ARC Linkage Projects with ANU
Information for Partner Organisations and Partner Investigators
The Australian National University is strongly supportive of collaborative research. This document
summarises information about ARC Linkage Projects for Partner Investigators and Partner
Organisations. It should be read in conjunction with the LP15 ARC Funding Rules, Instructions to
Applicants, and LP15 ARC Funding Agreement.
Benefits to Partner Organisations
 increased leverage for research funds through Commonwealth and ANU support
 access to ANU’s leading researchers and their expertise
 professional development opportunities for partner organisations’ staff
 participation in formal, independent, peer-reviewed research
 benefits of ANU’s cutting-edge laboratories, equipment, and facilities
 potential eligibility for Australian Government R&D tax concessions
Important contacts
In each of its Colleges, ANU has dedicated research managers who have experience facilitating the
submission of successful proposals.
ANU Lead Investigator
Responsible for:
questions concerning the
research
_____________________
ANU Research Management
Office contact:
questions concerning RMS,
Funding Rules, and
requirements
______________________
Basic Information
What is an ARC Linkage Project?
Funded by the Federal government, the Australian Research Council (ARC) supports collaborative
research and development projects between the higher education sector and one or more eligible
Partner Organisations through the Linkage Projects scheme. In the past, ANU researchers have joined
forces with the National Museum of Australia, IBM, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries
and Fisheries and many others to research the Canning Stock Route, next generation computer
languages, and wilt diseases affecting tomatoes.
Linkage Projects are not consultancies: the ARC covers up to 50% of project value, on the premise that
research is undertaken in the public interest and not specifically aimed at creating intellectual property
of commercial value. Access to industry also provides essential training for postgraduate students and
early career researchers.
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Partner Organisation contracts
If the project is awarded funding, the University is required to enter into agreements with all Partner
Organisations before the commencement of the project. A specific contract for the project must be
entered into regardless of any standing agreements. The ARC allows until 30 June 2016 for these
agreements to be fully executed.
There are a number of provisions in the ARC Funding Agreement that mandatorily flow down to
Partner Organisations.
Intellectual Property
In order to comply with the ARC Funding Agreement, all Project IP must either vest in the
University, or be jointly owned, with cross-licensing. Subsequent licensing and/or transfer, as well as
commercialisation or exploitation, is subject to negotiation and the ANU Intellectual Property Policy,
keeping firmly in mind the nature of publicly funded research.
Due to the nature of Intellectual Property discussions, we strongly advise Partner Organisations to
discuss expected outcomes before the proposal is submitted. A brief non-binding terms sheet is
suggested as a good way to expedite discussion once awarded.
Publications
Academics and students must be free to publish scholarly work (particularly student theses) without
modification or delay greater than six months. This is to ensure the academic freedom and integrity
befitting of a research-intensive University.
What are the minimum contributions a Partner Organisation must make?
ARC
PO
Example – A typical 3-year project, total cash
cost $300k
ARC Cash (max )
Total PO contribution (min):
Cash (min 25% of ARC cash)
In-kind
IN-KIND
$240k
$240k
$60k
$180k
NB: Actual amounts may vary year by year. This
example gives the 3-year total. The average annual PO
contributions here would be $20k cash, $60k in-kind
MINIMUM
CASH
25%
For example, if a proposal requested an average of $80k p.a. over three years from the ARC (total of
$240k), the cash contribution paid to ANU by the Partner Organisation(s) would be at least 25% of this
value - $20k p.a. (a total of $60k), and in-kind contributions of at least the remainder (i.e. $60k p.a.,
totalling $180k over the three years), which is the difference between the ARC cash contribution and the
2 | THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Partner cash contribution.
Only contributions from eligible Partner Organisations count towards the combined Partner
Organisation contributions as required by the ARC. It is possible to seek exemptions from minimum
cash requirements for organisations such as start-ups, charities and very small companies that
cannot provide the required cash amounts, but can demonstrate a significant in-kind and intellectual
contribution.
In-kind contributions may include the use of equipment, analytical services, access to databases,
materials, IP licences, salaries of contributed staff, (already developed) software being contributed,
travel, use of facilities. Internal rates only should be counted.
If the Partner Organisation cash or in-kind contributions are altered at any stage of the project, the
Lead investigator must be informed as soon as possible.
Distinctive Features of Linkage
Designed as a rough guide for prospective Partner Organisations to gauge whether this pathway of
collaboration is the best for the situation.
Issue \ Type of
Collaboration
Type of Research
(Generally)
Linkage Project
Sponsored Research
Pure basic
Strategic basic
Original Applied
Cash and In-kind
commitment
Project cost offset by
ARC award. Cash and
in-kind minimums
apply.
More beneficial to
ANU and Aust. public;
default is ANU
ownership;
commercialisation
options may be limited
without further
investment
As per application, may
be 2 or 3 years. Note
long ‘lead-in’ time of
writing and awarding
application and
entering contract (up
to 2 years)
publication lists
annually; fill out
section of final
research report.
Strategic Basic
Original Applied
Original, CommerciallyOriented
All direct costs paid by
Partner Org.
Intellectual Property
Project Duration
Partner Org Reporting
Requirements
Consultancy
arrangement
Applied, Commercial
All direct and indirect
costs paid by Partner
Org
Default is ANU
ownership with rights
to Partner Org under
negotiated conditions
IP may be owned by
Partner Org with crosslicense to ANU for
internal research,
development and
education.
Flexible. Shorter leadin time than Linkage.
Flexible. Shorter leadin time than Linkage.
N/A
N/A
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Agreement must
comply with...
Linkage Projects
Funding Agreement,
National Principles of
Intellectual Property
Management for
Publicly Funded
Research, ANU Policy:
Externally-funded
Grants, Consultancies
and Contracts, ANU
Intellectual Property
Policy, other ANU
Policies as applicable
ANU Policy: Externallyfunded Grants,
Consultancies and
Contracts, ANU
Intellectual Property
Policy, other ANU
Policies as applicable
ANU Policy: Externallyfunded Grants,
Consultancies and
Contracts, ANU
Intellectual Property
Policy, other ANU
Policies as applicable
General Timeline
Date
August September
Step
Start-up meeting with Lead Investigator
and ANU Research Administration staff
What is required from Partner
Negotiation of Partner Agreements commence
30 June 2016
Contract negotiations must be concluded
by this date;
project begins
Ongoing / Yearly (assuming 3 year
project)
First cash contribution payment
Finalisation of any outstanding paperwork
For 3-4 years
afterwards
After 3-4 years
1 year after
completion of
Project
End of Project
Final Report to ARC
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Yearly payment of cash contributions
Possibly – support letters for variations
Cooperation with annual reporting (progress
reports and financial reports)
Research Engagement
Contribution to Final Report