no financial guarantee contracts (2011: nil).

1.16 Acquisition of Assets Assets are recorded at cost on acquisition except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in exchange and liabilities undertaken. Financial assets are initially measured at their fair value plus transaction costs where appropriate.

Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are initially recognised as assets and income at their fair value at the date of acquisition, unless acquired as a consequence of restructuring of administrative arrangements. In the latter case, assets are initially recognised as contributions by owners at the amounts at which they were recognised in the transferor agency’s accounts immediately prior to the restructuring.

1.17 Property, Plant and Equipment Asset Recognition Threshold Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the balance sheet, except for purchases costing less than $2,000, which are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total).

The initial cost of an asset includes an estimate of the cost of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located. This is particularly relevant to ‘make good’ provisions in property leases taken up by the ARC where there exists an obligation to restore the property to its original condition. These costs are included in the value of ARC’s leasehold improvements with a corresponding provision for the ‘make good’ recognised.

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Revaluations Fair values for each class of asset are determined as shown below:

Asset Class Fair value measured at

Leasehold Improvements Depreciated replacement cost

Property, plant and equipment Market selling price

Following initial recognition at cost, property, plant and equipment are carried at fair value less subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets do not differ materially from the assets’ fair values as at the reporting date. Leasehold improvements, infrastructure, plant and equipment assets are subject to a formal valuation by an independent qualified valuer at least every two years, with the exception of work in progress.

Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is credited to equity under the heading of asset revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a previous revaluation decrement of the same asset class that was previously recognised through the operating result. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised directly through the operating result except to the extent that they reverse a previous revaluation increment for that class.

Any accumulated depreciation as at the revaluation date is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the asset restated to the revalued amount.

Depreciation Depreciable property, plant and equipment assets are written-off to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives to the ARC using, in all cases, the straight-line method of depreciation.

Depreciation rates (useful lives), residual values and methods are reviewed at each reporting date and necessary adjustments are recognised in the current, or current and future, reporting periods, as appropriate.

Depreciation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are based on the following useful lives:


2012 2011

Leasehold improvements Lease term Lease term

Property, plant and equipment 2 to 10 years 2 to 10 years

Impairment All assets were assessed for impairment at 30 June 2012. Where indications of impairment exist, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment adjustment made if the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount.

The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Where the future economic benefit of an asset is not primarily dependent on the asset’s ability to generate future cash flows, and the asset would be replaced if the ARC were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated replacement cost.

Derecognition An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal.


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1.18 Intangibles

The ARC’s intangibles comprise internally developed and purchased software for internal use. These assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairments losses.

Software is amortised on a straight-line basis over its anticipated useful life. Amortisation rates were calculated based on the following useful lives:

2012 2011

Software assets 2 to 10 years 2 to 10 years

All software assets were assessed for indications of impairment as at 30 June 2012.

1.19 Taxation

The ARC is exempt from all forms of taxation except Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of GST except:

• where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office; and

• for receivables and payables.

1.20 Reporting of Administered Activities

Administered revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows are disclosed in the administered schedules and related notes.

Except where otherwise stated below, administered items are accounted for on the same basis and using the same policies as for departmental items, including the application of Australian Accounting Standards.

Administered Cash Transfers to and from the Official Public Account Revenue collected by the ARC for use by the Government rather than the entity is administered revenue. Collections are transferred to the Official Public Account (OPA) maintained by the Department of Finance and Deregulation. Conversely, cash is drawn from the OPA to make payments under Parliamentary appropriation on behalf of the Government. These transfers to and from the OPA are adjustments to the administered cash held by the ARC on behalf of the Government and reported as such in the schedule of administered cash flows and in the administered reconciliation schedule.

Revenue Other revenues are mainly related to the recovery of unspent grant money from previous years’ grant payments. Under the Australian Research Council Act 2001, grant recipients are required to return unspent grant money to the ARC unless otherwise approved.

Administered revenues are recognised when unspent grant money is identified during the acquittal process. When these revenues are collected by the ARC they are then returned to the OPA.

Grants The ARC administers a number of grant schemes on behalf of the Government.

Grant liabilities are recognised to the extent that the grant eligibility criteria or reporting requirements have been satisfied, but payments due have not been made. A commitment is recorded to the extent that research projects have been approved by the Minister within the limits of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 but services have not been performed or criteria satisfied.

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Note 2. Events after the Balance Sheet Date

No departmental events have occurred after the reporting period that have the potential to significantly affect the ongoing structure and financial activities of the ARC.

No administered events have occurred after the reporting period that have the potential to significantly affect the ongoing structure and financial activities of the ARC.


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Note 3: Expenses2012 2011

$’000 $’000Note 3A: Employee BenefitsWages and salaries 8,306 8,262 Superannuation:

Defined contribution plans 327 343 Defined benefit plans 1,276 1,295

Leave and other entitlements 1,340 1,119 Separation and redundancies - 20 Other employee benefits 439 417 Total employee benefits 11,688 11,456

Note 3B: SupplierGoods and servicesConsultants 404 294 Contractors 173 816 Travel 476 508 IT services 220 910 Other 2,336 3,922 Total goods and services 3,609 6,450

Goods and services are made up of:Provision of goods – related entities 28 158 Provision of goods – external parties 653 1,341 Rendering of services – related entities 159 75 Rendering of services – external parties 2,769 4,876 Total goods and services 3,609 6,450

Other supplier expensesOperating lease rentals – external parties:

Minimum lease payments 1,188 948 Workers compensation expenses 90 58 Total other supplier expenses 1,278 1,006 Total supplier expenses 4,887 7,456

Note 3C: Depreciation and AmortisationDepreciation:

Property, plant and equipment 79 71 Total depreciation 79 71

Amortisation:Assets held under finance leases 227 304 Intangibles 2,250 1,718

Total amortisation 2,477 2,022 Total depreciation and amortisation 2,556 2,093

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Note 3: Expenses (continued)2012 2011

$’000 $’000Note 3D: Finance CostsFinance leases 308 237 Total finance costs 308 237

Note 3E: Write-Down and Impairment of AssetsAsset write-downs and impairments from:

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 62 2,068 Total write-down and impairment of assets 62 2,068


145



Note 4: Income

2012 2011OWN-SOURCE REVENUE $’000 $’000

Note 4A: Sale of Goods and Rendering of ServicesRendering of services - related entities 200 202 Total sale of goods and rendering of services 200 202

Note 4B: Other GainsResources received free of charge - Audit fees 67 67 Change in fair value through profit and loss - 1,726 Total other gains 67 1,793

REVENUE FROM GOVERNMENT

Note 4C: Revenue from GovernmentAppropriations:

Departmental appropriation 18,805 19,224 Total revenue from Government 18,805 19,224

146



Note 5: Financial Assets

2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 5A: Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash on hand or on deposit 1,119 520 Total cash and cash equivalents 1,119 520

Note 5B: Trade and Other ReceivablesGoods and Services:

Goods and services - related entities - -Goods and services - external parties 91 35

Total receivables for goods and services 91 35

Appropriations receivable For existing programs 8,883 7,113

Total appropriations receivable 8,883 7,113

Other receivables:GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office 6 41

Total other receivables 6 41 Total trade and other receivables (gross) 8,980 7,189 Total trade and other receivables (net) 8,980 7,189

Receivables are expected to be recovered in:No more than 12 months 8,980 7,189 More than 12 months - -

Total trade and other receivables (net) 8,980 7,189

Receivables are aged as follows:Not overdue 8,980 7,189

Total receivables (gross) 8,980 7,189


147



Note 6: Non-Financial Assets

2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 6A: Land and BuildingsLeasehold improvements:

Fair value 3,196 3,189 Accumulated depreciation (405) (178)

Total leasehold improvements 2,791 3,011

Total land and buildings 2,791 3,011

No indicators of impairment were found for land and buildings.

Note 6B: Property, Plant and EquipmentOther property, plant and equipment:

Fair value 326 227 Accumulated depreciation (24) (149)

Total property, plant and equipment 302 78

Total property, plant and equipment 302 78

No indicators of impairment were found for property, plant and equipment.

Revaluation of non-financial assets

All revaluations were conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 1. On 30 June 2012,an independent valuer conducted the revaluations.

Revaluation increments include $43,000 for other property, plant and equipment (2011: increment of $0).

All increments and decrements were transferred to the asset revaluation surplus by asset class and included in the equity section of the balance sheet. No decrements were expensed (2011: Nil).

Building under finance leases (Leasehold improvements - fitout) was subject to revaluation.

Plant and equipment was subject to revaluation.

No property, plant or equipment is expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.

No land or buildings are expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.

148



Note 6: Non-Financial Assets (continued)

Note 6C: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Equipment 2012

BuildingsProperty, plant

& equipment Total$’000 $’000 $’000

As at 1 July 2011Gross book value 3,189 227 3,416 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (178) (149) (327)Net book value 1 July 2011 3,011 78 3,089 Additions 7 271 278 Revaluations and impairments recognised in other comprehensive income - 43 43 Depreciation expense (227) (79) (306)Disposals:

Other - (11) (11)Net book value 30 June 2012 2,791 302 3,093

Net book value as of 30 June 2012 represented by:Gross book value 3,196 530 3,726 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (405) (228) (633)Net book value 30 June 2012 2,791 302 3,093

Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Equipment 2011

BuildingsProperty, plant &

equipment Total$’000 $’000 $’000

As at 1 July 2010Gross book value 3,052 561 3,613 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (927) (219) (1,146)Net book value 1 July 2010 2,125 342 2,467 Additions 3,188 6 3,194 Depreciation expense (304) (71) (375)Disposals:

Other (1,998) (199) (2,197)Net book value 30 June 2011 3,011 78 3,089

Net book value as of 30 June 2011 represented by:Gross book value 3,189 227 3,416 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (178) (149) (327)Net book value 30 June 2011 3,011 78 3,089


149




2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 6D: IntangiblesComputer software:

Internally developed – in progress 223 702 Internally developed – in use 23,534 20,778 Purchased 81 -Accumulated amortisation (7,408) (5,158)

Total computer software 16,430 16,322 Total intangibles 16,430 16,322

Computer software

internally developed

Computer software

purchased Total$’000 $’000 $’000

As at 1 July 2011Gross book value 21,165 315 21,480 Accumulated amortisation and impairment (4,843) (315) (5,158)Net book value 1 July 2011 16,322 - 16,322 Additions

By purchase or internally developed 2,277 81 2,358 Amortisation (2,233) (17) (2,250)Net book value 30 June 2012 16,366 64 16,430

Net book value as of 30 June 2012 represented by:Gross book value 23,442 81 23,523 Accumulated amortisation and impairment (7,076) (17) (7,093)Net book value 30 June 2012 16,366 64 16,430

No indicators of impairment were found for intangible assets.

No intangibles are expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.

Note 6E: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Intangibles 2012

150




Computer software


Computer software



3,562 - 3,562 Amortisation

(1,718) - (1,718)Net book value 30 June 2011 16,322 - 16,322

Net book value as of 30 June 2011 represented by:Gross book value 21,165 315 21,480 Accumulated amortisation and impairment (4,843) (315) (5,158)Net book value 30 June 2011 16,322 - 16,322

2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 6F: Other Non-Financial AssetsPrepayments 12 58

Total other non-financial assets 12 58

All non-financial assets are expected to be recovered in no more than 12 months.No indicators of impairment were found for other non-financial assets.

Note 6E: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Intangibles 2011 Continued



2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 6D: IntangiblesComputer software:

Internally developed – in progress 223 702 Internally developed – in use 23,534 20,778 Purchased 81 -Accumulated amortisation (7,408) (5,158)

Total computer software 16,430 16,322 Total intangibles 16,430 16,322

Computer software


Computer software



By purchase or internally developed 2,277 81 2,358 Amortisation (2,233) (17) (2,250)Net book value 30 June 2012 16,366 64 16,430

Net book value as of 30 June 2012 represented by:Gross book value 23,442 81 23,523 Accumulated amortisation and impairment (7,076) (17) (7,093)Net book value 30 June 2012 16,366 64 16,430

No indicators of impairment were found for intangible assets.

No intangibles are expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.

Note 6E: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Intangibles 2012


151



Note 7: Payables

2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 7A: SuppliersTrade creditors and accruals 1 102 Total supplier payables 1 102

Supplier payables expected to be settled within 12 months:External parties 1 102

Total 1 102 Total supplier payables 1 102

Settlement was usually made within 30 days.

Note 7B: Other PayablesWages and salaries 256 205 Superannuation 44 32 Other 535 1,209 Total other payables 835 1,446

Total other payables are expected to be settled in:No more than 12 months 835 1,446 More than 12 months - -

Total other payables 835 1,446

The ARC received $56,093 (2011: $0) under the Paid Parental Leave Scheme.

152



Note 8: Interest Bearing Liabilities

2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 8: LeasesFinance leases 2,786 2,876 Total finance leases 2,786 2,876

Payable:Within one year:

Minimum lease payments 397 397 Deduct: future finance charges (298) (307)

In one to five years:Minimum lease payments 1,987 1,987 Deduct: future finance charges (1,289) (1,361)

In more than five years:Minimum lease payments 2,882 3,279 Deduct: future finance charges (893) (1,119)

Finance leases recognised on the balance sheet 2,786 2,876

In 2012, Finance leases existed in relation to the ARC's office premises fitout (since September 2010). The leases are non-cancellable and for a fixed term of 15 years. The interest rate implicit in the leases is 11% (2011: 11%). The lease assets secure the lease liabilities. The ARC guarantees the residual values of all assets leased. There were no contingent rentals.


153



Note 9: Provisions

2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 9A: Employee ProvisionsLeave 2,486 2,049 Total employee provisions 2,486 2,049

Employee provisions are expected to be settled in:No more than 12 months 1,955 1,659 More than 12 months 531 390

Total employee provisions 2,486 2,049

Note 9B: Other ProvisionsProvision for restoration obligations 302 252 Total other provisions 302 252

All other provisions are expected to be settled in more than 12 months.

Provision for restoration Total

$’000 $’000Carrying amount 1 July 2011 252 252 Additional provisions made 50 50 Amounts used - -Amounts reversed - -Closing balance 2012 302 302

As at 30 June 2012 the ARC had one agreement for the leasing of premises which has a provision requiring the ARC to restore the premises to their original condition at the conclusion of the lease. The ARC has made a provision to reflect the present value of this obligation.

154



There were no Administered restructures in 2011-12 and 2010-11 for the Australian Research Council.

Note 10: Restructuring

Note 10B: Administered Restructuring

Note 10A: Departmental Restructuring

There were no Departmental restructures in 2011-12 and 2010-11 for the Australian Research Council.


155



2012 2011$’000 $’000

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents as per Balance Sheet to Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents as per:Cash flow statement 1,119 520 Balance sheet 1,119 520 Difference - -

Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash from operating activities:Net cost of services (19,234) (21,315)Add revenue from Government 18,805 19,224

Adjustments for non-cash itemsDepreciation / amortisation 2,556 2,093 Net write down of non-financial assets 62 2,068 Gain on free makegood - (252)

Changes in assets / liabilities(Increase) / decrease in net receivables (758) (1,294)(Increase) / decrease in prepayments 46 243 Increase / (decrease) in employee provisions 437 116 Increase / (decrease) in supplier payables (101) (245)Increase / (decrease) in other payable (611) (858)Increase / (decrease) in provisions 50 (174)Net cash from (used by) operating activities 1,252 (394)

Note 12: Contingent Assets and Liabilities

There were no Departmental contingent assets and liabilities in 2011-12 and 2010-11 for the Australian Research Council.

Note 11: Cash Flow Reconciliation


2012 2011$’000 $’000




Adjustments for non-cash itemsDepreciation / amortisation 2,556 2,093 Net write down of non-financial assets 62 2,068 Gain on free makegood (252)






2012 2011$’000 $’000




Adjustments for non-cash itemsDepreciation / amortisation 2,556 2,093 Net write down of non-financial assets 62 2,068 Gain on free makegood (252)





156



2012 2011$ $

Short-term employee benefits:Salary 1,211,012 1,391,041 Annual leave accrued 16,705 43,368 Performance bonuses 98,800 53,130 Other allowances 147,072 237,662

Total short-term employee benefits 1,473,589 1,725,201

Post-employment benefits:Superannuation 189,514 207,009

Total post-employment benefits 189,514 207,009

Other long-term benefits:Long-service leave (15,064) 66,846

Total other long-term benefits (15,064) 66,846

Termination benefits - -Total employment benefits 1,648,039 1,999,056

Notes:

Note 13A: Senior Executive Remuneration Expense for the Reporting Period

1. Note 13A was prepared on an accrual basis.

2. Note 13A excludes acting arrangements and part-year service where remuneration expensed for a senior executive was less than $150,000.

Note 13: Senior Executive Remuneration


157


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158



Note 13: Senior Executive Remuneration (continued)

Note 13C: Other Highly Paid Staff

During the reporting period, there were no employees, other than the ones mentioned in Note 13B , whose salary plus performance bonus were $150,000 or more (2011: Nil)

2012 2011$’000 $’000

The fair value of audit services provided was: 67 67

No other services were provided by the auditors of the financial statements.

Note 14: Remuneration of Auditors

Financial statement audit services were provided free of charge to the ARC by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO).


159



Note 15C: Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Carrying Fair Carrying Fairamount value amount value

2012 2012 2011 2011$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Financial AssetsCash at bank 1,119 1,119 520 520Trade and other receivables 91 91 35 35Total 1,210 1,210 555 555

Financial LiabilitiesTrade creditors 1 1 102 102 Other payables 535 535 1,209 1,209 Leases 2,786 2,786 2,876 2,876 Total 3,322 3,322 4,187 4,187

Note 15D: Credit RiskThe ARC's maximum exposures to credit risk at reporting date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Balance Sheet.

The ARC has no significant exposures to any concentrations of credit risk. The ARC manages its credit risk by undertaking background checks as required prior to allowing a debtor relationship. In addition, the ARC haspolicies and procedures that guide employees' debt recovery techniques that are to be applied.

The figures for credit risk do not take into account the value of any collateral or other security.

Credit quality of financial instruments not past due or individually determined as impaired

Not past due nor impaired


Past due or impaired


2012 2011 2012 2011$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Cash at Bank 1,119 520 - -Trade and other receivables 91 35 - -Total 1,210 555 - -

Note 15: Financial Instruments (continued)


2012 2011$'000 $'000

Note 15A: Categories of Financial InstrumentsFinancial AssetsLoans and receivables:

Cash and cash equivalents 1,119 520 Trade and other receivables 91 35

Total 1,210 555 Carrying amount of financial assets 1,210 555

Financial LiabilitiesAt amortised cost:

Suppliers 1 102 Other payables 535 1,209 Finance leases 2,786 2,876

Total 3,322 4,187 Carrying amount of financial liabilities 3,322 4,187

Note 15B: Net Income and Expense from Financial LiabilitiesFinancial liabilities - at amortised costInterest expense 308 237 Net gain financial liabilities - at amortised cost 308 237

The total interest expense from financial liabilities not at fair value through profit or loss was $308,000 (2011: $237,000).

Note 15: Financial Instruments

160



Note 15C: Fair Value of Financial Instruments


2012 2012 2011 2011$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Financial AssetsCash at bank 1,119 1,119 520 520Trade and other receivables 91 91 35 35Total 1,210 1,210 555 555

Financial LiabilitiesTrade creditors 1 1 102 102 Other payables 535 535 1,209 1,209 Leases 2,786 2,786 2,876 2,876 Total 3,322 3,322 4,187 4,187

Note 15D: Credit RiskThe ARC's maximum exposures to credit risk at reporting date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Balance Sheet.

The ARC has no significant exposures to any concentrations of credit risk. The ARC manages its credit risk by undertaking background checks as required prior to allowing a debtor relationship. In addition, the ARC haspolicies and procedures that guide employees' debt recovery techniques that are to be applied.


Credit quality of financial instruments not past due or individually determined as impaired





2012 2012 2011$'000 $'000 $'000

Cash at Bank 1,119 520 - -Trade and other receivables 91 35 - -Total 1,210 555 - -


2011$'000


161



Note 15E: Liquidity Risk

Maturities for non-derivative financial liabilities 2012within 1 1 to 5 > 5

year years years Total$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Trade creditors 1 - - 1 Other payables 535 - - 535 Finance leases 99 698 1,989 2,786

Total 635 698 1,989 3,322

Maturities for non-derivative financial liabilities 2011within 1 1 to 2 > 5

year years years Total$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Trade creditors 102 - - 102 Other payables 1,209 - - 1,209 Finance leases 90 626 2,160 2,876

Total 1,401 626 2,160 4,187

The ARC has no derivative financial liabilities in both the current and prior year.

Note 15F: Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The ARC held basic financial instruments that did not expose the ARC to certain market risks. The ARC was not exposed to 'Currency risk' or 'Other price risk'.

The only interest-bearing item on the balance sheet was the 'Finance lease'. It bears interest at a fixed interest rate and did not fluctuate due to changes in the market interest rate.

The ARC's financial liabilities were payables and finance leases. The exposure to liquidity risk was based on the notion that the ARC will encounter difficulty in meeting its obligations associated with financial liabilities. This was highly unlikely as the ARC is appropriated funding from the Australian Government and the ARC manages its budgeted funds to ensure it has adequate funds to meet payments as they fall due. In addition, the ARC has policies in place to ensure timely payments were made when due and has no past experience of default.


162



Note 16: Financial Assets Reconciliation

2012 2011$'000 $'000

Financial assets Notes

Total financial assets as per balance sheet 10,099 7,709 Less: non-financial instrument components:

Appropriations receivable 5B 8,883 7,113 Other receivables 5B 6 41

Total non-financial instrument components 1,210 555

Total financial assets as per financial instruments note 1,210 555


163



2012 2011$'000 $'000

EXPENSES

Note 17A: SuppliersGoods and services 5 4 Consultants 679 2,354 Contractors 903 1,031 Travel 341 707 Other 499 503 Total goods and services 2,427 4,599

Provision of goods – external parties 5 4 Rendering of services – external parties 2,422 4,595 Total suppliers 2,427 4,599

Note 17B: GrantsPublic sector:

Australian Government entities (related entities) 2,880 2,396 Commonwealth educational institutions (related entities) 79,408 68,111 State/Territory government organisations 695,972 636,984

Private sector:Other research organisations 46,320 43,973

Total grants 824,580 751,464

Note 17: Administered - Expenses

164



2012 2011$'000 $'000

OWN-SOURCE REVENUE

Non–Taxation Revenue

Note 18: Other RevenueRecovery of unspent grant money 3,946 8,254 Total other revenue 3,946 8,254

Note 18: Administered - Income


165



Note 19: Administered - Financial Assets

2012 2011$’000 $’000

FINANCIAL ASSETS

Note 19A: Cash and Cash EquivalentsSpecial accounts - -

Total cash and cash equivalents - -

Note 19B: Trade and Other ReceivablesOther receivables:

GST receivable from Australian Taxation Office 1,605 1,391 Grant Debtors 8 11

Total other receivables 1,613 1,402 Total trade and other receivables 1,613 1,402

All receivables are current assets and not overdue. Credit terms are net 30 days (2011: 30 days).


Note 19: Administered - Financial Assets

2012 2011$’000 $’000

FINANCIAL ASSETS

Note 19A: Cash and Cash EquivalentsSpecial accounts - -

Total cash and cash equivalents - -

Note 19B: Trade and Other ReceivablesOther receivables:

GST receivable from Australian Taxation Office 1,605 1,391 Grant Debtors 8 11

Total other receivables 1,613 1,402 Total trade and other receivables 1,613 1,402

All receivables are current assets and not overdue. Credit terms are net 30 days (2011: 30 days).

166



2012 2011$’000 $’000

PAYABLES

Note 20A: GrantsPublic sector:

Australian Government entities (related entities) 1,305 1,031 Commonwealth Educational Institutions (related entities) 32,737 27,143 State/Territory government organisations 284,948 259,580


Total grants 324,007 291,867

Note 20B: Other PayablesOther 249 225 Total other payables 249 225

All liabilities are expected to be settled within 12 months.Settlement is usually made in 30 days.

Note 20: Administered - Payables

Settlement is usually made according to the terms and conditions of each grant. This is done in line with the payment schedule determined by the Minister under the Australian Research Council Act 2001.


2012 2011$’000 $’000

PAYABLES

Note 20A: GrantsPublic sector:

Australian Government entities (related entities) 1,305 1,031 Commonwealth Educational Institutions (related entities) 32,737 27,143 State/Territory government organisations 284,948 259,580


Total grants 324,007 291,867

Note 20B: Other PayablesOther 249 225 Total other payables 249 225

All liabilities are expected to be settled within 12 months.Settlement is usually made in 30 days.

Note 20: Administered - Payables

Settlement is usually made according to the terms and conditions of each grant. This is done in line with the payment schedule determined by the Minister under the Australian Research Council Act 2001.


167



2012 2011 $’000 $’000

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents as per Administered Schedule of Assets and Liabilities to Administered Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents as per:Schedule of administered cash flows - -Schedule of administered assets and liabilities - -

Difference - -

Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash from operating activities:

Net cost of services (823,061) (747,809)

Changes in assets / liabilities(Increase) in net receivables (211) (15)Decrease in other non-financial assets - 91 Increase in grants payable 32,140 52,619 Increase in other payable 24 77

Net cash from (used by) operating activities (791,108) (695,037)

Note 22: Administered - Contingent Assets and Liabilities

Unquantifiable ContingenciesAs at 30 June 2012, the ARC had two unquantifiable contingencies.

Contingent Asset: One of the universities advised the ARC of a preliminary investigation into possible serious misuse of ARC funds by one of their researches. The funds have been frozen for the ARC Projects in question. The claim has been denied by the researcher and is currently being disputed through Fair Work Australia. The amount that could be potentially recovered from the university is not material. This was not included in the schedule of contingencies (2010-11: Nil).

Contingent Liability: A researcher has brought proceedings against the ARC claiming that he was unfairly denied a research grant. The ARC is maintaining the position that the grant proposal did not attain the required assessment score for a grant to be awarded. It is not possible to estimate the amount of any eventual payments that may be required in relation to these claims. This was not included in the schedule of contingencies (2010-11: Nil).

Note 21: Administered - Cash Flow Reconciliation

168



2012 2011$’000 $’000

Note 23A: Categories of Financial InstrumentsFinancial Assets

Cash and cash equivalents - -Total - -Carrying amount of financial assets - -

Financial LiabilitiesAt amortised cost:

Grants payable 324,007 291,867 Payables/Trade creditors 249 225

Total 324,256 292,092 Carrying amount of financial liabilities 324,256 292,092

Note 23: Administered Financial Instruments


169



Note 23B: Fair Value of Financial Instruments


2012 2012 2011 2011$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Financial LiabilitiesGrants Payable 324,007 324,007 291,867 291,867 Payables/Trade Creditors 249 249 225 225

Total 324,256 324,256 292,092 292,092

Financial Liabilities

Note 23C: Credit Risk

Note 23D: Liquidity Risk

Note 23E: Market Risk


The ARC's administered financial liabilities are grants payable and trade creditors. The ARC has a low liquidity risk due to appropriation funding from Government. In addition, the ARC has internal policies and procedures in place to ensure that there are appropriate resources to meet its financial obligations and timely payments are made when due.

The ARC's administered financial liabilities, which are only grants payable and trade creditor payables, will mature within 1 year.

The ARC holds basic financial instruments that do not expose the ARC to 'Currency risk', 'Interest rate risk' and 'Other price risk'.

Note 23: Administered Financial Instruments (continued)

The net fair value for grants payables and trade creditors payables are short-term in nature and are approximated by their carrying amounts.

The ARC's administered activities maximum exposures to credit risk at reporting date in relation to each class of recognised administered financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Schedule of Administered Items.The administered activities of the ARC have no significant exposures to any concentration of credit risk. The ARC manages its risk by undertaking background checks as required prior to allowing a debtor relationship. In addition, the ARC has policies and procedures that guide employees' debt recovery techniques that are to be applied.

170



Note 24: Administered Financial Assets Reconciliation

2012 2011$'000 $'000

Financial assets Notes

Total financial assets as per schedule of administered assets and liabilities

1,613 1,402

Less: non-financial instrument componentsOther receivables 19B 1,613 1,402 Total non-financial instrument components 1,613 1,402 Total financial assets as per financial instruments note 23A - -


171


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,3&

5) 2

011-

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ectio

ns 1

0, 1

1, a

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2 an

d un

der A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2,4

&6)

201

1-12

: sec

tions

12,

13, a

nd 1

4.

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artm

enta

l app

ropr

iatio

ns d

o no

t lap

se a

t fin

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al y

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end.

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ide

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d an

d re

ques

t th

e Fi

nanc

e M

inis

ter t

o re

duce

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ropr

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eter

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atio

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r sec

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f App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

os. 1

,3&

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011-

12 a

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n 12

of A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2,4

&6)

201

1-12

, th

e ap

prop

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n is

take

n to

be

redu

ced

to th

e re

quire

d am

ount

spe

cifie

d in

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le E

of t

his

note

onc

e th

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nual

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rt is

tabl

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liam

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inis

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Min

iste

r’s

dete

rmin

atio

n, w

hich

is d

isal

low

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by

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amen

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Not

e 25

: App

ropr

iatio

ns

Tab

le A

: Ann

ual A

ppro

pria

tion

s ('R

ecov

erab

le G

ST

exc

lusi

ve')

2012

App

ropr

iati

ons

App

ropr

iati

on

appl

ied

in 2

012

(cur

rent

and

pr

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s)V

aria

nce

App

ropr

iatio

n A

ctF

MA

Act

Tot

al a

ppro

pria

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tral

ian

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Ann

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s re

duce

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Tot

al d

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TER

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Adm

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inis

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Not

es:

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redu

ced

unde

r App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

os. 1

,3&

5) 2

011-

12: s

ectio

ns 1

0, 1

1, a

nd 1

2 an

d un

der A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2,4

&6)

201

1-12

: sec

tions

12,

13, a

nd 1

4.

Dep

artm

enta

l app

ropr

iatio

ns d

o no

t lap

se a

t fin

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end.

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iste

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ide

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t or a

ll of

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ques

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inis

ter t

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iste

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eter

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atio

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f App

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ts (N

os. 1

,3&

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of A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2,4

&6)

201

1-12

, th

e ap

prop

riatio

n is

take

n to

be

redu

ced

to th

e re

quire

d am

ount

spe

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le E

of t

his

note

onc

e th

e an

nual

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rt is

tabl

ed in

Par

liam

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All

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inis

tere

d ap

prop

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Min

iste

r’s

dete

rmin

atio

n, w

hich

is d

isal

low

able

by

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amen

t.

Not

e 25

: App

ropr

iatio

ns

Tab

le A

: Ann

ual A

ppro

pria

tion

s ('R

ecov

erab

le G

ST

exc

lusi

ve')

2012

App

ropr

iati

ons

App

ropr

iati

on

appl

ied

in 2

012

(cur

rent

and

pr

ior

year

s)V

aria

nce

App

ropr

iatio

n A

ctF

MA

Act

Tot

al a

ppro

pria

tion

172


Aus

tral

ian

Res

earc

h C

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il

Ann

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App

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onA

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s re

duce

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1,

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ty2,

574

--

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574

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Not

es:

Not

e 25

: App

ropr

iatio

ns (C

ontin

ued)

Tab

le A

: Ann

ual A

ppro

pria

tion

s ('R

ecov

erab

le G

ST

exc

lusi

ve')

Con

tinu

ed

1. A

ppro

pria

tions

redu

ced

unde

r App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

os. 1

,3&

5) 2

010-

11: s

ectio

ns 1

0, 1

1, a

nd 1

2 an

d un

der A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2,4

&6)

201

0-11

: sec

tions

12,

13, a

nd 1

4.

Dep

artm

enta

l app

ropr

iatio

ns d

o no

t lap

se a

t fin

anci

al y

ear-

end.

How

ever

, the

resp

onsi

ble

Min

iste

r may

dec

ide

that

par

t or a

ll of

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epar

tmen

tal a

ppro

pria

tion

is n

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d an

d re

ques

t th

e Fi

nanc

e M

inis

ter t

o re

duce

that

app

ropr

iatio

n. T

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duct

ion

in th

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prop

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eff

ecte

d by

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Fina

nce

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iste

r's d

eter

min

atio

n an

d is

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le b

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with

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artm

enta

l app

ropr

iatio

ns, t

he re

spon

sibl

e M

inis

ter m

ay d

ecid

e th

at p

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min

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d re

ques

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t the

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iste

r red

uce

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ropr

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or a

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iste

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appr

opria

tions

redu

ced

unde

r sec

tion

11 o

f App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

os. 1

,3&

5) 2

011-

12 a

nd s

ectio

n 12

of A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2,4

&6)

201

0-11

, th

e ap

prop

riatio

n is

take

n to

be

redu

ced

to th

e re

quire

d am

ount

spe

cifie

d in

Tab

le E

of t

his

note

onc

e th

e an

nual

repo

rt is

tabl

ed in

Par

liam

ent.

All

adm

inis

tere

d ap

prop

riatio

ns m

ay b

e ad

just

ed b

y a

Fina

nce

Min

iste

r’s

dete

rmin

atio

n, w

hich

is d

isal

low

able

by

Parli

amen

t.

2011

App

ropr

iati

ons

App

ropr

iati

on

appl

ied

in 2

011

(cur

rent

and

pr

ior

year

s)V

aria

nce

App

ropr

iatio

n A

ctF

MA

Act

Tot

al a

ppro

pria

tion

Aus

tral

ian

Res

earc

h C

ounc

il

Ann

ual

App

ropr

iati

onA

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s re

duce

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on 3

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on 3

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83

Not

es:

Not

e 25

: App

ropr

iatio

ns (C

ontin

ued)

Tab

le A

: Ann

ual A

ppro

pria

tion

s ('R

ecov

erab

le G

ST

exc

lusi

ve')

Con

tinu

ed

1. A

ppro

pria

tions

redu

ced

unde

r App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

os. 1

,3&

5) 2

010-

11: s

ectio

ns 1

0, 1

1, a

nd 1

2 an

d un

der A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2,4

&6)

201

0-11

: sec

tions

12,

13, a

nd 1

4.

Dep

artm

enta

l app

ropr

iatio

ns d

o no

t lap

se a

t fin

anci

al y

ear-

end.

How

ever

, the

resp

onsi

ble

Min

iste

r may

dec

ide

that

par

t or a

ll of

a d

epar

tmen

tal a

ppro

pria

tion

is n

ot re

quire

d an

d re

ques

t th

e Fi

nanc

e M

inis

ter t

o re

duce

that

app

ropr

iatio

n. T

he re

duct

ion

in th

e ap

prop

riatio

n is

eff

ecte

d by

the

Fina

nce

Min

iste

r's d

eter

min

atio

n an

d is

dis

allo

wab

le b

y Pa

rliam

ent.

As

with

dep

artm

enta

l app

ropr

iatio

ns, t

he re

spon

sibl

e M

inis

ter m

ay d

ecid

e th

at p

art o

r all

of a

n ad

min

iste

red

appr

opria

tion

is n

ot re

quire

d an

d re

ques

t tha

t the

Fin

ance

Min

iste

r red

uce

that

app

ropr

iatio

n. F

or a

dmin

iste

red

appr

opria

tions

redu

ced

unde

r sec

tion

11 o

f App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

os. 1

,3&

5) 2

011-

12 a

nd s

ectio

n 12

of A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2,4

&6)

201

0-11

, th

e ap

prop

riatio

n is

take

n to

be

redu

ced

to th

e re

quire

d am

ount

spe

cifie

d in

Tab

le E

of t

his

note

onc

e th

e an

nual

repo

rt is

tabl

ed in

Par

liam

ent.

All

adm

inis

tere

d ap

prop

riatio

ns m

ay b

e ad

just

ed b

y a

Fina

nce

Min

iste

r’s

dete

rmin

atio

n, w

hich

is d

isal

low

able

by

Parli

amen

t.

2011

App

ropr

iati

ons

App

ropr

iati

on

appl

ied

in 2

011

(cur

rent

and

pr

ior

year

s)V

aria

nce

App

ropr

iatio

n A

ctF

MA

Act

Tot

al a

ppro

pria

tion


173



Appropriation Act

Annual Capital Budget$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

DEPARTMENTALOrdinary annual services - Departmental Capital Budget1 1,677 1,677 993 993 684

ADMINISTEREDOrdinary annual services - Administered Capital Budget1 - - - - -

Notes:

Appropriation Act

Annual Capital Budget$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

DEPARTMENTALOrdinary annual services - Departmental Capital Budget1 1,671 1,671 1,671 1,671 -

ADMINISTEREDOrdinary annual services - Administered Capital Budget1 - - - - -

Notes:

Total payments

Note 25: Appropriations (Continued)

Payments for non-financial

assets2 Total payments

Table B: Departmental and Administered Capital Budgets ('Recoverable GST exclusive')

2012 Capital Budget Appropriations

Capital Budget Appropriations applied in 2012

(current and prior years)

Variance

Total Capital Budget

Appropriations

Payments for non-financial

assets2

1. Departmental and Administered Capital Budgets are appropriated through Appropriation Acts (No.1,3,5) . They form part of ordinary annual services, and are not separately identified in the Appropriation Acts . For more information on ordinary annual services appropriations, please see Table A: Annual appropriations. 2. Payments made on non-financial assets include purchases of assets, expenditure on assets which has been capitalised, costs incurred to make good an asset to its original condition, and the capital repayment component of finance leases.

1. Departmental and Administered Capital Budgets are appropriated through Appropriation Acts (No.1,3,5) . They form part of ordinary annual services, and are not separately identified in the Appropriation Acts . For more information on ordinary annual services appropriations, please see Table A: Annual appropriations. 2. Payments made on non-financial assets include purchases of assets, expenditure on assets which has been capitalised, costs incurred to make good an asset to its original condition, and the capital repayment component of finance leases.

2011 Capital Budget Appropriations

Capital Budget Appropriations applied in 2011

(current and prior years)

Variance

Total Capital Budget

Appropriations

174


Aus

tral

ian

Res

earc

h C

ounc

il

201

2 2

011

$'00

0$'

000

DEP

AR

TM

ENT

AL

Appr

opri

atio

n Ac

t 4 (2

007/

08)

344

344

Appr

opri

atio

n Ac

t 1 (2

007/

08)

3,07

4 3,

074

Appr

opri

atio

n Ac

t 1 (2

008/

09)

919

919

Appr

opri

atio

n Ac

t 2 (2

009/

10)

1,12

9 1,

129

Appr

opri

atio

n Ac

t 1 (2

010/

11)

803

1,64

7 Ap

prop

riat

ion

Act 2

(201

1/12

)24

8 -

Appr

opri

atio

n Ac

t 4 (2

011/

12)

100

-Ap

prop

riat

ion

Act 1

(201

1/12

)2,

266

-

Tot

al8,

883

7,11

3 A

DM

INIS

TER

EDAp

prop

riat

ion

Act 1

(201

1/12

) 2

53 4

00Ap

prop

riat

ion

Act 3

(201

1/12

) 5

4 -

Tot

al30

7 40

0

Tab

le D

: Spe

cial

App

ropr

iati

ons

('Rec

over

able

GS

T e

xclu

sive

')

201

2 2

011

Typ

ePu

rpos

e$'

000

$'00

0Au

stra

lian

Rese

arch

Cou

ncil

Act 2

001

s.49

, Adm

inis

tere

dLi

mite

d A

mou

nt81

0,17

2 70

8,73

3

Tot

al81

0,17

2 70

8,73

3

Not

e 25

: App

ropr

iatio

ns (C

ontin

ued)

App

ropr

iati

on

appl

ied

To

prov

ide

appr

opria

tion

for t

he

Nat

iona

l Com

petit

ive

Gra

nts

Prog

ram

Tab

le C

: Uns

pent

Ann

ual A

ppro

pria

tion

s ('R

ecov

erab

le G

ST

exc

lusi

ve')

Aut

hori

ty

Aut

hori

ty


175


Aus

tral

ian

Res

earc

h C

ounc

il

Tot

al a

mou

nt

requ

ired

3T

otal

am

ount

ap

prop

riat

ed4

Tot

al

redu

ctio

n5

Act

(No.

1)

Act

(No.

3)

Out

com

e 1

1,97

0,68

4.96

51

1,71

9.48

2,

482,

404.

44

3,08

9,00

0.00

60

6,59

5.56

Not

es:

1. N

umbe

rs in

this

sec

tion

of th

e ta

ble

mus

t be

disc

lose

d to

the

cent

.

3. A

mou

nt re

quire

d as

per

App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

t (Ac

t 1 s

. 11;

Act

2 s

. 12)

.4.

Tot

al a

mou

nt a

ppro

pria

ted

in 2

012.

5. T

otal

redu

ctio

n ef

fect

ive

in 2

013.

Tot

al a

mou

nt

requ

ired

3T

otal

am

ount

ap

prop

riat

ed4

Tot

al

redu

ctio

n5

Act

(No.

1)

Act

(No.

3)

Out

com

e 1

4,50

5,78

3.59

-

4,50

5,78

3.59

5,

728,

000.

00

1,22

2,21

6.41

Not

es:

3. A

mou

nt re

quire

d as

per

App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

t (Ac

t 1 s

. 11;

Act

2 s

. 12)

.4.

Tot

al a

mou

nt a

ppro

pria

ted

in 2

011.

5. T

otal

redu

ctio

n ef

fect

ive

in 2

012.

1. N

umbe

rs in

this

sec

tion

of th

e ta

ble

mus

t be

disc

lose

d to

the

cent

.

2. A

dmin

iste

red

item

s fo

r 201

2 w

ere

redu

ced

to th

ese

amou

nts

whe

n th

ese

finan

cial

sta

tem

ents

wer

e ta

bled

in P

arlia

men

t as

part

of t

he e

ntity

's 20

12 a

nnua

l re

port

. Thi

s re

duct

ion

was

eff

ectiv

e in

201

3, b

ut th

e am

ount

s w

ere

refle

cted

in T

able

A in

the

2012

fina

ncia

l sta

tem

ents

in th

e co

lum

n 'A

ppro

pria

tions

re

duce

d' a

s th

ey w

ere

adju

stm

ents

to 2

012

appr

opria

tions

.

2. A

dmin

iste

red

item

s fo

r 201

1 w

ere

redu

ced

to th

ese

amou

nts

whe

n th

ese

finan

cial

sta

tem

ents

wer

e ta

bled

in P

arlia

men

t as

part

of t

he e

ntity

's 20

11 a

nnua

l re

port

. Thi

s re

duct

ion

was

eff

ectiv

e in

201

2, b

ut th

e am

ount

s w

ere

refle

cted

in T

able

A in

the

2011

fina

ncia

l sta

tem

ents

in th

e co

lum

n 'A

ppro

pria

tions

re

duce

d' a

s th

ey w

ere

adju

stm

ents

to 2

011

appr

opria

tions

.

Not

e 25

: App

ropr

iatio

ns (C

ontin

ued)

201

1

Am

ount

req

uire

d3 - by

A

ppro

pria

tion

Act

Ord

inar

y A

nnua

l Ser

vice

s

Ord

inar

y A

nnua

l Ser

vice

s

201

2

Am

ount

req

uire

d3 - by

A

ppro

pria

tion

Act

Tab

le E

: Red

ucti

on in

Adm

inis

tere

d It

ems

('Rec

over

able

GS

T e

xclu

sive

')

176



Note 26: Special Accounts

2012 2011$'000 $'000

Balance brought forward from previous period 3,933 3,558 Receipts during the year 22,277 6,293 Interest credit - 77

Total increase 22,277 6,370 Available for payments 26,210 9,928

Payments made to research institutions (16,662) (5,529)Interest transferred to OPA - (466)

Total decrease (16,662) (5,995)Total balance carried to the next period 9,548 3,933

Notes: ARC changed the arrangements for the Special Account as per DoFD advice in 2010-11. The Special Account related funds received are being transferred to the Official Public Account (OPA), therefore the bank account balancewas $0 at the end of 2010-11, but the OPA Special Account balance was $3.933 million on 30 June 2011.In 2011-12 the ARC received further advice from DoFD to close the Special Account Bank Account (Research Endowment Account with the RBA) and as such the Special Account balance is reported as the closing balance of the OPA Special Account.

Establishing Instrument: Australian Research Council Act 2001 section 62

Purpose: To provide financial assistance to organisations for eligible research programs.

ARC Research Endowment Account (Administered)

Appropriation: Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 section 21


177



Note 27: Compliance with Statutory Conditions for Payments from the CRF

During 2011-12, the ARC developed a plan to review exposure to risks of not complying with statutory conditions on payments from appropriations. The plan involved:

• identifying each special appropriation and special account; • determining the risk of non-compliance by assessing the difficulty of administering the statutory conditions and

assessing the extent to which existing payment systems and processes satisfy those conditions; • determining procedures to confirm risk assessments in medium risk cases and to quantify the extent of non-compliance,

if any, in higher risk situations; • obtaining legal advice as appropriate to resolve questions of potential non-compliance; and • considering legislative or procedural changes to reduce the risk of non-compliance in the future to an acceptably low

level.

The ARC identified 2 appropriations involving statutory conditions for payment, comprising:

• 1 special appropriation; and • 1 special account.

As at 30 June 2012 this work had been completed in respect of all appropriations with statutory conditions for payment (representing $824.580 million of total $827.007 million expenditure in 2011-12).

The work conducted to date has identified no issues of non-compliance with Section 83 of the Constitution.

178



Note 28: Compensation and Debt Relief

2012 2011$ $

Compensation and Debt Relief - DepartmentalNo ‘Act of Grace’ expenses were incurred during the reporting period (2011: No expenses). - -

No waivers of amounts owing to the Australian Government were made pursuant to subsection 34(1) of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (2011: No waivers). - -

No waivers of amounts owing to the Australian Government were made pursuant to the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (2011: No waivers). - -

No payments were provided under the Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration (CDDA) Scheme during the reporting period (2011: No payments). - -

No ex-gratia payments were provided for during the reporting period (2011: No payments). - -

No payments were provided in special circumstances relating to APS employment pursuant to section 73 of the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act) during the reporting period (2011: No payments). - -

Compensation and Debt Relief - Administered

No ‘Act of Grace’ expenses were incurred during the reporting period and there are no amounts owing at year end (2011: No expenses). - -

No waivers of amounts owing to the Australian Government were made pursuant to subsection 34(1) of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (2011: No waivers). - -

No waivers of amounts owing to the Australian Government were made pursuant to the Australian Research Council Act 2001 or any other legislation (2011: No waivers). - -

No payments were provided under the Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration (CDDA) Scheme during the reporting period (2011: No payments). - -

No ex-gratia payments were provided for during the reporting period (2011: No payments). - -

No payments were provided in special circumstances relating to APS employment pursuant to section 73 of the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act) during the reporting period (2011: No payments). - -


179



Note 29: Reporting of Outcomes

The ARC contributes to only one outcome as described in

Note 29A: Net Cost of Outcome Delivery

Outcome 1 Total2012 2011 2012 2011

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000Departmental

Expenses (19,501) ( 23,310) ( 19,501) ( 23,310)Own-source Income 267 1,995 267 1,995

AdministeredExpenses ( 827,007) ( 756,063) ( 827,007) ( 756,063)Own-source Income 3,946 8,254 3,946 8,254

Net cost of outcome delivery ( 842,295) ( 769,124) ( 842,295) ( 769,124)

180



Note 29: Reporting of Outcomes (continued)

2012 2011 2012 2011$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

ExpensesEmployees (11,688) (11,456) (11,688) (11,456)Suppliers (4,887) (7,456) (4,887) (7,456)Depreciation and amortisation (2,556) (2,093) (2,556) (2,093)Finance costs (308) (237) (308) (237)Other expenses (62) (2,068) (62) (2,068)

Total (19,501) (23,310) (19,501) (23,310)Income

Income from government 18,805 19,224 18,805 19,224 Other non-taxation revenues 267 1,995 267 1,995

Total 19,072 21,219 19,072 21,219 Assets

Cash and cash equivalents 1,119 520 1,119 520 Trade and other receivables 8,980 7,189 8,980 7,189 Land and buildings 2,791 3,011 2,791 3,011 Property, plant and equipment 302 78 302 78 Intangibles 16,430 16,322 16,430 16,322 Other non-financial assets 12 58 12 58

Total 29,634 27,178 29,634 27,178 Liabilities

Suppliers (1) (102) (1) (102)Other payables (835) (1,446) (835) (1,446)Employee provisions (2,486) (2,049) (2,486) (2,049)Other provisions (302) (252) (302) (252)Finance leases (2,786) (2,876) (2,786) (2,876)

Total (6,410) (6,725) (6,410) (6,725)

Outcome 1 is described in Note 1.1

Note 29B: Major Classes of Departmental Expense, Income, Assets and Liabilities by Outcome

Outcome 1 Total


181



Note 29: Reporting of Outcomes (continued)

2012 2011 2012 2011$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

ExpensesGrants (824,580) (751,464) (824,580) (751,464)Suppliers (2,427) (4,599) (2,427) (4,599)

Total (827,007) (756,063) (827,007) (756,063)Income

Other revenue 3,946 8,254 3,946 8,254 Total 3,946 8,254 3,946 8,254 Assets

Cash and cash equivalents - - - -Receivables 1,613 1,402 1,613 1,402 Other - - - -

Total 1,613 1,402 1,613 1,402 Liabilities

Grant payables (324,007) (291,867) (324,007) (291,867)Trade creditors (249) (225) (249) (225)

Total (324,256) (292,092) (324,256) (292,092)

Outcome 1 is described in Note 1.1

Note 29C: Major Classes of Administered Expenses, Income, Assets and Liabilities by Outcome

Outcome 1 Total

182



Note 30: Net Cash Appropriation Arrangements

2012 2011 $’000 $’000

Total comprehensive income (loss) less depreciation/amortisation expenses previously funded through revenue appropriations1 2,170 ( 128)Plus: depreciation/amortisation expenses previously funded through revenue appropriation (2,556) ( 2,093)Total comprehensive income (loss) - as per the Statement of Comprehensive Income (386) (2,221)

1. From 2010-11, the Government introduced net cash appropriation arrangements, where revenue appropriations for depreciation/amortisation expenses ceased. Entities now receive a separate capital budget provided through equity appropriations. Capital budgets are to be appropriated in the period when cash payment for capital expenditure is required.


183


184


aPPENDIX 1: PErFOrMaNCE FraMEWOrKaPPENDIX 2: NatIONaL COMPEtItIVE GraNtS

PrOGraM, DESCrIPtIONaPPENDIX 3: NatIONaL COMPEtItIVE GraNtS

PrOGraM, SUMMarY StatIStICSaPPENDIX 4: NatIONaL COMPEtItIVE GraNtS

PrOGraM, PErFOrMaNCE INFOrMatION

aPPENDIX 5: rESPONSIBILItIES OF tHE MINIStEraPPENDIX 6: MEMBErSHIP OF COMMIttEESaPPENDIX 7: CLIENt SErVICE CHartEraPPENDIX 8: WOrK HEaLtH aND SaFEtYaPPENDIX 9: aDVErtISING aND MarKEt rESEarCHaPPENDIX 10: ECOLOGICaLLY SUStaINaBLE

DEVELOPMENtaPPENDIX 11: COrrECtION OF ErrOrSaPPENDIX 12: StaFF StatIStICSaPPENDIX 13: LEGaL SErVICES EXPENDItUrEaPPENDIX 14: COMMUNICatION aND OUtrEaCHaPPENDIX 15: aGENCY rESOUrCE StatEMENtS

PART 5APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORkThe ARC is required to report in its annual report against the key performance indicators identified in the ARC strategic plan and the Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS).

Table A1.1 maps the indicators and measures identified in the ARC Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2013–14 to the key performance indicators identified in 2011–12 PBS.

table a1.1: Mapping of key performance indicators

STRATEGIC PLAN PORTFOLIO BUDGET STATEMENTS

KEY OBJECTIvE / KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR / MEASURE PROGRAM

1: RESEARCH

1.1 Outputs and outcomes arising from ARC-supported research are of a high quality and produce national benefits

Program 1.1: Discovery

Program 1.2: Linkage

Evidence of impact of ARC-funded research Program 1.1: Discovery

Outcomes arising from ARC-funded research that provide social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits



1.2 There is a high level of collaboration between ARC-funded researchers and those within other components of the national and international innovation systems



Financial commitment (cash and in-kind) from partner organisations for every dollar contributed by the ARC (Linkage Projects scheme)


Proportion of partner organisations that indicated that their involvement in projects was beneficial or very beneficial (Linkage Projects scheme)


Proportion of projects involving international collaboration Program 1.1: Discovery


Average number of organisations involved in projects funded (Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme)


2: CAPACITy

2.1 ARC funding supports excellent researchers Program 1.1: Discovery

External recognition of the achievements of ARC-funded researchers Program 1.1: Discovery

Evidence of impact of research conducted by ARC-funded fellows Program 1.1: Discovery

2.2 ARC-supported research contributes significantly to high quality research training



Proportion of ARC-funded researchers who are early career researchers (within five years of completion of their PhD)



186


STRATEGIC PLAN PORTFOLIO BUDGET STATEMENTS

KEY OBJECTIvE / KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR / MEASURE PROGRAM

2.3 ARC-funded research makes a significant contribution to research activity and capability in areas of national need



Proportion of funded proposals that address the National Research Priorities (NRPs)



Evidence of impact in NRP areas Program 1.1: Discovery


3: POLICy AND EvALUATION

3.1 Policy advice that enhances Australia’s capacity and excellence in research Program 1.1: Discovery


Evidence of impact of policy advice Program 1.1: Discovery


3.2 Contribution to best practice evaluation of Australia’s research investment in higher education institutions

Program 1.3: ERA

Evidence of contribution to best practice evaluation of research investment Program 1.3: ERA

3.3 Achievement of milestones for delivery of ERA 2012 Program 1.3: ERA

Production of key documentation required for institutions’ preparation for ERA 2012

Program 1.3: ERA

3.4 Successful outreach initiatives that further inform and engage the sector and other key stakeholders of overarching ERA policy and implementation

Program 1.3: ERA

Sector contribution to development of ERA 2012 processes and policy Program 1.3: ERA

APPENDICES

187


APPENDIX 2: NATIONAL COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM, DESCRIPTIONThe ARC administers one grant program, the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP). At 30 June 2012 the NCGP comprised the funding schemes listed in Tables A2.1 and A2.2.

PROGRAM 1.1: DISCOVERytable a2.1: Discovery Program funding schemes

DESCRIPTION

AUSTRALIAN LAUREATE FELLOwSHIPS

First selection round Funding commencing in 2009

Frequency Annual

Description The Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme is aimed at attracting and retaining outstanding researchers in Australia. The scheme provides eligible Fellows with project funding in addition to a salary supplement and salary-related (on-cost) support.

DISCOvERy EARLy CAREER RESEARCHER AwARD


Frequency Annual

Description The Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme is aimed at supporting early-career researchers.

DISCOvERy INDIGENOUS

First selection round Funding commencing in 2002 (Discovery Indigenous Researcher Development); funding commencing in 2012 (Discovery Indigenous)

Frequency Annual

Description The Discovery Indigenous scheme supports the development of indigenous researchers’ skills and expertise. It replaces the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme, the last selection round of which was conducted for funding commencing in 2011.

DISCOvERy PROJECTS


Frequency Annual

Description The Discovery Projects scheme provides funding for research projects undertaken by excellent individual researchers and research teams.

188


DESCRIPTION

FUTURE FELLOwSHIPS


Frequency Annual

Description The Future Fellowships scheme is aimed at attracting and retaining the best and brightest mid-career researchers.

PROGRAM 1.2: LINkAGEtable a2.2: Linkage Program funding schemes

DESCRIPTION

ARC CENTRES OF ExCELLENCE


Frequency Periodic

Description The ARC Centres of Excellence scheme is aimed at building critical mass in areas of research. Funding of between $1 million and $4 million per annum for up to seven years may be awarded for each ARC Centre of Excellence.

LINKAGE INFRASTRUCTURE, EqUIPMENT AND FACILITIES


Frequency Annual

Description The Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme encourages institutions to develop collaborative organisational arrangements to develop research infrastructure.

LINKAGE LEARNED ACADEMIES SPECIAL PROJECTS


Frequency Every three years

Description The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme funds the Australian Council of Learned Academies and the Learned Academies to undertake research-related projects.

LINKAGE PROJECTS


Frequency Twice per year (until 2012)

Description The Linkage Projects scheme supports collaborative research and research training between universities and partner organisations.

SPECIAL RESEARCH INITIATIvES


Frequency As required

Description Under the Special Research Initiatives scheme, the ARC identifies new or emerging areas of research for funding. Applications for funding may be submitted only when invited by the ARC by means of a call for proposal(s).

APPENDICES

189


APPENDIX 3: NATIONAL COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM, SUMMARy STATISTICSTables A3.1 and A3.2 provide details of new funding commencing under the Discovery and Linkage Programs of the NCGP in financial years 2009–10 to 2011–12. Outcomes announced prior to or during 2011–12 for funding commencing in 2012–13 will be reported in next year’s annual report. This includes the outcomes of Linkage Projects Round 2 for funding commencing in 2012.

PROGRAM 1.1: DISCOVERy

table a3.1: Discovery Program, new funding commencing in 2009–10 to 2011–12

SELECTION ROUNDS FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN

2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

AUSTRALIAN LAUREATE FELLOwSHIPS 2009 2010 2011

Number of proposals 148 97 139

Number of awards 15 15 17

Total $ 41 627 752 35 541 053 44 516 902

% success rate 10.0 15.5 12.2

DISCOvERy EARLy CAREER RESEARCHER AwARD

– – 2012

Number of proposals n/a n/a 2159

Number of awards n/a n/a 277

Total $ n/a n/a 103 875 000

% success rate n/a n/a 12.8

DISCOvERy INDIGENOUS¹ 2010 2011 2012



Total $ 1 809 820 2 045 759 3 850 751

% success rate 39.1 45.0 34.5

190



2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

DISCOvERy PROJECTS 2010 2011 2012

Number of proposals 4 068 4 230 3 544


Total $ 325 575 289 318 162 472 236 837 254

% success rate 22.7 22.0 22.0

FUTURE FELLOwSHIPS 2009 2010 2011



Total $ 147 422 468 143 760 941 144 342 673

% success rate 20.5 26.4 30.7

SUPER SCIENCE FELLOwSHIPS² 2009 2010 2011

Number of proposals n/a 149 124

Number of awards n/a 50 50

Total $ n/a 13 920 000 13 920 000

% success rate n/a 33.6 40.3

General notes

n/a not applicable

Discovery Program notes

1 The Discovery Indigenous scheme replaced the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme in 2011 (for funding commencing in 2012).

2 Table A3.1 reports the number of Super Science Fellowships not the number of Super Science Fellowships projects. Each project can include up to three fellows.

PROGRAM 1.2: LINkAGE

table a3.2: Linkage Program, new funding commencing in 2009–10 to 2011–12


2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

ARC CENTRES OF ExCELLENCE1 – 2011 –

Number of proposals n/a 111 n/a

Number of awards n/a 13 n/a

Total $ n/a 255 900 000 n/a

% success rate n/a 11.7 n/a

APPENDICES

191



2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

LINKAGE INFRASTRUCTURE, EqUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

2010 2011 2012



Total $ 30 957 412 30 873 624 28 300 078

% success rate 42.9 47.3 45.3

LINKAGE LEARNED ACADEMIES SPECIAL PROJECTS

2010 – 2012

Number of proposals 5 n/a 6

Number of awards 5 n/a 6

Total $ 1 439 000 n/a 10 000 000

% success rate 100 n/a 100

LINKAGE PROJECTS (ROUND 1/JANUARy) 2010 2011 2012



Total $ 66 827 891 56 235 992 42 789 355

% success rate 44.9 46.7 36.1

LINKAGE PROJECTS (ROUND 2/JULy) 2009 2010 2011



Total $ 71 856 782 66 753 570 67 393 349

% success rate 45.8 42.6 40.9

SPECIAL RESEARCH INITIATIvES2 2010 – 2011 & 2012

Number of proposals 7 n/a 3

Number of awards 2 n/a 2

Total $ 50 000 000 n/a 46 000 000

General Notes

n/a – not applicable

Linkage Program notes

1 The 2011 ARC Centres of Excellence selection round included a preliminary expression of interest (EOI) stage. The number of proposals recorded in Table A3.2 is the number of EOIs received for consideration.

2 The Special Research Initiatives scheme includes the Research in Bionic vision Science and Technology Initiative (2010), the Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science (July 2011) and the Special Research Initiative in Synchrotron Science (2012).

192


APPENDIX 4: NATIONAL COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM, PERFORMANCE INFORMATIONOVERVIEW

This appendix provides additional information to support the performance data for the National NCGP provided in Chapters 5 and 6.

EXCELLENT RESEARCH

academic and Commercialisation Outputs [tables a4.1 and a4.7]

> Under the Discovery Program, research projects and fellowships initially funded in 2007 produced on average 15.7 academic outputs per research project, and a total of 114 commercialisation outputs.

> Under the Linkage Program, research projects and fellowships initially funded in 2007 produced an average of 11.6 academic outputs per research project, and a total of 70 commercialisation outputs.

> In 2011, ARC Centres of Excellence initially funded in 2005, 2007 and 2011 produced on average 178 academic outputs and a total of 35 commercialisation outputs.

EXCELLENT RESEARCHERS

research training and Career Development [tables a4.2, a4.3 and a4.7]

> The ARC funded 598 fellowships and awards commencing in 2011–12 compared to 636 commencing in 2010–11. The small drop in numbers reflects the discontinuation of the Australian Postgraduate Awards Industry under the Linkage Projects scheme in 2011. The number of fellowships and awards for doctorate-qualified researchers has increased from 495 to 598.

> The funding schemes of the NCGP also encourage research training and career development indirectly (through funding provided to support the employment of researchers on ARC-funded research projects).

– Each Discovery Projects grant and Linkage Projects grant initially funded in 2007 respectively supported 6.4 and 9.8 research personnel on average (including postgraduate students) other than those named in the proposal (Table A4.3).

– The ARC Centres of Excellence also provide a training environment for postgraduate research students (Table A4.7). In 2011 there were 1263 honours, masters and PhD students enrolled across the 25 Centres and 392 research students completed their degrees. A total of 436 early-career researchers were also associated with the Centres.

APPENDICES

193


COLLABORATION

Linkages between researchers and end-users [table a4.4]

> The funding schemes under the Linkage Program encourage the development of partnerships with end-user organisations (including industry, government and community partners, in Australia and internationally). Through the Linkage Projects scheme these partner organisations provide cash and in-kind contributions, which at least match those of the ARC, to support the research.

– For the two Linkage Projects selection rounds for funding commencing in 2011–12, there were 370 successful proposals which involved 806 partner organisations. These partner organisations pledged over $225.9 million in cash and in-kind contributions to the projects.

– Government organisations contributed approximately 24.8 per cent of the total financial support pledged by partner organisations, while domestic and international companies or industry bodies provided 47.0 per cent.

International collaboration [table a4.5]

> The funding schemes of the NCGP are aimed at encouraging collaboration with overseas researchers and institutions. This is achieved through eligibility arrangements as well as providing funding for specific budget items and separate awards (International Collaboration Awards under the Discovery Projects scheme).

> Applicants for ARC funding are able to identify if their research project intends to involve international collaboration. Under the ARC’s main funding programs in 2011–12, the proportion of funded proposals involving international collaboration ranged from 40.7 per cent under the Linkage Program to 67.6 per cent under the Discovery Program.

RESEARCH IN AREAS OF PRIORITy

National research Priorities [table a4.6]

> The funding schemes of the NCGP are aimed at supporting research and research training of national benefit, including in the National Research Priorities (NRP). The NRPs are areas of particular social, economic and environmental importance to Australia, and areas in which a whole of government focus has the potential to improve research and broader policy outcomes.

> Across both the Discovery and Linkage Programs, the largest proportion of research proposals identify themselves as being relevant to the priority area of ‘Frontier technologies for building and transforming Australian industries’ (36.6 per cent across the Discovery Program and 36.9 per cent across the Linkage Program).

194


SUPPORTING DATA

table a4.1: Discovery and Linkage Program, research outputs

2005 2006 2007

DISCOvERy PROGRAM

Academic Outputs

Books and book chapters 2 095 1 324 1 101

Journal articles 8 861 6 119 4 793

Conference publications 8 377 6 067 4 578

Other 1 939 1 375 1 067

Total 21 272 14 885 11 539

Commercialisation outputs

Invention disclosures 23 167 35

Licences executed 5 8 5

Patents-filed 52 53 62

Patents-pending 17 22 8

Start-up companies 5 9 4

Total 102 259 114

Summary

Number of final reports 841 949 740

Average number of outputs/research projects 25.4 16.0 15.7

LINKAGE PROGRAM

Academic Outputs

Books and book chapters 691 362 352

Journal articles 2 076 1 996 1 782

Conference publications 3 102 2 367 1 784

Other 2 360 534 599

Total 8 229 5 259 4 517

Commercialisation outputs

Invention disclosures 35 39 23

Licences executed 7 8 2

Patents-filed 44 23 32

Patents-pending 21 22 11

Start-up companies 6 5 2

Total 113 97 70

Summary

Number of final reports 588 500 396

Average number of outputs/research projects 14.2 10.7 11.6

APPENDICES

195


table a4.2: Discovery and Linkage Programs, fellowships and awards

FUNDING COMMENCING IN

2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

DISCOvERy PROGRAM

Australian Laureate Fellowships 15 15 17

Australian Postdoctoral Fellowships 112 108 n/a

Australian Professorial Fellowships 27 30 n/a

Australian Research Fellowships/Queen Elizabeth II Fellowships

64 55 n/a

Australian Research Fellowship—Indigenous 2 3 n/a

Discovery Early Career Researcher Award n/a n/a 277

Discovery Indigenous Award n/a n/a 5

Discovery Outstanding Researcher Award n/a n/a 26

Future Fellowships 200 200 203

Indigenous Researcher Fellowships 3 3 n/a

Super Science Fellowships n/a 50 50

LINKAGE PROGRAM

Australian Postdoctoral Fellowships Industry 32 27 20

Australian Postgraduate Awards Industry 351 141 n/a

Linkage Industry Fellowships 1 4 0

196


table a4.3: Discovery Projects and Linkage Projects schemes, research personnel outputs for funding commencing in 2007

SCHEME

TYPE OF PERSONNEL DISCOvERY PROJECTS

LINKAGE PROJECTS

RESEARCH

PhD students receiving stipends and research support* 242 154

Masters students receiving stipends and research support* 30 9

PhD students receiving research support but not stipends 744 131

Masters students receiving research support but not stipends 168 57

Honours students receiving research support but not stipends 782 210

Overseas PhD students involved in the project 385 46

Overseas research Masters students involved in the project 113 42

Overseas Honours students involved in the project 90 54

Early career researchers (excluding those named in the application) 455 101

OTHER EMPLOyED PERSONNEL

Research associates/assistants funded (full-time) 362 148

Research associates/assistants funded (part-time) 861 391

Professional and/or technical officers 92 68

Industry partner employees 8 730

Other personnel involved 397 313

tOtaL 4 729 2 454

Number of final reports 736 251

Total number of research projects awarded funding 822 392

* In their final report, grant recipients are asked to indicate the number of students involved with the project that received ARC-funded stipends under Discovery and Linkage, rather than those receiving stipends funded from the specific grant to which the final reports relates. Therefore, there may be a small amount of double counting if some research students have been involved with more than one ARC-funded project.

APPENDICES

197


table a4.4: Linkage Projects scheme, partner organisation contributions by type of organisation

2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

ORGANISATION TYPE CASH ($M)

TOTAL ($M)

CASH ($M)

TOTAL ($M)

CASH ($M)

TOTAL ($M)

ROUND 2 (JULy)

Company/Industry body

Australian 12.70 40.70 14.17 42.64 17.00 49.02

International 4.70 14.80 3.96 12.47 3.74 13.04

Government

Commonwealth 1.80 3.70 1.50 5.04 1.47 3.86

International 1.20 2.90 0.03 0.49 0.29 1.15

State & Local 15.50 45.30 6.96 21.93 7.46 26.68

Non-profit

Australian 6.20 19.40 3.56 17.63 2.59 11.44

International 0.20 1.20 0.03 0.15 0.9 1.38

Other

Other - - 8.81 27.86 9.07 32.55

tOtaL 42.30 128.00 39.02 128.21 42.52 139.14

ROUND 1 (JANUARy)

Company/Industry body

Australian 13.80 44.30 11.76 34.37 10.87 33.07

International 8.50 25.10 3.13 9.37 2.65 11.11

Government

Commonwealth 1.70 3.70 2.83 6.36 1.42 4.59

International 0.10 0.90 0.02 0.23 0.23 1.35

State & Local 10.10 32.10 9.16 27.03 6.65 18.39

Non-profit

Australian 2.40 11.30 1.07 4.10 1.07 4.35

International 0.30 1.20 0.08 0.36 1.41 2.43

Other

Other 0.20 2.80 8.82 35.41 2.65 11.42

tOtaL 37.10 121.40 36.88 117.22 26.94 86.74

198


table a4.5: Discovery and Linkage Programs, projects involving international collaboration as a proportion of total projects funded

SCHEME FUNDING COMMENCING IN

2009–10 (%) 2010–11 (%) 2011–12 (%)

DISCOvERy PROGRAM

Australian Laureate Fellowships 100.0 93.3 100.0

Discovery Indigenous n/a n/a 10.0

Discovery Projects 65.8 63.9 61.7

Future Fellowships 84.0 90.0 90.1

Super Science Fellowships n/a 66.7 71.4

LINKAGE PROGRAM

ARC Centres of Excellence n/a 100.0 n/a

Linkage Infrastructure 50.7 47.4 45.5

Linkage Projects 37.3 42.8 39.7

APPENDICES

199


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200


table a4.7: ARC Centres of Excellence, research outputs, 2011

TYPE OF OUTPUT 2005 CENTRES

2007 CENTRES

2011 CENTRES

RESEARCH

Books 16 10 9

Book chapters 93 39 50

Journal articles (articles in scholarly refereed journal) 933 58 1014

Journal articles (other) 34 6 53

Unpublished reports 179 6 19

Conference publications 898 91 850

Audio-visual recordings 5 1 22

Computer software 5 0 7

Designs 0 0 0

Patents – filed 7 0 6

Patents – pending 0 0 22

Creative works 2 0 15

COLLABORATION

Number of national collaborating institutions (average per centre) 13 4 10

Number of international collaborating institutions (average per centre) 52 9 20

Number of countries involved in collaboration (average per centre) 19 6 11

Number of countries from which international visitors originated (average per centre)

13 15 12

Number of international visitors (average per centre) 48 47 37

Number of overseas visits by Centre personnel (average per centre) 57 26 41

TRAINING

Number of PhD graduated 109 3 42

Number of Masters students graduated 37 0 27

Number of Honours students graduated 72 6 96

Number of PhD students enrolled 452 49 402

Number of Masters students enrolled 107 3 47

Number of Honours students enrolled 83 6 114

Number of early career researchers

(within 5 years of PhD completion)

188 6 242

Training programs/teaching packages conducted 188 30 188

tOtaL NUMBEr OF CENtrES 11 1 13

APPENDICES

201


APPENDIX 5: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MINISTERtable a5.1: Powers and responsibilities of the Minister under the Australian Research Council Act 2001

POWER SECTION

COMMITTEES

To establish a committee or committees (designated committees) to assist in carrying out the functions of the CEO

Subsection 30 (1)

To dissolve a designated committee at any time Subsection 30 (2)

Give directions to a designated committee Subsection 31 (2)

Appoint members to a designated committee, including a Chair Subsections 32 (1) and (3)

Determine the terms and conditions, including termination of a member Subsections 33 (1), (2) and (4)

CHIEF ExECUTIvE OFFICER

To direct the CEO about the performance of the CEO’s functions Subsection 33C (1)

To appoint a CEO by written instrument for the period specified in the instrument. That period must not exceed 5 years

Subsection 34 (1)

May appoint a person to act as the CEO during a vacancy in the office of the CEO or during any period when the CEO is absent from duty, or from Australia, or is for any reason unable to perform the duties of the office

Subsection 35 (1)

May approve a CEO’s need to engage paid employment outside of the ARC Subsection 38 (1)

May at any time, in writing, terminate the appointment of the CEO Subsection 38 (3)

To accept the CEO’s written resignation Subsection 40

STRATEGIC PLAN

May or may not approve the strategic plan prepared by the CEO Subsection 43 (1)

Can give the strategic plan back to the CEO with a written request, to revise the plan to take account of specified concerns of the Minister

Subsection 43 (1)(b)

Must cause a copy of the approved strategic plan to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 days of that House after approval

Subsection 43 (3)

To approve a variation to the strategic plan Subsection 44 (3)

Must cause a copy of a varied strategic plan to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 days of that House after approval

Subsection 44 (2)

ANNUAL REPORT

May, by notice in writing, ask the CEO to deal with matters in the annual report Subsection 46 (1)(b)

Must cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the day on which the Minister receives the report

Subsection 46 (3)

202


POWER SECTION

FUNDING

To determine the funding cap between different categories of research programs

Subsection 50 (1)

In writing, can vary a determination for a year as long as it still complies with subsection (1)

Subsection 50 (3)

The Minister may, in a single instrument, make a determination covering two or more years

Subsection 50 (4)

To approve a proposal for expenditure by an organisation on a research program as a proposal deserving financial assistance

Subsection 51 (1)

To determine an amount as the estimated total annual expenditure and an amount of approved expenditure

Subsection 51 (2)

Cause a copy of the determinations to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the day on which the determination is made

Subsection 51 (3)

In deciding what proposals to approve under subsection 51(1), the Minister may (but is not required) rely solely on recommendations made by the CEO under subsection 1 of this section

Subsection 52 (4)

Financial assistance is paid in such amounts, and at such times, as the Minister determines

Subsection 55 (4)

May, in writing, vary a funding approval as provided for in the governing funding rules

Subsection 54 (1)

May make arrangements for the making of advances to an organisation, by way of financial assistance to the organisation, on account of an amount that is expected to become payable in respect of a research program and a year to which this division applies

Subsection 56 (1)

May report whether the organisation fails to fulfil a condition applicable to the financial assistance, the organisation will pay to the Commonwealth the amount specified, not exceeding the amount of the financial assistance

Subsection 58 (1)(c)

FUNDING RULES

To approve funding rules under section 60 Subsection 60 (1)

May request the CEO to give him/her a revised set of rules Subsection 60 (2)

To approve a varied set of rules Subsection 61 (2)

RESEARCH ENDOwMENT FUND

May approve expenditure by the CEO for funding assistance from the Research Endowment Fund

Subsection 64 (1)(b)

May approve terms and conditions of the funding assistance Subsection 65

MISCELLANEOUS

May delegate all or any of her/his powers or functions to the CEO or a member of ARC staff

Subsection 66 (1)

APPENDICES

203


APPENDIX 6: MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEESGOVERNANCE

arC advisory Council

table a6.1: arC advisory Council, 2011–12

MEMBER DATE OF APPOINTMENT

EXPIRY OF APPOINTMENT

Professor M Sheil, Australian Research Council (Chair) 18/12/2007 25/04/2012

Professor P Buckskin, David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education & Research, University of South Australia

01/01/2011 31/12/2012

Professor S Garton, The University of Sydney 01/01/2011 31/12/2012

Professor M Harding, The Australian National University 01/01/2011 31/12/2012

Professor P Johnson, The University of Western Australia 01/01/2011 31/12/2012

Professor A Lawson, University of Wollongong 01/01/2011 31/12/2012

Professor I Young, The Australian National University 01/01/2010 31/12/2012

Professor R Owens, The University of Western Australia 01/01/2010 31/12/2011

Professor Emeritus D Siddle, The University of Queensland 01/01/2010 31/12/2011

arC audit Committee

table a6.2: arC audit Committee, 2011–12

MEMBER DATE OF APPOINTMENT


Mr P Kennedy, External (Chair) 1/01/2010 30/09/2012

Mr B Burmester, External 1/10/2010 30/09/2012

Dr B Hart, External 21/08/2008 31/12/2011

Ms L Harvey, Australian Research Council -/02/2009 30/06/2013

Ms T Leahey, Australian Research Council 10/04/2012 30/06/2013

Mr S Sedgley, Australian Research Council -/02/2009 30/06/2013

204


Other arC Governance Committees

table a6.3: Other arC governance committees, 2011–12

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Senior Management Group Nine members comprising the CEO (Chair); other Executive staff; Chief Financial Officer; Directors (People and Services, Policy Coordination and Governance and Stakeholder Relations).

Strategic Budget and Human Resources Committee

Five members comprising the CEO (Chair); Executive General Manager; Deputy CEO; Chief Financial Officer and Director, People and Services. Observers may be invited to assist the Committee on matters under consideration.

Salary Review Committee Four members comprising the Executive General Manager (Chair); an Executive Director; Branch Manager, Strategy and Programs and Director, People and Services.

Work Health and Safety Committee Four members comprising the Director, People and Services (Chair); the Health and Safety Representative; Deputy Health and Safety Representative; and the Facilities Manager. While guests may be invited to assist the committee on matters under consideration, they do not form part of the ongoing committee membership.

People Management and Development Committee

Six members comprising the Executive General Manager (Chair); Director, People and Services; and four self-nominated staff representatives. The committee can invite two additional employee representatives to attend meetings.

ICT Governance Committee Three members comprising the Executive General Manager; Chief Information Officer; and Executive Director, Physical, Mathematical and Information Sciences. The Committee may invite guests to attend as required.

ARC Security Committee Four members comprising the Executive General Manager (Chair); Chief Information Officer; Director, People and Services and IT Security Adviser.

NATIONAL COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM

arC appeals Committee

table a6.4: arC appeals Committee, 2011–12

MEMBER YEAR OF APPOINTMENT


Professor P Sheehan AO (Chair 2011–13) 2008 31/12/2013

Emeritus Professor R MacDonald 2008 31/12/2013

Professor M Poole 2011 31/12/2013

APPENDICES

205


arC College

table a6.5: arC College, 2011–12

PANEL; MEMBER; INSTITUTION YEAR OF APPOINTMENT


BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGy

Professor M Bellgard, Murdoch University 2012 31/12/2014

Associate Professor K Belov, The University of Sydney (Chair 2012) 2011 31/12/2013

Professor M Bull, The Flinders University of South Australia 2009 31/12/2011

Professor J Cairney, University of Western Sydney 2011 31/12/2013

Professor S Collin, The University of Western Australia 2010 31/12/2012

Professor B Degnan, The University of Queensland 2009 31/12/2011

Professor C Dickman, The University of Sydney 2011 31/12/2013

Professor A Dulhunty, The Australian National University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor D Eamus, University of Technology, Sydney 2010 31/12/2011

Professor G Egan, Monash University 2011 31/12/2013

Dr W Gerlach, self-employed 2011 31/12/2013

Professor L Griffiths, Griffith University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor R Henry, Southern Cross University 2010 31/12/2012

Professor D Hutmacher, Queensland Institute of Technology 2010 31/12/2012

Professor K Jones, The University of Newcastle 2009 31/12/2011

Dr A Koltunow, The University of Adelaide 2010 31/12/2012

Associate Professor J Luck, CRC Plant Biosecurity 2011 31/12/2013

Professor J Martin, The University of Queensland (Chair 2011) 2009 31/12/2011

Associate Professor J Mitchell, The Flinders University of South Australia 2012 31/12/2014

Professor H Nevalainen, Macquarie University 2009 31/12/2011

Professor P Newsholme, Curtin University of Technology from 19/3/2012 31/12/2012

Professor G Otting, The Australian National University 2011 31/12/2013

Professor M Sleeman, Monash University 2012 31/12/2014

ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS AND INFORMATICS

Professor S Armfield, The University of Sydney 2012 31/12/2014

Professor J Armstrong, Monash University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor H Bachor, The Australian National University 2010 31/12/2012

Professor J Bell, Queensland University of Technology 2012 31/12/2014

Professor M Biggs, The University of Adelaide 2010 31/12/2012

206




Professor S Bouzerdoum, University of Wollongong 2009 31/12/2011

Professor M Bradford, The University of New South Wales 2010 31/12/2012

Winthrop Professor M Cassidy, The University of Western Australia (Chair 2012)

2011 31/12/2013

Professor M Forsyth, Deakin University 2009 31/12/2011

Professor v Gaitsgory, University of South Australia 2010 31/12/2012

Professor J Keller, The University of Queensland 2011 31/12/2013

Professor J Lloyd, The Australian National University 2011 31/12/2013

Professor A Lucey, Curtin University of Technology 2012 31/12/2014

Professor I Marusic, The University of Melbourne (Chair 2011) 2009 31/12/2011

Professor B Ninness, The University of Newcastle 2011 31/12/2013

Professor L Padgham, RMIT University 2009 31/12/2011

Winthrop Professor C Praeger, The University of Western Australia 2011 31/12/2013

Professor J Ramagge, University of Wollongong 2010 31/12/2012

Professor v Sahajwalla, The University of New South Wales 2011 31/12/2013

Professor M Sanderson, RMIT University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor C Standing, Edith Cowan University 2011 31/12/2013

Professor L Sterling, Swinburne University of Technology 2012 31/12/2014

Dr G Steven, Strand7 Pty Ltd 2009 31/12/2011

Professor v varadharajan, Macquarie University 2011 31/12/2013

Professor B vucetic, The University of Sydney 2009 31/12/2011

Professor C Zhang, University of Technology, Sydney 2012 31/12/2014

HUMANITIES AND CREATIvE ARTS

Professor J Bennett, The University of New South Wales 2010 31/12/2012

Professor A Corn, The Australian National University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor M Davies, The Flinders University of South Australia (Chair 2011)

2010 31/12/2012

Professor J Hartley, Queensland University of Technology 2011 31/12/2013

Professor K Howard, The University of Sydney 2010 31/12/2011

Professor M Jolly, The Australian National University 2010 31/12/2011

Professor S Kaji-O’Grady, The University of Sydney 2011 31/12/2013

Professor M Macintyre, The University of Melbourne 2012 31/12/2014

Professor C Mackenzie, Macquarie University (Chair 2012) 2010 31/12/2012

APPENDICES

207




Professor G Mackenzie, Bond University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor J Maynard, The University of Newcastle 2010 31/12/2012

Professor C Mews, Monash University 2009 31/12/2011

Professor Pauline Nestor, Monash University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor S O’Connor, The Australian National University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor G Sluga, The University of Sydney 2011 31/12/2013

Associate Professor C Smith, The Flinders University of South Australia 2009 31/12/2011

Professor J Tompkins, The University of Queensland 2011 31/12/2013

Professor G Wigglesworth, The University of Melbourne 2011 31/12/2013

PHySICS, CHEMISTRy AND EARTH SCIENCES

Professor A Abell, The University of Adelaide 2011 31/12/2013

Associate J Beck, University of Wollongong (Chair 2012) 2010 31/12/2012

Professor P Bouwknegt, The Australian National University from 9/2/2009 31/12/2011

Professor I Bray, Curtin University of Technology 2009 31/12/2011

Professor W Couch, Swinburne University of Technology 2010 31/12/2012

Professor S Dou, University of Wollongong 2012 31/12/2014

Dr P Fraser, CSIRO 2012 31/12/2014

Professor K Grice, Curtin University of Technology 2009 31/12/2011

Professor R Griffiths, The Australian National University from 6/5/2009 31/12/2011

Professor A Hamilton, The University of New South Wales 2009 31/12/2011

Dr A Hill, CSIRO 2010 31/12/2011

Professor T Ireland, The Australian National University 2010 31/12/2012

Professor G Ivey, The University of Western Australia 2010 31/12/2012

Professor D Jamieson, The University of Melbourne 2012 31/12/2014

Professor I McArthur, The University of Western Australia 2010 31/12/2012

Professor N McClure-Griffiths, CSIRO 2012 31/12/2014

Professor L Moresi, Monash University 2012 31/12/2014

Associate Professor S Perrier, The University of Sydney 2011 31/12/2013

Professor M Sandiford, The University of Melbourne 2009 31/12/2011

Professor L Sullivan, Southern Cross University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor A Williams, The University of Adelaide 2012 31/12/2014

Professor H Wiseman, Griffith University 2012 31/12/2014

208




Professor B Yates, University of Tasmania (Chair 2011) 2010 31/12/2012

Professor C Zhang, University of Wollongong from 21/6/2009 31/12/2011

SOCIAL, BEHAvIOURAL AND ECONOMIC SCIENCES

Professor L Adkins, The University of Newcastle 2011 31/12/2013

Professor B Barber, Murdoch University 2010 31/12/2012

Professor J Baxter, The University of Queensland 2012 31/12/2014

Professor A Beer, The University of Adelaide 2012 31/12/2014

Professor M Bell, The University of Queensland 2009 31/12/2011

Professor B Byrne, The University of New England 2010 31/12/2012

Professor M Dungey, University of Tasmania 2011 31/12/2013

Professor P Fairbrother, RMIT University 2011 31/12/2013

Professor L Given, Charles Sturt University 2012 31/12/2014

Professor M Goot, Macquarie University 2011 31/12/2011

Professor B Head, The University of Queensland 2012 31/12/2014

Professor E Kendall, Griffith University (Chair 2011 and 2012) 2010 31/12/2012

Professor C Kulik, University of South Australia 2010 31/12/2012

Professor L Lockyer, University of Wollongong 2011 31/12/2013

Professor P Lovibond, The University of New South Wales 2009 31/12/2011

Professor T Lowrie, Charles Sturt University from 1/7/2011 31/12/2014

Professor L Mazerolle, The University of Queensland 2010 31/12/2011

Professor v Minichiello, The University of New England 2009 31/12/2011

Professor J Piggott, The University of New South Wales 2009 31/12/2011

Professor D Schofield, The University of Sydney 2012 31/12/2014

Professor T Smith, The Australian National University 2010 31/12/2012

Professor K Stacey, The University of Melbourne 2009 31/12/2011

Professor G venville, The University of Western Australia 2012 31/12/2014

APPENDICES

209


arC Scrutiny Committee

table a6.6: arC Scrutiny Committee, 2011–12

MEMBER, INSTITUTION YEAR OF APPOINTMENT


Professor S Bouzerdoum, University of Wollongong 2012 31/12/2012

Professor S Donald, The University of New South Wales (Chair, 2012) 2011 31/12/2012

Professor B Lewis, The Australian National University 2011 31/12/2011

Professor M Olsson, University of Wollongong (Chair, 2011) 2010 31/12/2011

Professor L Spiccia, Monash University 2012 31/12/2012

arC Selection advisory Committees (NCGP)

table a6.7: australian Laureate Fellowships Selection advisory Committee (SaC), 2012

MEMBER; INSTITUTION FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN

Professor L Astheimer, Deakin University (Chair) 2012

Professor M Bailes, Swinburne University of Technology 2012

Professor F Baum, The Flinders University of South Australia 2012

Professor M Dasgupta, The Australian National University 2012

Professor M England, The University of New South Wales 2012

Professor M Finnane, Griffith University 2012

Professor S Garton, The University of Sydney 2012

Professor P Goodyear, The University of Sydney 2012

Professor A Hurn, Queensland University of Technology 2012

Professor M Johnson, Macquarie University 2012

Professor J Martin, The University of Queensland 2012

Professor P Mulvaney, The University of Melbourne 2012

Professor J Ramagge, University of Wollongong 2012

Professor M Renfree, The University of Melbourne 2012

Professor B Uy, University of Western Sydney 2012

Professor G Wallace, University of Wollongong 2012

Professor M Westoby, Macquarie University 2012

Professor G Whitlock, The University of Queensland 2012

210


table a6.8: Future Fellowships SaC, 2011

PANEL; MEMBER; INSTITUTION FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, BIOTECHNOLOGy, ENvIRONMENTAL, MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Professor M Barton, University of South Australia 2011

Professor M Bellgard, Murdoch University 2011

Professor P Bhalla, The University of Melbourne 2011

Professor S Crozier, The University of Queensland 2011

Professor L Griffiths, Griffith University 2011

Professor W Heath, The University of Melbourne 2011

Professor C Johnson, University of Tasmania 2011

Professor S Meikle, The University of Sydney 2011

Professor B Neilan, The University of New South Wales 2011

Professor P Ralph, University of Technology, Sydney 2011

Professor M Renfree, The University of Melbourne 2011

Professor M Rosa, Monash University (Chair) 2011

Dr E Roughead, University of South Australia 2011

Dr E Scarr, The University of Melbourne 2011

Professor W Stock, Edith Cowan University 2011

HUMANITIES AND CREATIvE ARTS, SOCIAL, BEHAvIOURAL AND ECONOMIC SCIENCES

Professor N Anderson, James Cook University 2011

Professor Dr N Aroney, The University of Queensland 2011

Professor R Bailie, Charles Darwin University 2011

Professor F Baum, The Flinders University of South Australia (Chair) 2011

Professor R Bryan, The University of Sydney 2011

Professor E Carson, University of South Australia 2011

Professor A Cranny-Francis, University of Technology, Sydney 2011

Professor B Head, The University of Queensland 2011

Dr J Lydon, Monash University 2011

Professor v Mackie, University of Wollongong 2011

Associate Professor H Maxwell-Stewart, University of Tasmania 2011

Professor M McKenzie, The University of Sydney 2011

Professor S Muecke, The University of New South Wales 2011

Professor S Roach Anleu, The Flinders University of South Australia 2011

APPENDICES

211


PANEL; MEMBER; INSTITUTION FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN

PHySICAL, MATHEMATICAL AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING

Professor J Bell, Queensland University of Technology 2011

Professor J Bland-Hawthorn, The University of Sydney 2011

Professor J Carter, The University of Newcastle (Chair) 2011

Associate Professor M Coote, The Australian National University 2011

Professor P Koy Lam, The Australian National University 2011

Dr K Meissner, The University of New South Wales 2011

Professor D Nesic, The University of Melbourne 2011

Professor S O’Reilly, Macquarie University 2011

Professor K Ostrikov, CSIRO 2011

Professor E Sonenberg, The University of Melbourne 2011

Dr T Tian, Monash University 2011

Professor S Tingay, Curtin University of Technology 2011

Professor A vinu, The University of Queensland 2011

Professor G Wallace, University of Wollongong 2011

Professor H Wang, Monash University 2011

Professor X Zhou, The University of Queensland 2011

table a6.9: Synchrotron SaC, 2012

MEMBER; INSTITUTION FOR FUNDING COMMENCING IN

Dr L Dan, Australian Research Council (Chair) 2012

Ms v Hart, National Health and Medical Research Council 2012

Dr T Powell, STIR Science Services 2012

212


EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH FOR AUSTRALIA

research Evaluation Committees

table a6.10: Era 2012 research Evaluation Committees

PANEL; MEMBER INSTITUTION

PHySICAL, CHEMICAL AND EARTH SCIENCES

Professor R vincent (Chair) The University of Adelaide

Professor M Banwell The Australian National University

Professor N Barnett Deakin University

Professor P Bouwknegt The Australian National University

Professor M Brunger The Flinders University of South Australia

Professor A Chivas University of Wollongong

Professor K Ghiggino The University of Melbourne

Professor A Green The University of Sydney

Professor M Humphrey The Australian National University

Professor M Kennedy The University of Adelaide

Professor B Messerle The University of New South Wales

Professor J O’Connor The University of Newcastle

Professor S O’Reilly Macquarie University

Professor T Ralph The University of Queensland

Professor N Tapper Monash University

Professor M Tobar The University of Western Australia

Associate Professor E Wanless The University of Newcastle

Dr K Watson The University of Melbourne

HUMANITIES AND CREATIvE ARTS

Professor J Damousi (Chair) The University of Melbourne

Professor M Burry RMIT University

Professor C Cole The University of Wollongong

Professor S Crain Macquarie University

Professor J Davidson The University of Western Australia

Professor S H Donald The University of New South Wales

Professor T Flew Queensland University of Technology

Professor D Frankel La Trobe University

Professor N Frankham University of Tasmania

Professor J Gascoigne The University of New South Wales

APPENDICES

213



Professor P Griffiths The University of Sydney

Professor B Hodge University of Western Sydney

Professor A Liddicoat University of South Australia

Professor J Macarthur The University of Queensland

Professor M Möllering Macquarie University

Professor G Oppy Monash University

Professor D Prasad The University of New South Wales

Professor C Rhodes The University of Sydney

Professor I Richards University of South Australia

Professor J Riley The University of Sydney

Professor P Tait La Trobe University

Professor v L Taylor The Australian National University

Professor G Whitlock The University of Queensland

ENGINEERING AND ENvIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Professor R Amal (Chair) The University of New South Wales

Professor G Alici University of Wollongong

Professor S Bhatia The University of Queensland

Professor J Carter The University of Newcastle

Professor F Caruso The University of Melbourne

Professor I Cosic RMIT University

Professor B Falzon Monash University

Professor M James The Australian National University

Professor K Kwok University of Western Sydney

Professor A McBratney The University of Sydney

Professor R Minasian The University of Sydney

Professor H Nguyen University of Technology, Sydney

Professor J Patterson The University of Sydney

Professor Z Rengel The University of Western Australia

Professor Z Xu Griffith University

W/Professor D Zhang The University of Western Australia

EDUCATION AND HUMAN SOCIETy

Professor M Western (Chair) The University of Queensland

Professor D Berthelsen Queensland University of Technology

Professor S Billett Griffith University

214



Professor J Brett La Trobe University

Professor J Chan The University of New South Wales

Professor F Devine The University of Manchester, UK

Professor C Diezmann Queensland University of Technology

Professor S Dinham The University of Melbourne

Professor J J Fox The Australian National University

Professor B Fraser Curtin University of Technology

Professor G Gill The University of Sydney

Professor M Goos The University of Queensland

Professor J Gray The University of Adelaide

Professor P Harris University of South Australia

Professor L Head University of Wollongong

Professor R Homel Griffith University

Professor S Webb The University of Newcastle

Professor A Welch The University of Sydney

Professor C Wyatt-Smith Griffith University

Professor N Yelland victoria University

ECONOMICS AND COMMERCE

Professor K Langfield-Smith (Chair) Monash University

Professor S Benn University of Technology, Sydney

Professor J Borland The University of Melbourne

Professor v Callan The University of Queensland

Professor E Cowley The University of Sydney

Professor C Edwards Kingston University London, UK

Professor D Grant The University of Sydney

Professor S Grant The University of Queensland

Professor R Heaney The University of Western Australia

E/Professor R Layton The University of New South Wales

Professor A O’Cass University of Tasmania

Professor R Pomfret The University of Adelaide

Professor D S P Rao The University of Queensland

Professor G Soutar The University of Western Australia

Professor K Trotman The University of New South Wales

Professor S ville University of Wollongong

APPENDICES

215



MATHEMATICS, INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SCIENCE

Professor M A Williams (Chair) University of Technology, Sydney

Professor v Anh Queensland University of Technology

Professor J Borwein The University of Newcastle

Professor P Corke Queensland University of Technology

Professor E N Dancer The University of Sydney

Professor P Forrester The University of Melbourne

Professor D G Green Monash University

Professor J Grundy Swinburne University of Technology

Professor J Hu The University of New South Wales

Professor J Hunter The University of Queensland

Professor M Papazoglou Tilburg University, The Netherlands

Professor I Shparlinski Macquarie University

Professor S Simoff The University of Western Sydney

Professor M Stumptner University of South Australia

Professor W Susilo University of Wollongong

Professor A Welsh The Australian National University

BIOLOGICAL AND BIOTECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Professor J Schwartz (Chair) Griffith University

Professor R Coppel Monash University

Professor A Elizur University of the Sunshine Coast

Professor N Enright Murdoch University

Professor F Geiser The University of New England

Professor W Hein James Cook University

Professor N Hoogenraad La Trobe University

Professor K Jones The University of Newcastle

Professor G King Southern Cross University

Professor H Lambers The University of Western Australia

Professor D Lambert Griffith University

Professor R Leigh The University of Adelaide

Professor E Mackie The University of Melbourne

Professor B Nowak University of Tasmania

Professor P Timms Queensland University of Technology

Professor H Wallace University of the Sunshine Coast

216



MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Professor H Barrett (Chair) The University of Western Australia

Professor L Brown University of Southern Queensland

Professor A Castles Macquarie University

Professor P Davidson University of Technology Sydney

Professor G Davis The University of Sydney

Associate Professor K Denton Monash University

Professor P Foster The University of Newcastle

Professor N Johnson Griffith University

Professor C Jones The University of Sydney

Professor B Kent Deakin University

Professor S Killcross The University of New South Wales

Professor C Levi The University of Newcastle

Professor O Lipp The University of Queensland

Professor J Lynch The University of Adelaide/University of Bristol, UK

Professor v Macefield University of Western Sydney

Professor H Morris University of South Australia

Professor C Saunders The University of Western Australia

Professor A Somogyi The University of Adelaide

Professor T Sorrell The University of Sydney

Professor L Tapsell University of Wollongong

Professor R Widdop Monash University

Professor J Wood Queensland University of Technology

OTHER


table a6.11: australian research Integrity Committee

MEMBER YEAR OF APPOINTMENT


Mr R Brent (Chair) 2011 2013

Dr K Breen 2011 2013

Ms J Hamblin 2011 2013

Emeritus Professor S Shaver 2011 2013

APPENDICES

217


APPENDIX 7: CLIENT SERVICE CHARTERtable a7.1: Summary of performance against the arC client service charter, 2011–12

STANDARD PERFORMANCE

COMMUNICATION

In our dealings with you we will:

– be courteous;

– treat you fairly and professionally;

– provide timely advice that is clear, concise, accurate and complete;

– keep any confidential information provided to us as in confidence except where disclosure is required by law.

The ARC did not receive any general complaints in relation to the communication standards set out in the client service charter.

If you phone use we will:

– answer phone calls promptly during normal business hours and identify ourselves; and

– aim to resolve your enquiry during the call or if we can’t take your details and arrange for the appropriate person to return your call as soon as possible.

The ARC did not receive any general complaints in relation to answering and/or resolving phone call queries.

If you write to us we will:

– for simple requests, aim to respond to you within ten working days; and

– for more complex inquiries, aim to respond within 20 working days.

The ARC did not receive any general complaints in relation to response times to written requests.

ADMINISTRATION OF NCGP

We will make available on our website accurate advice and information about our funding schemes.

The ARC website contains extensive information about NCGP funding schemes.

We will promote equitable access to our schemes and services.

NCGP funding rules aim to provide equitable access to funding for eligible researchers.

We will act fairly, in accordance with our published guidelines, criteria, regulations or legislation.

NCGP funding rules make provision for an appeals process, whereby appeals will be considered against administrative process issues.

We will, when reviewing funding schemes and scheme funding rules, consult widely and provide reasonable timeframes for consultation with interested parties.

In 2011–12 the ARC has consulted relevant stakeholders when reviewing and developing NCGP schemes including the Industrial Transformation Research Program, Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme, Science of Learning Research Centre and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network.

218


STANDARD PERFORMANCE

ADMINISTRATION OF ERA

We will make available on our website accurate advice and information about the initiative.

The ARC website contains extensive information about the ERA initiative.

We will act fairly in accordance with our published guidelines.

The ARC did not receive any general complaints in relation to the administration of ERA.

We will, when reviewing ERA policy and processes, consult widely and provide reasonable timeframes for consultation.

Three ERA consultations were undertaken in 2011–12 with feedback informing the development of the rules and documentation for ERA 2012.

POLICy ADvICE

We will consult with appropriate parties to ensure the views of all stakeholders are properly considered.

Where appropriate the ARC has consulted stakeholders when developing policy advice.

We will ensure policy decisions are evidence based. Wherever possible the ARC analyses collected data to inform policy decisions.

We will provide a reasonable timeframe for comments.

The ARC did not receive any general complaints in relation to timeframes provided when seeking comments.

We will provide information about our decision. Where appropriate the ARC provides information about decisions to stakeholders directly or by publishing on the ARC website.

ONLINE SERvICES

We will aim to have the ARC website accessible at least 98 per cent of the time. There may be times when it is not accessible due to technical upgrades or scheduled maintenance. The ARC will endeavour to keep down times to a minimum.

The ARC website was available greater than 98 per cent of the time during 2011–12.

PRIvACy

We will respect the confidentiality of your personal information and use it only in accordance with the law. We will give you access to your personal information if you request it.

The ARC has clearly defined procedures for dealing with personal information gathered as part of the agency’s responsibilities for the NCGP and ERA.

APPENDICES

219


APPENDIX 8: WORk HEALTH AND SAFETyUnder the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) the ARC is required to report in its annual report on the following matters:

(a) initiatives taken during the year to ensure the health, safety and welfare of workers who carry out work for the ARC;

(b) health and safety outcomes achieved as a result of the initiatives mentioned;

(c) statistics of any notifiable incidents of which the ARC became aware during the year that arose out of the conduct of businesses or undertakings by the agency;

(d) any investigations conducted during the year that related to businesses or undertakings conducted by the ARC, including details of all notices given to the entity during the year under Part 10 of the WHS Act; and

(e) such other matters as are required by the guidelines approved on behalf of the Parliament by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit.

HEALTH AND SAFETy INITIATIVESDuring the year the ARC undertook a range of initiatives in preparation for commencement of the WHS Act. Chapter 10 provides further details. The ARC held Work Health and Safety Committee meetings and continued to provide:

> first aid training to nominated first aid officers within the ARC;

> employer-subsidised eyesight testing for screen-based work;

> training for fire wardens and health and safety representatives;

> influenza vaccinations to employees and contractors; and

> workstation assessments.

HEALTH AND SAFETy OUTCOMESFour incidents were reported to the Director, People and Services, in accordance with the department’s incident notification and reporting procedures.

NOTIFIABLE INCIDENTSUnder the WHS Act, a notifiable incident is one involving death of a person, serious injury or illness of a person, or a dangerous incident. The ARC had no notifiable incidents during 2011–12.

INVESTIGATIONS INCLUDING DETAILS OF ALL NOTICESUnder the WHS Act, improvement, prohibition or non-disturbance notices may be issued to the agency. The ARC was not issued with any notices and there were no investigations undertaken during 2011–12.

ANy OTHER MATTERSThere are no other matters required by the guidelines.

220


APPENDIX 9: ADVERTISING AND MARkET RESEARCHUnder section 311(a) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 agencies are required to report in their annual report on payments made to advertising agencies, market research organisations, polling organisations, direct mail organisations and media advertising organisations.

In 2011–12 the ARC paid a total of $32 706 to Adcorp Australia Ltd, $3086 to the Australian Public Service Commission, $700 to the National Web Directory Pty Ltd and $500 to Uni Jobs – CBT Corp Pty Ltd for advertising costs. The advertising was undertaken to promote the ARC, advertise ARC programs and to recruit employees.

No advertising campaigns were undertaken by the ARC during 2011–2012. The ARC did not employ the services of market research, polling or direct mail organisations during the year.

APPENDICES

221


APPENDIX 10: ECOLOGICALLy SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTThis report on ecologically sustainable development and environmental matters is provided in accordance with section 516(a) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

ACCORDANCE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ORGANISATION AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF LEGISLATION By THE ORGANISATION WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGICALLy SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The NCGP provides funding for all disciplines including research relevant to ecologically sustainable development and environmental protection.

‘An environmentally sustainable Australia’ is one of the four national research priorities of the Australian Government.

A summary of research projects with funding commencing in 2011–12 in the area of an environmentally sustainable Australia is provided in Table A10.1

CONTRIBUTION OF THE OUTCOMES SPECIFIED IN A RELEVANT APPROPRIATION ACT TO ECOLOGICALLy SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The ARC receives its administered funding through an appropriation in the Australian Research Council Act 2001. This funding is reported in the PBS under a single outcome: Growth of knowledge and innovation through managing research funding schemes, measuring research excellence and providing advice.

Under the NCGP the ARC supports a research capability that addresses issues of national significance including health, social welfare, defence, transport, communications, and the environment.

222


table a10.1: New arC-funded research projects in the area of an environmentally sustainable australia, funding commencing in 2011–12

SCHEME PROJECTS (NO.) AND % OF TOTAL

TOTAL FUNDING ($) AND % OF

TOTAL

Australian Laureate Fellowships 2011

Environment proposals funded 2 5 199 883

Total funded proposals 17 44 516 902

Environment as % of total 11.8 11.7

ARC Future Fellowships 2011 Environment proposals funded 42 30 310 816



Discovery Projects 2012 Environment proposals funded 141 46 269 307



Linkage Projects 2011 (Rd 2) and 2012 (Rd 1)




Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities 2012




Super Science Fellowships 2011*



Environment as % of total 38.1 38

* The data for Super Science Fellowships refers only to Round 2 Projects for funding commencing in 2011. It refers to the number of projects awarded rather than the number of fellowships.

APPENDICES

223


EFFECT OF THE ARC’S ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT

As indicated in Table A10.1, under the NCGP the ARC supports a broad range of research relevant to ecologically sustainable development. The research outcomes will benefit Australians by increasing understanding of, and offering solutions to, problems such as the efficient and sustainable use of finite resources.

The ARC recognises its daily activities have a negative impact on the environment through the use of electricity, vehicles, water, paper and other materials, and the generation of waste. Measures to minimise such impact are outlined below.

MEASURES BEING TAkEN TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF THE ARC’S ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Building

The ARC leases office space in 11 Lancaster Place Majura Park, Canberra. Majura Park houses one of the largest tri-generation plants in Australia. Tri-generation is a process wherein natural gas is used as the single input source of energy to generate electricity. Excess energy that would have been lost during the production of electricity is used to heat the buildings in winter and cool them in summer.

In addition to producing three forms of energy, tri-generation provides efficiencies of 90 per cent. This far surpasses the Commonwealth Green Lease Requirement of 4.5 Star NABERS (The National Australian Building Environment Rating System). It also equates to less than half the carbon dioxide emissions of a 5 Star NABERS building.

In 2011–12 ARC staff participated in the ‘Earth Hour 2012’ initiative held on 31 March 2012 by switching off computers and other electrical appliances. Staff were asked not to enter ARC offices during this period. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about energy usage.

ICt services

In 2011–12 the ARC made significant ICT infrastructure changes through the in-sourcing of all ICT services. Changes to the ARC server, storage, network, desktop and application delivery and management have all contributed to the overall sustainability and greening of ICT within the ARC.

The Australian Government ICT Sustainability Plan provides target guidelines for agencies to measure against over the five-year plan. The ARC has exceeded the mid-point targets and in some cases has also exceeded the year five targets for sustainability. This has been achieved through awareness of products and services that not only help the agency meet these targets but also return financial savings to the agency.

In terms of the Summary Measures of the ICT Sustainability Plan the ARC can record the following achievements.

Sustainable procurement

The ARC is using approved procurement practices introduced from July 2012 and has recently introduced the use of 50 per cent recycled office copy and print paper. All hardware purchased during the desktop refresh in 2011–12 had gold certification from EPEAT (the global registry for greener electronics), meaning that it met all required environmental criteria plus more than 75 per cent of optional criteria.

224


table a10.2: Managing resource consumption and demand

TARGET CONSUMPTION

Internal copy paper per end user (reams per annum) 13 10

Desktop computers to printer ratio 14:1 16:1

Desktop devices per end user 1.4:1 1.12:1

Managing eWaste

In relation to e-waste reused or recycle – as part of the recent ARC desktop refresh all PCs, Monitors and Peripherals were donated to the Computers for Schools initiative managed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

In relation to ICT packaging recycled – all packaging accompanying ICT equipment received by the ARC is recycled using services and facilities provided by the Canberra Airport Group as a facility lease inclusions.

table a10.3: Managing energy consumptions

TARGET CONSUMPTION

Desktop energy per end user (kWh per annum and averaged across agency) 400 105

Power usage effectiveness in data centres and server room 2.5 2.0 (est)

Desktop computers off after hours 90% ARC ICT policy

Mechanisms, if any, for reviewing and increasing the effectiveness of these measures

The Canberra Airport Group has control over all building-related matters for all tenants, including the ARC, within Majura Park.

Assessment of the effectiveness of ICT environmental strategies is undertaken at the ARC Senior Management Group, Strategic Budget and Human Resources, and ICT Governance committee meetings.

APPENDICES

225


APPENDIX 11: CORRECTION OF ERRORSUnder the Annual Report Requirements agencies are required to identify errors in the previous annual report.

The Australian Research Council (ARC) Annual Report 2010–11 omitted to provide information about investigations conducted by the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Office that had been finalised during the year (page 87 of the report).

In the ARC Annual Report 2009–10, the ARC reported that the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Office had initiated two investigations during that year and that, as at 30 June 2010, the ARC had not been advised of the outcome of one of those investigations. The ARC received advice from the Ombudsman’s office in September 2010 that it had recorded an administrative deficiency in relation to this matter.

226


APPENDIX 12: STAFF STATISTICSCLASSIFICATION LEVELtable a12.1: all staff by classification level (at 30 June 2011 and 2012) (actuals)

CLASSIFICATION 2011 2012

SES Band 3 0 0

SES Band 2 1 0

SES Band 1 5 4

Executive Level 2 15 16

Executive Level 1 30 36

APS 6 (ARC Level 3) 27 32

APS 4–5 (ARC Level 2) 29 32

APS 1–3 (ARC Level 1) 5 5

TOTAL 112 125

EMPLOyMENT STATUStable a12.2: all staff by employment category, employment status and gender (at 30 June 2011 and 2012)

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY / STATUS

MALE FEMALE TOTAL FEMALES AS % OF TOTAL

2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012

ONGOING

Full-time 32 38 54 61 86 99 63 62

Part-time 0 1 12 15 12 16 100 94

Sub-total 32 39 66 76 98 115 67 66

NON-ONGOING

Full-time 8 2 5 8 13 10 38 80

Part-time 0 0 1 0 1 0 100 0

Sub-total 8 2 6 8 14 10 43 80

TOTAL 40 41 72 84 112 125 64 67

APPENDICES

227


GENDER

table a12.3: all staff by classification level and gender (at 30 June 2011 and 2012)

CLASSIFICATION MALE FEMALE TOTAL FEMALES AS % OF TOTAL

2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012

SES Band 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SES Band 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 100 0

SES Band 1 4 1 1 3 5 4 20 75

Executive Level 2 6 7 9 9 15 16 60 56

Executive Level 1 6 11 24 25 30 36 80 69

APS 6 (ARC Level 3) 11 11 16 21 27 32 59 66

APS 4/5 (ARC Level 2) 11 9 18 23 29 32 62 72

APS 1–3 (ARC Level 1) 2 2 3 3 5 5 60 60

TOTAL 40 41 72 84 112 125 64 67

EMPLOyMENT ARRANGEMENTS

table a12.4: Employment arrangements covering staff (at 30 June 2011 and 2012)

EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENT STAFF 2011

(NO.)

2012

(NO.)

ARC Enterprise Agreement SES 0 0

Non-SES 94 115

Australian Workplace Agreements SES 0 0

Non-SES 13 7

Common Law Contracts SES 5 4

Non-SES 0 0

s. 24(1) Determinations SES 0 0

Non-SES1 4 2

Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs) SES 0 0

Non-SES 0 4

1 Non-SES Employees with a section 24(1) Determination or IFA are also covered by the Enterprise Agreement. As a result the total number of agreements is higher than the total number of staff by the number of section 24(1) Determinations and IFAs. The acting CEO is also covered by a Common Law Contract but not included in staffing figures as an Office holder.

228


APPENDIX 13: LEGAL SERVICES EXPENDITURETable 13.1 reports on the ARC’s legal services expenditure in accordance with the Legal Services Directions (2005). The Directions require Chief Executives of FMA Act agencies to ensure that their agency publishes its legal services expenditure by 30 October each year. The ARC publishes this information in its annual report.

table a13.1: Legal services expenditure report (inclusive of GSt), 2011–12

TOTALS $

total Costs recovered 0.00

total External Legal Services Expenditure 49 703.09

total Internal Legal Services Expenditure 298 468.71

Total (External + Internal) Expenditure 348 171.80

SUMMARy OF ExTERNAL LEGAL SERvICES ExPENDITURE

Total value of briefs to counsel (A) 0.00

Total value of disbursements (excluding counsel) (B) 143.69

Total value of professional fees paid (C) 49 559.40

total External Legal Services Expenditure (a + B + C) 49 703.09

COUNSEL

Number of briefs to male counsel 0

Number of briefs to female counsel 0

total number of briefs to counsel 0

Number of direct briefs to male counsel (including direct briefs) 0

Number of direct briefs to female counsel (including direct briefs) 0

total number of direct briefs to counsel (a) 0

Total value of briefs to male counsel (including direct briefs) 0.00

Total value of briefs to female counsel (including direct briefs) 0.00

total value of briefs to Counsel (a) 0.00

DISBURSEMENTS

total value of disbursements (excluding counsel) (B) 143.69

PROFESSIONAL FEES

Australian Government Solicitor 49 559.40

total value of professional fees paid (C) 49 559.40

APPENDICES

229


APPENDIX 14: COMMUNICATIONMEDIA RELEASES 2011–12

Issued by the Minister for tertiary Education, Skills, Science and research

June 2012 > Industry-based research solving 21st century problems (30 June 2012)

> Research to help secure Australia’s future (26 June 2012)

> Australia’s synchrotron to continue conducting world leading research (22 June 2012)

May 2012 > New CEO of the Australian Research Council (28 May 2012)

April 2012 > $10 million boost for Prime Minister’s Science Engineering and Innovation Council (11 April 2012)

March 2012 > Million dollar grant to help Nobel Laureate to continue mapping southern skies (30 March 2012)

Issued by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and research

December 2011 > $249 million for university-business R & D partnerships (9 December 2011)

> A big thank you to our Australian Research Council CEO (6 December 2011)

November 2011 > The next big thing in flight simulation (18 November 2011)

> Starting – and keeping – researchers on the path of discovery (14 November 2011)

> Stem cells may hold the answers (10 November 2011)

> Research for a richer, fairer, greener and healthier future (1 November 2011)

> Transforming our manufacturing industry through research (1 November 2011)

> Future looks tastier thanks to Australian researchers (1 November 2011)

> Researchers protect Australia against climate change (1 November 2011)

> Research for a healthier future (1 November 2011)

> Improving the lives of Indigenous Australians (1 November 2011)

> ACT researchers map the night sky and help predict tsunamis (1 November 2011)

> NSW researchers to develop search and rescue robots (1 November 2011)

> NT researchers help preserve Indigenous literature (1 November 2011)

> QLD researchers analyse social media use during emergencies (1 November 2011)

> SA researchers study ancient climates and create smart wine bungs (1 November 2011)

230


> Tasmanian researchers study climate change and fight malaria (1 November 2011)

> Greener cards on the horizon thanks to local researchers (1 November 2011)

> WA researchers lay foundations for national broadband network (1 November 2011)

August 2011 > The world’s best minds helping improve Australian lives (10 August 2011)

July 2011 > A Decade of Discovery – Australian Research Council (14 July 2011)

Issued by the australian research Council

April 2012 > Empowering a secure and safer Australia (18 April 2012)

> International researchers make Australia home (5 April 2012)

March 2012 > ARC Fellows honoured (27 March 2012)

> 147 standout researchers to help evaluate our research strengths (8 March 2012)

October 2011 > ERA 2012 Research Evaluation Committee Chairs (24 October 2011)

> ARC congratulates our Nobel Fellow (5 October 2011)

September 2011 > Sciverse Scopus to be citation provider for ERA 2012 (9 September 2011)

APPENDICES

231


APPENDIX 15: AGENCy RESOURCE STATEMENTS table a15.1: agency resource Statement 2011–12

ACTUAL AvAILABLE APPROPRIATION

FOR 2011–12

$’000

(A)

PAYMENTS MADE

2011–12

$’000

(B)

BALANCE REMAINING

2011–12

$’000

(A)-(B)

Ordinary annual services

Departmental appropriation1 26 322 19 260 7 062

total 26 322 19 260 7 062

administered expenses

Outcome 1 2 539 2 646

total 2 539 2 646

total ordinary annual services a 28 861 21 906

Other services

Departmental non-operating

Equity injections2 2 954 1 132 1 822

total 2 954 1 132 1 822

total other services B 2 954 1 132

total available annual appropriations and payments

31 815 23 038

Special appropriations

Special appropriations limited by criteria/entitlement

ARC Act 2001 808 837 797 873

total special appropriations C 808 837 797 873

Special accounts

Opening balance 3 933

Appropriation receipts 15 376

Appropriation receipts – other agencies3 6 901

Payments made 16 662

total special account D 26 210 16 662 9 548

232


ACTUAL AvAILABLE APPROPRIATION

FOR 2011–12

$’000

(A)

PAYMENTS MADE

2011–12

$’000

(B)

BALANCE REMAINING

2011–12

$’000

(A)-(B)

TOTAL RESOURCING AND PAyMENTS A+B+C+D 866 862 837 573

Less appropriations drawn from annual or special appropriations above and credited to special accounts through annual appropriations

15 376 15 376

TOTAL NET RESOURCING AND PAyMENTS FOR ARC 851 486 822 197

1 Appropriation Bill (No.1) 2011-12 and Appropriation Bill (No.3) 2011-12. This includes Prior Year departmental appropriation and S.31 relevant agency receipts. Includes an amount of $1.677m in 2011–12 for the Departmental Capital Budget. For accounting purposes this amount has been designated as ‘contributions by owners’.

2 Appropriation Bill (No.2) 2011–12 and Appropriation Bill (No.4) 2011–12.3 Appropriation receipts from other agencies credited to ARC’s Research Endowment Account (special account).

table a15.2: Expenses and resources for Outcome 1

OUTCOME 1: GROWTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND INNOvATION THROUGH MANAGING RESEARCH FUNDING SCHEMES, MEASURING RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AND PROvIDING ADvICE.

BUDGET 2011–12

$’000

(A)

ACTUAL EXPENSES

2011–12

$’000

(B)

vARIATION 2011–12

$’000

(A)-(B)

PROGRAM 1.1: DISCOvERy—RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING

Administered expenses

Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Bill No. 1) 40 6 34

Special appropriations 502 229 533 635 -31 406

Departmental expenses

Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Bill No. 1) 7 589 7 350 239

Expenses not requiring appropriation in the Budget year 465 316 149

total for Program 1.1 510 323 541 307 -30 984

PROGRAM 1.2: LINKAGE—CROSS-SECTOR RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS


Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Bill No. 1) 534 480 54

Special appropriations 314 399 284 283 30 116

Special Accounts 11 209 16 662 -5 453




total for Program 1.2 336 114 310 949 25 165

APPENDICES

233


OUTCOME 1: GROWTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND INNOvATION THROUGH MANAGING RESEARCH FUNDING SCHEMES, MEASURING RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AND PROvIDING ADvICE.

BUDGET 2011–12

$’000

(A)

ACTUAL EXPENSES

2011–12

$’000

(B)

vARIATION 2011–12

$’000

(A)-(B)

PROGRAM 1.3: ExCELLENCE IN RESEARCH FOR AUSTRALIA




Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Bill No. 1) 3 586 1 997 1 589


total for Program 1.3 6 016 4 253 1 763

OUTCOME 1: TOTALS By APPROPRIATION TyPE



Special appropriations 816 628 817 918 -1 290

Special Accounts 11 209 16 662 -5 453


Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Bill No. 1) 20 682 18 555 2 127

Expenses not requiring appropriation in the Budget year 1 395 947 448

total expenses for Outcome 1 852 453 856 509 -4 056

2010–11 2011–12

Average Staffing Level (number) 107 107

* Full-year budget, including any subsequent adjustment made to the 2011–12 Budget.

234


LISt OF FIGUrES aND taBLES

aBBrEVIatIONS aND aCrONYMS

GLOSSarY

COMPLIaNCE INDEX

aLPHaBEtICaL INDEX

PART 6REFERENCE

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLESFIGURES Page

Figure 3.1: ARC total appropriated resources, 2011–12 18

Figure 3.2: Structure of the ARC 19

Figure 3.3: ARC performance framework 23

Figure 8.1: Key ARC committees 86

Figure 10.1: ARC staff by classification 97

Figure 10.2: Ongoing and non-ongoing ARC staff 97

Figure 10.3: ARC staffing by gender 97

TABLES Page

Table 1.1: Summary of progress against 2011–12 priority actions 6

Table 5.1: Discovery Program performance framework 41

Table 5.2: Discovery Program deliverables 42

Table 5.3: Discovery Program, performance against key performance indicators 50

Table 6.1: Linkage Program performance framework 60

Table 6.2: Linkage Program deliverables 61

Table 6.3: Linkage Program, performance against key performance indicators 68

Table 7.1: ERA performance framework 76

Table 7.2: ERA deliverables 77

Table 7.3: ERA, performance against key performance indicators 82

Table 10.1: Staff separations by classification level and employment category, 2010–11 and 2011–12 98

Table 10.2: Employment arrangements covering staff (at 30 June 2011 and 2012) 99

Table 10.3: Training and development by classification level, 2011–12 101

Table 11.1: Requests under the FOI Act, 2009–10 to 2011–12 105

Table A1.1: Mapping of key performance indicators 186

Table A2.1: Discovery Program funding schemes 188

Table A2.2: Linkage Program funding schemes 189

Table A3.1: Discovery Program, new funding commencing in 2009–10 to 2011–12 190

Table A3.2: Linkage Program, new funding commencing in 2009–10 to 2011–12 191

Table A4.1: Discovery and Linkage Program, research outputs 195

Table A4.2: Discovery and Linkage Programs, fellowships and awards 196

TABLESTable 1.1: Summary of progress against 2011–12 priority actions 6

Table 5.1: Discovery Program performance framework 41

Table 5.2: Discovery Program deliverables 42

Table 5.3: Discovery Program, performance against key performance indicators 50

Table 6.1: Linkage Program performance framework 60

Table 6.2: Linkage Program deliverables 61

Table 6.3: Linkage Program, performance against key performance indicators 68

Table 7.1: ERA performance framework 76

Table 7.2: ERA deliverables 77

Table 7.3: ERA, performance against key performance indicators 82

Table 10.1: Staff separations by classification level and employment category, 2010–11 and 2011–12 98

Table 10.2: Employment arrangements covering staff (at 30 June 2011 and 2012) 99

Table 10.3: Training and development by classification level, 2011–12 101

Table 11.1: Requests under the FOI Act, 2009–10 to 2011–12 105

Table A1.1: Mapping of key performance indicators 186

Table A2.1: Discovery Program funding schemes 188

Table A2.2: Linkage Program funding schemes 189

Table A3.1: Discovery Program, new funding commencing in 2009–10 to 2011–12 190

Table A3.2: Linkage Program, new funding commencing in 2009–10 to 2011–12 191

Table A4.1: Discovery and Linkage Program, research outputs 195

FIGURESFigure 3.1: ARC total appropriated resources, 2011–12 18

Figure 3.2: Structure of the ARC 19

Figure 3.3: ARC performance framework 23

Figure 8.1: Key ARC committees 86

Figure 10.1: ARC staff by classification 97

Figure 10.2: Ongoing and non-ongoing ARC staff 97

Figure 10.3: ARC staffing by gender 97

236


Page

Table A4.3: Discovery Projects and Linkage Projects schemes, research personnel outputs for funding commencing in 2007 197

Table A4.4: Linkage Projects scheme, partner organisation contributions by type of organisation 198

Table A4.5: Discovery and Linkage Programs, projects involving international collaboration as a proportion of total projects funded 199

Table A4.6: Discovery and Linkage Programs, research in national research priority areas, 2011–12 200

Table A4.7: ARC Centres of Excellence, research outputs, 2011 201

Table A5.1: Powers and responsibilities of the Minister under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 202

Table A6.1: ARC Advisory Council, 2011–12 204

Table A6.2: ARC Audit Committee, 2011–12 204

Table A6.3: Other ARC governance committees, 2011–12 205

Table A6.4: ARC Appeals Committee, 2011–12 205

Table A6.5: ARC College, 2011–12 206

Table A6.6: ARC Scrutiny Committee, 2011–12 210

Table A6.7: Australian Laureate Fellowships Selection Advisory Committee (SAC), 2012 210

Table A6.8: Future Fellowships SAC, 2011 211

Table A6.9: Synchrotron SAC, 2012 212

Table A6.10: ERA 2012 Research Evaluation Committees 213

Table A6.11: Australian Research Integrity Committee 217

Table A7.1: Summary of performance against the ARC client service charter, 2011–12 218

Table A10.1: New ARC-funded research projects in the area of an environmentally sustainable Australia, funding commencing in 2011–12 223

Table A10.2: Managing resource consumption and demand 225

Table A10.3: Managing energy consumptions 225

Table A12.1: All staff by classification level (at 30 June 2011 and 2012) (actuals) 227

Table A12.2: All staff by employment category, employment status and gender (at 30 June 2011 and 2012) 227

Table A12.3: All staff by classification level and gender (at 30 June 2011 and 2012) 228

Table A12.4: Employment arrangements covering staff (at 30 June 2011 and 2012) 228

Table A13.1: Legal services expenditure report (inclusive of GST), 2011–12 229

Table A15.1: Agency Resource Statement 2011–12 232

Table A15.2: Expenses and Resources for Outcome 1 233

REFERENCE

237


ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONyMSAABC Australian Broadcasting

Commission

ACPFG Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics

ANAO Australian National Audit Office

ANU Australian National University

APAI Australian Postgraduate Award Industry

APDI Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (Industry)

APS Australian Public Service

ARC Australian Research Council

ARC Act Australian Research Council Act 2001

ARIC Australian Research Integrity Committee

ARMS Australasian Research Management Society

ATSIRN Special Research Initiative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Network

AWA Australian Workplace Agreement

C Cardiac-ARIA Cardiac Accessibility and

Remoteness Index for Australia

CCI ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation

CEED ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions

CEIs ARC Chief Executive Instructions

CEO Chief Executive Officer

CILR ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research

CPGs Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines

CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

DDECRA Discovery Early Career

Researcher Award

DIISR Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

DIISRTE Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education

DP Discovery Projects scheme

EECR early career researcher

EOI expression of interest

ERA Excellence in Research for Australia

238


FFMA Act Financial Management and

Accountability Act 1997

FOI freedom of information

FOI Act Freedom of Information Act 1982

FOR field of research

FT Future Fellowships scheme

GGST goods and services tax

IICA International Collaboration Awards

ICT information and communications technology

IFA Individual Flexibility Arrangement

IPS Information Publication Scheme

IT information technology

kKPI key performance indicator

LLIEF Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment

and Facilities scheme

LP Linkage Projects scheme

MMinister, the Minister for Tertiary Education,

Skills, Science and Research

NNCGP National Competitive Grants

Program

NCGRT National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training

NCI National Computational Infrastructure

NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council

NICTA National ICT Australia

NLA National Library of Australia

NRP national research priority

NWC National Water Commission

OOHS Act Occupational Health and Safety

(Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991

PPBS Portfolio Budget Statements

PMSEIC Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council

PS Act Public Service Act 1999

REFERENCE

239


qQEII Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship

RR&D research and development

REC Research Evaluation Committee

RFID Radio Frequency Identification

RMS Research Management System

SSAC Selection Advisory Committee

SEER System to Evaluate the Excellence of Research

SES Senior Executive Service

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

UUS United States

USA United States of America

WWCAGs Web Content Accessibility

Guidelines

WHS Work Health and Safety

240


GLOSSARyadministered items

Those assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses controlled by the Australian Government and managed or overseen by agencies or authorities on behalf of the Australian Government.

Chief Investigator

A researcher who takes significant intellectual responsibility for the conduct of an ARC-funded project. They must have the capacity to make a serious commitment to carrying out the project, be employed by an eligible organisation and meet the other eligibility requirements for the scheme.

Citation

A reference to a research publication in another research publication. The number of citations received by a publication is considered to provide an indication of the potential use of a researcher’s work by fellow researchers. The basic premise is that a frequently cited paper has had a greater influence on subsequent research activities than a paper with no citations or only a few.

Collaborating organisations

Include administering organisations, eligible organisations and partner organisations.

Departmental items

Those assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses controlled by agencies or authorities and used in producing their outputs.

Early career researcher

A researcher who has held a PhD or equivalent research doctorate for a period of five years or fewer at the time of application.

Early career researcher-only proposal

A proposal on which all proposed chief investigators and fellows are early-career researchers.

Final report

Successful applicants for funding under the NCGP are required to provide a report to the ARC on completion of their research project (within six months of completing the research). The report includes a range of data and information including a description of research outcomes, academic and commercialisation outputs and details of collaboration.

Funding round

The year funding for new grants commences.

Host Organisation

An organisation, other than the administering organisation, where a Future Fellow does their research.

Invention disclosure

An invention disclosure occurs when a device, substance, method or process that is apparently new, useful and involves an inventive step is made known to personnel within an institution who have responsibility for managing the institution’s patenting and research commercialisation activities.

Licence agreement

A licence agreement formalises the transfer of technology between two parties, where the owner of the technology (the licensor) permits the other party (the licensee) to share the rights to use the technology.

Non-traditional research outputs

Research outputs which do not take the form of tradition research books, book chapters, journal articles, conference publications.

Partner investigator

Researchers who are not eligible to be Chief Investigators under Discovery Projects and Linkage Projects grants, but who are taking significant intellectual responsibility for the research, can apply as Partner Investigators.

REFERENCE

241


Patent

A patent is an intellectual property right relating to inventions. A patent for an invention is granted to the applicant, and gives him or her the right for a limited period to stop others from making, using or selling the invention without permission.

Portable and attractive equipment

Items with a value below the ARC’s asset capitalisation threshold of $2000 and are susceptible to theft or loss due to their portable nature and attractiveness for personal use or resale.

Start-up companies

In this annual report, start-up companies refers to companies engaged in businesses that were dependent, for their formation, upon licensing or assignment of technology developed in ARC-funded research projects.

Success rate

The number of awards made in a year as a percentage of the total number of applications (excluding those applications withdrawn prior to the assessment process).

242


COMPLIANCE INDEXAUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL ACT 2001

REPORT SECTION / DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT PAGE(S)

DESCRIPTION

Particulars of any Ministerial requests for advice about research matters Mandatory N/A

Particulars of any Ministerial directions about performance of the ARC’s functions

Mandatory 85

Particulars of any Ministerial notifications of general policies of the Commonwealth that are to apply to the ARC, its committees or the staff

Mandatory N/A

An assessment of the ARC’s performance against the performance indicators set out in the strategic plan

Mandatory 50–51, 68–69, 82

Preparation in accordance with guidelines of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA)

Mandatory See below

MINISTERIAL DIRECTIONS ISSUED UNDER THE ARC ACT

In December 2002 the Minister provided a direction to the ARC about the implementation of national research priorities. The direction included a requirement (part (e)) that ‘the ARC will report on national research priorities through documents such as its strategic plan, annual report and the Innovation Report’.

Mandatory 49, 50, 69, 194, 200

REqUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORTS


GENERAL

Letter of transmittal Mandatory iii

Table of contents Mandatory iv–v

Index Mandatory 247–253

Glossary Mandatory 241–42

Contact officer(s) Mandatory vi

Internet home page address and Internet address for report Mandatory vi

REvIEw By CHIEF ExECUTIvE OFFICER

Review by CEO Mandatory 2–5

Summary of significant issues and developments Suggested 3

Overview of performance and financial results Suggested 3–5

REFERENCE

243



Outlook for following year Suggested 5

Significant issues and developments–portfolio Suggested N/A

DEPARTMENTAL OvERvIEw

Role and functions Mandatory 15

Organisational structure Mandatory 19

Outcome and program structure Mandatory 22

Where outcome and program structures differ from PBS/PAES or other portfolio statements accompanying any other additional appropriation bills, details of variation and reasons for change

Mandatory N/A

Portfolio structure Mandatory N/A

REPORT ON PERFORMANCE

Review of performance during the year in relation to programs and contribution to outcomes

Mandatory 25–82

Actual performance in relation to deliverables and KPIs set out in PBS/PAES or other portfolio statements

Mandatory 50–51, 68–69, 82

Where performance targets differ from the PBS/PAES, details of both former and new targets, and reasons for the change

Mandatory 22

Narrative discussion and analysis of performance Mandatory 25–82

Trend information Mandatory 190–201

Significant changes in nature of principal functions/services Suggested N/A

Performance of purchaser/provider arrangements Suggested N/A

Factors, events or trends influencing departmental performance Suggested N/A

Contribution of risk management in achieving objectives Suggested 89–90

Social inclusion outcomes If applicable, mandatory

N/A

Performance against service charter customer service standards, complaints data and response to complaints

If applicable, mandatory

94

Discussion and analysis of financial performance Mandatory 117

Discussion of any significant changes from the prior year or from the budget or anticipated to have a significant impact on future operations

Mandatory 117

Agency resource statement and summary resource tables by outcomes Mandatory 232–34

CORPORATE GOvERNANCE

Agency heads are required to certify that their agency comply with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines

Mandatory iii

Statement of the main corporate governance practices in place Mandatory 84–91

Names of the senior executive and their responsibilities Suggested 20–21

244



Senior management committees and their roles Suggested 86–88

Corporate and operational planning and associated performance reporting and review

Suggested 89

Approach adopted to identifying areas of significant financial or operational risk

Suggested 89–90

Policy and practices on the establishment and maintenance of appropriate ethical standards

Suggested 91

How nature and amount of remuneration for SES officers is determined Suggested 100

ExTERNAL SCRUTINy

Significant developments in external scrutiny Mandatory 92–95

Judicial decisions and decisions of administrative tribunals Mandatory 94

Reports by the Auditor-General, a Parliamentary Committee or the Commonwealth Ombudsman

Mandatory 93–94

MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Assessment of effectiveness in managing and developing human resources to achieve objectives

Mandatory 96

Workforce planning, staff turnover and retention Suggested 98

Impact and features of enterprise or collective agreements, individual flexibility arrangements (IFAs), determinations, common law contracts and Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs)

Suggested 98–100

Training and development undertaken and its impact Suggested 100

Work health and safety performance Suggested 100–1

Productivity gains Suggested 101

Statistics on staffing Mandatory 97

Enterprise or collective agreements, IFAs, determinations, common law contracts and AWAs

Mandatory 98–100

Performance pay Mandatory 100

ASSETS MANAGEMENT

Assessment of effectiveness of assets management If applicable, mandatory

108

PURCHASING

Assessment of purchasing against core policies and principles Mandatory 104

CONSULTANTS

Summary statement detailing the number of new consultancy services contracts let during the year; the total actual expenditure on all new consultancy contracts let during the year (inclusive of GST); the number of ongoing consultancy contracts that were active in the reporting year; and the total actual expenditure in the reporting year on the ongoing consultancy contracts (inclusive of GST)

Mandatory 104

REFERENCE

245



Statement noting that information on contracts and consultancies is available through the AusTender website

Mandatory 104

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE ACCESS CLAUSES

Absence of provision in contracts allowing access by the Auditor-General Mandatory 105

ExEMPT CONTRACTS

Contracts exempt from AusTender Mandatory 105

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial statements Mandatory 118–83

OTHER MANDATORy INFORMATION

Work health and safety (Schedule 2, Part 4 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011)

Mandatory 220

Advertising and market research (section 311A of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918) and statement on advertising campaigns

Mandatory 221

Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance (section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)

Mandatory 222–25

Compliance with the agency’s obligations under the Carer Recognition Act 2010

If applicable, mandatory

N/A

Grant programs Mandatory 95

Disability reporting–explicit and transparent reference to agency-level information available through other reporting mechanisms

Mandatory 95

Information Publication Scheme statement Mandatory 95

Correction of material errors in previous annual report If applicable, mandatory

95

List of requirements Mandatory 243–46

246


ALPHABETICAL INDEXaAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Researchers’ Network 3, 6, 62, 65

advertising and market research 221

Advisory Council 38, 86

membership of 204

Andersen, Tony 21

appeals 88, 94, 218

Appeals Committee 88

membership 205

ARC College 87

membership 206–9

asset management 108

Audit Committee 86–7

membership of 204

audits

auditors report 119–20

Australian National Audit Office 93

institutional reviews 91

internal 90

Australia Day Medallions 102

Australian Academy of Science awards 53

Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics 66

Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research 88

Australia in the Asian Century White Paper 12, 43, 62, 112

Australia−India Council 62

The Australian Innovation Challenge awards 53

Australian Innovation System Report 2011 8, 12

Australian Laureate Fellowships 8, 38–9, 42, 43, 46, 48, 188, 190

selection advisory committee 210

Australian National Audit Office 4, 93

Australian National University 11, 28, 32

Australian Research Council Act 2001 15, 85

Australian Research Integrity Committee 3–4, 6, 88-89

establishment 5, 12, 88

joint administration of 17

membership 217

operational procedures 89

role 88

Australian Research Management Society 110–1

Australian Synchrotron 11

Australian Workplace Agreements 99

awards 52-3, 101-2, 112

Bbionic vision

Research in Bionic Vision Science and Technology Initiative 65

Botten, Professor Lindsay 32, 32

budget 5, 10, 18, 74, 89, 117, 172−4, 232−4

Business Continuity Plan 90

Byrne, Professor Aidan 2, 11, 20

CCameron, Dr Fiona 20

capacity, key objective 6, 16, 186

Carr, Kim 8, 43, 79, 85

see also Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

Centres of Excellence 58, 64, 189–90, 201

for Autonomous Systems 57

for Creative Industries and Innovation 34

for Environmental Decisions 33

for Integrative Legume Research 35

for Policing and Security 10, 65

in Ore Deposits 31

Chan, Isa 102

Chen, Professor Min 52

Chief Executive Officer 2

functions 85

review 3–5

Chubb, Professor Ian 11

Client Service Charter 218–19

co-funded centres 64, 66–7

Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics 66

REFERENCE

247


National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training 64, 67, 67

National ICT Australia 66

Coleman, Professor Richard 20

College of Experts see ARC College

consultations 111

committees, key 86–8

Appeals Committee 88, 205–6

ARC Advisory Council 86, 204

ARC Audit Committee 86–7, 204

ARC College 87, 206–9

ARC Guidelines for Disclosure of Interests and Confidentiality Obligations 91

ARC Security Committee 86–7, 205

Australian Research Integrity Committee 88

ICT Governance Committee 86–7, 205

members, ethical behaviour 91

NCGP Executive Committee 88

People Management and Development Committee 86–7, 205

Research Evaluation Committees 77, 80

Salary Review Committee 86–7, 205

Scrutiny Committee 88, 210

selection advisory committees 210–12

Senior Management Group 86–7, 205

Strategic Budget and Human Resources Committee 86–7, 205

Work Health and Safety Committee 87, 205

Commonwealth Grants Guidelines 95

Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines 104

communication 101, 109

Discovery Program activities 42

enabling objective 16

forums 111, 114

grants announcement events 110

Inspiring Australia 113

Linkage Program activities 61

media releases and publications

network messages 114

Oceans and Coastal Communicators Network 113

research outcomes 111

social media 114

sponsorship 110

website 114

complaints 94

ARC Complaints Handling Policy and Procedures 91

compliance 4

index 243–6

consultants 104

expenditure on 104

selection 104

correction of errors 95, 226

Cram, Professor Lawrence 8

DDasgupta, Professor Mahananda 8, 43, 46

Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy 66

Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations 90, 225

Department of Finance and Deregulation 93

Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education 32, 43, 79, 93, 112

see also Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research 12-3, 110-1

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet 12, 95

disability reporting 95

Disaster Recovery Plan 90

Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme 6, 9, 20, 38–9, 42, 46–7, 188, 190

Discovery Indigenous scheme 4, 21, 28, 38, 42, 46, 188, 190

Discovery Indigenous Awards 46

Discovery Program 4, 6, 15, 39–51, 56–7, 188

assessment 45

changes 47

collaboration 48

communication activities 42

deliverables 41–2

funding 47–8

funding awarded 42

funding rules, revised 43

grants awarded 42

international networking 48

248


key performance indicators 41, 51–2, 193–201

NRP implementation 49

objectives 40–1

outcome and performance 40–1

overview 39

policy advice 43

postgraduate/postdoctoral support 46

recipients, progress and final reports 45

researchers supported 42, 46–7

Discovery Projects scheme 4, 6, 15, 20, 30, 39, 47, 188, 190

Discovery Outstanding Researcher Awards 46-7

Eecologically sustainable development 222–5

Elsevier

Sciverse Scopus 8, 80

employment conditions 98-100

enabling objectives see objectives, enabling

enterprise agreement 3, 8, 99

ERA see Excellence in Research for Australia

ethical behaviour 91

Eureka Prizes 52, 111–12

Evans, Chris 2, 9, 10, 15, 15, 85

Excellence in Research for Australia 3–4, 15, 37, 75–81

committees 77

deliverables 76–7

documentation 78

evaluations 81

funding 74

key performance indicators 76, 82

mission 76

objectives 76, 79

outcome 76, 79–81

overview 74–5

performance targets 37

processes, enhancements 78

Research Evaluation Committees 77, 80, 213–17

SEER 107

submissions 10, 79

external scrutiny 92–5

Australian National Audit Office 93

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner 94

parliamentary committees 93

Senate Economics Legislation Committee 92

Ffacilities

asset management 108

physical security 108

property management 108

records management 108

financial performance 116–17

financial services

consultants 104

contracts, exempt 104

purchasing 104

financial statements 121–83

Focusing Australia’s Publicly Funded Research 12

forums, participation 111, 114

fraud control 90

Freedom of Information 95, 105

requests 105

functions of the ARC 3, 15

funding 196

appropriated 5, 18

international research facilities 64

funding awarded

Discovery Program 42

Linkage Program 61

Future Fellowships 9, 20, 38–9, 46, 48, 188, 190

collaboration 48

selection advisory committee 211–12

GGarner, Laurence 102

Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship 8, 46

Global Research Council 44

Global Summit on Merit Review 6, 10, 43–4, 62

merit review principles 44

governance 84

Australian Research Council Act 2001 15, 85

REFERENCE

249


Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research 2, 8, 85

Public Service Act 1999 85

grants announcement events 110

grants awarded 42, 61

Gresshoff, Professor Peter 35, 35

ground water research 64

National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training 64, 67

Guidelines for Disclosure of Interests and Confidentiality Obligations 91

guiding principles 17

HHarvey, Leanne 3, 2–5, 10, 20

Health of Australian Science 11–12, 80

Health of Australian Science Advisory Group 43

IICT see information and

communications technology

ICT Governance Committee 86–7

membership 205

Indigenous Australians

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme 28

Special Research Initiative for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network 3, 62, 65

individual flexibility arrangements 99

Industrial Transformation Research Program 6, 9, 62

Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme 63, 65

information and communications technology

ecologically sustainable development 222–5

ICT Governance Committee 86–7


overview 106

RMS 107

SEER 107

services 107

Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth 13

Innovation in Australia showcase 111

Inspiring Australia 113

institutional reviews 91

Integrated Ocean Drilling Program 64

international

ARC international strategy 6, 43

collaboration 4, 43, 48, 51, 58, 68, 194, 199

comparisons 80

networking and mobility 38, 48

policy discussions 6, 38, 43-4, 62, 86

reports released 13

research facilities 64

research partners 4, 198, 201

visits and delegations 113, 201

International Collaboration Awards 48

ISIS Neutron Spallation Source 64

JJia, Dr Baohua 56, 56

Johnson, Professor Alan 8

KKarmakar, Associate Professor Nemai 72, 72

Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship 8, 46

Kaul, Akshra 102

Kelly, Dr Mary 21

Kendall, Professor Mark 53, 112, 112

key objectives see objectives, key

key performance indicators, 186

Discovery Program 41, 51–2

ERA 76, 82

Linkage Program 60, 68–9

Kitzler, Ondrej 28

LLarge, Professor Ross 31, 31

legal services 105

expenditure 229

legislation 15, 85, 94

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme 20, 32, 58, 64, 189–90

Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme 11, 58, 62, 189, 192

Linkage Program 189

collaboration 63

communication activities 61

250


deliverables 60–1

funding awarded 61

grants 61

key performance indicators 60, 68–9, 193–201

mission 60

objectives 60

outcome 60

overview 58

performance 59–60

policy advice 62

postgraduate/postdoctoral opportunities 63

researchers 61

selection rounds 62–3

Linkage Projects scheme 6, 11, 15, 29, 36, 58–73, 189

MMcKay, Dr Aaron 28

Maher, Dr Carol 36, 36

manufacturing

Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Manufacturing 12

Maximising the Innovation Dividend 12

media releases and publications 110, 230

merit review principles 44

Mildren, Professor Richard 28, 28

Millar, Professor A Harvey 53

Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

see also Carr, Kim

media releases 230

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research 2, 8, 10, 15

see also Evans, Chris

media releases 230

responsibilities and role 202–3

mission 16, 26

mission-based compacts 37

Monash University 72

Mylne, Dr Joshua 55, 55

NNANTEN2 Observatory 64

National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training 64, 67

National Competitive Grants Program 3–4, 15

ARC College 87

case studies 27–36


performance information 193–201

proposals received, and funded 4

RMS 107

National Health and Medical Research Council 3, 11


National Research Infrastructure Council 62

National Research Priorities 43, 49, 62, 194, 200

case studies 54−7, 70−3

implementation 49

goals 49

National Water Commission 67

NCGP see National Competitive Grants Program


Nelson, Lesley 20

Nobel Prize for Physics 8, 52

Norris, Professor Pippa 8, 43, 46

Oobjectives, enabling 16, 23

communication 16

organisation 16

objectives, key 6, 16, 23, 186–7

capacity 6, 16, 186

Discovery Program 40–1

ERA 76

Linkage Program 60

policy and evaluation 6, 16, 187

research 6, 16, 186

occupational health see work health and safety

Oceans and Coastal Communicators Network 113

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner 94

Ombudsman, Commonwealth 94, 226

organisation, objective 16

organisational structure 19

outcome 22–3, 26

case studies 27–38

Discovery Program 40–1, 51–2

REFERENCE

251


ERA 76

Linkage Program 60

outcomes and programs structure 22–3


ERA 76

Linkage Program 60

PPapadakis, Professor Elim 8

partner organisations 198

partnerships 4, 15, 43, 63, 65−7, 194

peer review


ERA, appointments 77

People Management and Development Committee 86–7

membership 205

performance 22, 193–201

Discovery Program 40–1, 50–1

ERA 76

framework 186

Linkage Program 60

Petersen, Professor Ian 8

policy advice 112

ARC 38, 112


Linkage Program 62

policy and evaluation, key objective 6, 16, 187

portfolio budget statements 22−3, 40−1, 59−60, 75−6, 89−90, 186−7

postgraduate/postdoctoral support 46, 48, 63

Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century 12

Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council 10, 62

Prime Minister’s Science Prizes 52

Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Manufacturing 12

prizes 52-3, 112

productivity gains 101

programs 22–3

property management 108

ecologically sustainable development 222–5

Public Service Act 1999 85

Section 24(1) Determinations 100

rRadoll, Dr Peter 28, 28

records management 108

remuneration 100

reporting 89

annual 89, 94–5, 243–6

Commonwealth Grants Guidelines 95

disability reporting 95

Freedom of Information 95, 105

grant programs 95

social inclusion outcomes 95

research

ARC key objective 6, 16, 186

outcomes 27−36, 54−7, 70−3, 111

outputs 195, 201

Research Administrators’ Seminar 114

Research Evaluation Committees 77, 80

appointments to 77, 80

membership 213–17

role of 88

Research in Bionic Vision Science and Technology Initiative 65

Research Management System 107

researchers supported 42, 61

Resource Statements 232–4

resources 18, 232–4

responsibilities, overview 14

risk management 4, 91

RMS see Research Management System

role of the ARC 15

SSalary Review Committee 86–7

membership 105

Sara, Professor vicki 8, 85, 85

Schmidt, Professor Brian 8, 10, 52

Sciverse Scopus 8, 80

Scrutiny Committee 88

membership 210

Security Committee 86–7

membership 205

SEER see System for Evaluation of Excellence in Australia

Senate Economics Legislation Committee 92

252


Senior Management Group 86–7

membership 105

Sheil, Professor Margaret 3, 8, 9–10, 43, 102, 112

Shine, Professor Rick 53, 73, 73

Simms, Professor Marian 20

Sir Nicholas Shackleton Medal 52

social inclusion 95

Special Research Initiatives scheme 64-5, 189, 192

for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network 3, 6, 62, 65

funding, extension 65

in Stem Cells Science 65

in Synchrotron Science 3, 58, 62

selection advisory committee 211–12

sponsorship, ARC 110-2

staff 96

ARC staff survey 5

Australian Workplace Agreements 99

classifications and category 98

common law contracts 100

conditions, overview 98

enterprise agreement 99

ethical behaviour 91

individual flexibility arrangements 99

People Management and Development Committee 86–7

remuneration 100

Salary Review Committee 86–7

Section 24(1) Determinations 100

Senior Management Group 86–7

statistics 97, 227–8

Strategic Budget and Human Resources Committee 86–7

training and development 100

turnover and retention 98

Work Health and Safety Committee 87

workforce planning 98

workplace arrangements 99

State Scientists of the Year 52

stem cell research

Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science 65

Stien, Claudia 102

Strategic Budget and Human Resources Committee 86–7

membership 105

strategic context 12

strategic plan 4, 8, 16-7, 22, 26, 40, 59, 75

overview 89

priority actions 43-45, 47, 62, 65, 77, 79, 89

Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research 12, 43, 112

2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure 8

Super Science Fellowships scheme 20, 39, 190

symposium 111

Sustainable Research Excellence 13

Swinburne University of Technology 56

synchrotron science 11, 11, 58

Australian Synchrotron 11

Special Research Initiative in Synchrotron Science 3, 62, 64

System for the Evaluation of Excellence in Research 107

tten year anniversary 8, 85

training and development 100

WW H (Beattie) Steel medal 52

waste management 225

website 114

Weigold, Professor Erich 8

Wells, Professor Andrew 44

Wernberg, Associate Professor Thomas 54, 54

work health and safety 100–1, 220

Work Health and Safety Committee 87, 101

membership 205

workplace policies 101

REFERENCE

253


254


Image credIts[from front to back and right to left]

Background: ©iStockphoto.com/Peter Zaharov

Green leaf: royalty free

Purple fibre optics image: ©iStockphoto.com/Tor Lindqvist

Generated blue waves image: ©gty.im/dv150014, Terry Wieckert

Star constellation image: ©iStockphoto.com/Hayri Er

cover photos[from front to back and right to left]

Professor Marcela Bilek is a previous Federation Fellow and was awarded a Future Fellowship in 2012. She is also has current research projects under the Discovery Projects and Linkage Projects schemes.

Image© Jayne Ion, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney

Professor Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Laureate Fellow, is an Australian Laureate Fellow at the Australian National University. Image© Belinda Pratten

Professor Ann McGrath currently receives funding under both the Discovery Projects and Linkage Projects schemes and is a mentor under the Discovery Indigenous Researcher Development scheme. Image© Belinda Pratten

Dr Martin de Jonge inspects specimens at the X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. The ARC is providing funding to support the Australian Synchrotron under the Special Research Initiative in Synchrotron Science.

2011-2012 annual report from the australian research councilarchive.arc.gov.au/archive_files/media...

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