Clarification on Experimental Development in ARC applications

The ARC has received a number of questions with regard to Experimental Development.  

The Australian Research Council Act 2001 (amended 2024) excludes the use of ARC funding for activities classified as ‘experimental development’. The updated advice clarifies that experimental development research may be included in an application, where these activities are to be funded from non-ARC sources. The application must make clear this differentiation. 

Administering organisations will be responsible for certifying that ARC funds will not be used for experimental development. 

This advice will apply to all NCGP schemes going forward. 

The ARC Experimental Development Policy is located on the ARC website.