Appendix 1: National Competitive Grants Program funding schemes

This appendix provides information to support the Annual Performance Statement for Key Activity 1: Funding the highest quality research.

The Discovery and Linkage programs are funded under the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP).

Discovery Program

Australian Laureate Fellowships

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2009

Frequency:
Annual

Description:
The Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme aims to attract and retain outstanding researchers in Australia. The scheme provides fellows with project funding in addition to a salary supplement and salary-related (on-cost) support.

Discovery Early Career Researcher Award

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2012

Frequency:
Annual

Description:
The Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) scheme supports early career researchers.

Discovery Indigenous

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2002 (Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development); funding commencing in 2012 (Discovery Indigenous)

Frequency:
Annual

Description
The Discovery Indigenous scheme aims to support research projects led by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher and build the research capacity of Higher Degree Research (HDR) students and early career researchers.

Discovery Projects

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2002

Frequency:
Annual

Description:
The Discovery Projects scheme provides funding for research projects undertaken by excellent individual researchers and/or research teams.

Future Fellowships

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2009

Frequency:
Annual

Description:
The Future Fellowships scheme aims to attract and retain the brightest and best mid-career researchers.

Linkage Program

ARC Centres of Excellence

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2003

Frequency:
Periodic

Description:
The ARC Centres of Excellence scheme aims to build critical mass in areas of research priority. Funding of between $1 million and $5 million per annum for up to seven years may be awarded for each ARC Centre of Excellence.

Industrial Transformation Research Hubs

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2012

Frequency:
Annual

Description:
The Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme supports collaborative research activity between the Australian higher education sector and industry in identified Industrial Transformation Priority areas.

Industrial Transformation Training Centres

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2013

Frequency:
Annual

Description:
The Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme fosters close partnerships between university-based researchers and other research end-users to provide innovative HDR and postdoctoral training for industries vital to Australia’s future.

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2002

Frequency:
Annual

Description:
The Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme encourages institutions to develop collaborative arrangements to support research infrastructure.

Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2002

Frequency:
Periodic

Description
The Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme funds the Australian Council of Learned Academies and the Learned Academies to undertake research projects.

Linkage Projects

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2002

Frequency:
Annual since 2013; continuous from 1 July 2016

Description:
The Linkage Projects scheme supports collaborative research and research training between universities and partner organisations.

Special Research Initiatives

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2002

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).

Supporting Responses to Commonwealth Science Council Priorities

First selection round
Funding commencing in 2018

Frequency:
As required

Description:
The Supporting Responses to Commonwealth Science Council Priorities scheme aims to support the development of Australian research in priority areas as set by the Commonwealth Science Council. Organisations eligible to administer funding under the scheme are the Australian Council of Learned Academies and the Learned Academies.