ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) 2018
Background
ARC LIEF Funding Rules require that “the maximum level of funding provided by the ARC for a Project under LIEF is up to 75 per cent of the total direct cost of the eligible budget items”.
The Office of the Vice-Chancellor (OVC), through strategic funding administered by the DVC (Research), contributes cash to ANU-led LIEF applications to ensure eligibility for high-quality proposals. Limited leverage funding is also accessible for externally-led LIEF applications as outlined by the criteria below.
Principles and Criteria for LIEF contributions
General criteria
· Alignment with ANU strategic research priorities
· Quality and competitiveness of application
· Return on Investment to ANU in tied cash, building critical mass, growth, and future revenue potential
· Strong support from the College and School
LIEF-specific principles
· OVC strategic cash contributions to ANU-led ARC LIEF applications are capped at 25% of the total direct cost, to a maximum of $400,000 – above this level, please arrange for your Dean to discuss directly with the DVC (Research) as early as possible.
· A justification is required if not leveraging maximum funding (less than 75%) from ARC. In a constrained fiscal environment it is expected that the ARC will be asked for at least 65-75% of the total research infrastructure cost, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated.
· Cash contributions to externally-led LIEF applications are limited and should demonstrate return on investment in terms of cash to ANU (component equipment) or value of expected share/usage. The ANU investment should correlate with other partner shares.
· Cash contributions to externally-led LIEF are not made purely as a trade (no reciprocal bids). There must be genuine use and return on investment in the externally-led infrastructure.
Where the Project is not fully-funded by ARC, the ANU cash contribution is pro-rated, subject to a case presented by the College Dean addressing:
· Whether all partner organisations have agreed in writing to contribute the full cash amount;
· The impact of reduced funding on equipment to be purchased or function to meet core objectives;
· Consideration of leverage opportunities; and
· Budget availability.
LIEF Application Key Dates
December 2016 –25 January 2017 / Applicant submits Expression of Interest (EOI) to their College Research Office, including all known details: Lead Organisation and CI; Equipment sought; Approximate budget; and list of key partners.
25 January 2017 / College RO submits EOI list to DVC-R via Research Services Division (E: ).
1 February 2017 / College RO submits completed Request for ANU Strategic Research Funds to with relevant delegate endorsement.
8 February 2017 / DVC-R support confirmed via RSD to College ROs
8 February 2017 / Applications Open in RMS
5 April @ 5pm / Completed eligible application submitted to ARC
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