Guidelines - 2012 Science and Innovation Awards
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- Guidelines 2012 Science & Innovation Awards
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Applications are now closed for the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry grant applications.
Judging is underway and applications will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible. For enquiries email Science Awards.
If you’re 18-35, the Science and Innovation Awards are your chance to apply for up to $22,000 to fund your project on an innovative or emerging scientific issue to benefit Australia’s primary industries, with a number of industry specific categories available. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Award provides an additional $33,000 in project funding for one of the industry category recipients to extend their project.
The Awards aim to encourage science, innovation and technology in rural industries and help to advance the careers of young scientists through national recognition of their research ideas. Project recipients can undertake groundbreaking research and innovation with the objective of keeping Australia’s rural industries sustainable and profitable. The Awards have already helped more than 150 young Australians make their ideas a reality and showcase their talent to the world.
There are twelve Award categories open for applications: cotton, dairy, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, grains, viticulture and oenology, animal welfare, red meat processing, pork, new and emerging rural industries, meat and livestock and horticulture. Each category includes a grant of up to $22,000 for the nominated project.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Award provides an additional $33,000 to one recipient of the industry Awards to extend their project.
Applications in each category Award and the Minister’s Award are assessed by a judging panel of industry representatives, convened by the Award sponsor to assess applications.
Applications close 5pm AEDT Friday 18 November 2011.
Any questions?
Contact the Science Awards Manager
Phone: 02 6272 2260 or 02 6272 2303
Email: Science Awards
2012 Science Award Partners
We thank these organisations for their support and commitment to the 2012 Awards
Australian Animal Welfare Strategy
Australian Meat Processor Corporation
Australian Pork Limited
Cotton Research and Development Corporation
Dairy Australia
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Forest and Wood Products Australia
Grains Research and Development Corporation
Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation
Horticulture Australia
Meat & Livestock Australia
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
Tips and Information
Read the 2011 Award winners’ booklet – it provides a great overview of the types of projects that have been funded previously.
Visit the relevant sponsor’s website – you can find out about their current areas of research and determine the uniqueness of your ideas. There’s a list of sponsors below and sponsors have also provided an overview for you.
Write in plain English and avoid technical jargon – ask a non-scientist to read your application and check its clarity.
Read What happens if I win a Science Award? and the sample DAFF short form funding deed.
Advice from Sponsors
Forest and Wood Products Australia
Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited (FWPA) is an industry services company providing a national, integrated strategy to increase demand for forest and wood products and reduce the impediments to their supply. FWPA is committed to helping the forest and forest products industry to be collaborative, innovative, sustainable and competitive against substitute products.
Supporting innovation and sustainability
FWPA supports research and development that promotes internationally competitive and environmentally sustainable practices. We promote activities that enhance employment opportunities and contribute to growing Australia’s reputation as an innovative producer of high-quality forest and wood products.
FWPA would like encourage young scientists’ research to address the investment priorities outlined by industry.
More information on FWPA website.
Australian Animal Welfare Strategy
The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy focuses attention on key animal welfare issues and coordinating activity. The strategy covers all sentient animals (those that can experience suffering or pleasure) and has relevance for the entire community. Sentience is the reason that welfare matters. Our vision is that all Australians value animals and are committed to improving their welfare, and our mission is to deliver sustainable improvements in animal welfare for all Australian animals.
Projects are sought to advance animal welfare science, innovation and understanding in Australia. Projects should address one or more of the strategy’s goals:
- Animals – The welfare needs of animals are understood and are met
- Systems – National systems deliver consistent animal welfare outcomes and prioritise ongoing improvements
- People – People make ethical decisions regarding animal welfare supported by knowledge and skills
- International – Australia is actively engaged in international partnerships and developments to improve animal welfare
More information about the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.
Australian Meat Processor Corporation
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation is a national R&D Corporation that represents meat processing plants throughout Australia. AMPC’s mission includes maximising efficiency, viability and sustainability of the red meat processing industry, assisting to secure and maintain market access, supporting mechanisms to attract, up skill and retain capability and investigating and developing scientific solutions that enhance overall productivity, performance and efficiency of the meat processing sector. AMPC supports projects in a wide range of areas including meat science, automation and technology, environment and sustainability, animal health, biosecurity and animal welfare, traceability and market access.
Project topics for future students would relate to the following areas, focussing on the red meat industries:
- Investigating factors towards enhancing meat quality and product integrity (including eating quality, food safety)
- Investigating options for enhancing sustainability, including environment, waste, energy and water management and efficiency
- Innovative new technologies that improve meat processing processes and efficiency
- Supply chain management and market access, including integrated supply chain approaches and value adding to products
Livestock management, including animal health, welfare and biosecurity at the processing establishment.
Australian Pork Limited
APL would like to hear from young people wishing to develop a career in the pork industry or further develop their scientific skills by undertaking a project of relevance to the Australian industry. Applicants should also consider opportunities to enhance their networks within the science community and pork industry, both nationally and internationally. Applicants are encouraged to read APL’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan and align their application with APL's 2011-2012 R&D Priorities in one or more of the six priority areas – Marketing, supply chain & product development; Genetics, genetic modification & genetic transfer; Production & pork quality; Industry capability & technology transfer; Environment & welfare; and Quality assurance, Biosecurity & food safety. Visit the Australian Pork website.
Cotton Research and Development Corporation
Australian Cotton – Carefully Grown – Naturally World’s Best
The 2011 Science and Innovation Awards are supported by Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) as part of its quest for a sustainable competitive advantage for the Australian cotton industry.
CRDC supports and rewards young scientists for their exploration of concepts, novel solutions or engagement in the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs and new knowledge. Innovative farming systems and transformed cotton and cotton fibre supply chains contribute to the industry’s vision of Australian cotton, carefully grown and, naturally world’s best. CRDC welcomes scholarship project proposals that seek to advance the industry’s strategic R&D goals through innovative research methodology or by addressing emerging scientific issues, methodologies or techniques.
The strategy of CRDC is to invest in improving the value of cotton products, reducing the industry’s environmental footprint while concurrently improving the productivity and resilience in the systems of production, fibre value and people.
Dairy Australia
In Australia, Dairy continues to be one of the major rural industries with a farmgate value of milk estimated as $3.4 billion. ABARES estimates an economic multiplier of 2.5 suggesting that the value of milk after manufacturing is increased to $8.5 billion. Nearly 55% of Australia’s milk is consumed in the domestic market and the remaining is exported to a variety of international markets mainly in Asia. Globally recognized for its excellence in innovation, productivity in the Australian industry has increased significantly through improved pasture, feed, herd management and efficiency gains in manufacturing, distribution and exports. The industry encourages and nurtures young innovators and offers them exciting careers prospects. The Young Innovators Award and Dairy Australia’s Innovation in Dairy Manufacturing Award are two examples of innovation awards which have propelled committed innovators into exciting and rewarding careers with a new level of passion for the industry. Further information is available on the Dairy Australia website.
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and its stakeholders are focused on what the Corporation has adopted as its vision: a vibrant Australian fishing and aquaculture industry, adopting world-class research to achieve prosperity and to wisely use the natural resources on which it depends. “Prosperity” in this sense encompasses not only the financial wellbeing of the commercial sector but also the many social and environmental values related to the commercial, recreational and indigenous customary sectors. The FRDC recognises that it is vitally important to support young people to develop the knowledge and capabilities to assist the fishing industry to reach its potential. The fishing industry faces significant challenges, but it also provides enormous opportunities to build a rewarding career. The person we are looking for to receive an FRDC sponsored award will have a great idea, will be a great role model for young people to further their interest in science, and be keen to use this opportunity to build their networks with other researchers, the FRDC and with industry. We encourage applicants to obtain a copy of the FRDC’s RD&E Plan 2010-2015 by phoning our office on 02 6285 0400 or visit FRDC website.
Horticulture Australia Limited
Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is a not-for-profit, industry-owned company. It works in partnership with Australia’s horticulture industries and the Australian Government to invest in research, development and marketing programs that provide benefit to industry and the wider community. HAL sponsors the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards to recognise and develop outstanding young scientists that will make a significant different to the future of Australia’s horticultural industries. For more information on HAL’s current initiatives, strategies and areas of investment, visit Horticulture Australia website.
Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) invests in research, development and extension (RD&E) to generate new information that enhances the profitability, international competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian wine sector.
Our RD&E investments come from levies on the annual winegrape harvest and matching contributions from the Australian Government.
We collaborate with our key stakeholders to coordinate and direct our investments to best address the sector’s strategic priorities, which are detailed in our Five-Year R&D Plan 2007–12 and our Annual Operating Plan 2011–12.
We support the development of the Australian grape and wine sector by investing in RD&E programs along the whole value chain ‘from vine to glass’. Visit the GWRDC website.
Meat & Livestock Australia Limited
Meat & Livestock Australia Limited (MLA) is a producer-owned company with more than 47,500 members working across the beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat sectors.
MLA builds demand productivity and trust for Australia's red meat and livestock industry by delivering marketing and research services in partnership with industry and government.
Our mission is to deliver world-class services and solutions in partnership with industry and government.
As part of work to build productivity, we invest industry levies with matching Australian Government funding in a broad range of research and development throughout the red meat supply chain.
Visit MLA webiste.
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation – RIRDC – is a partnership between the Australian Government and rural industries to invest in research and development that will create the knowledge to support a more profitable, sustainable and dynamic rural sector. This includes research and development into Australia’s new rural industries which focuses on providing the knowledge for diversification in Australia’s rural industries.
Industries represented in RIRDC’s ‘New Rural Industries’ Portfolio include olives, essential oils and plant extracts, farmed rabbits, wildflowers and native plants, tea tree oil, crocodiles, and bioenergy. RIRDC invites applications from young people that will further our knowledge and understanding of innovations that could contribute to the growth and development of Australia’s new and emerging industries. Applicants should consult the ‘New and Emerging Industries National Research Development and Extension Strategy’ available on the RIRDC website to assist them in the preparation of their applications.
Grains Research and Development Corporation
The Grains Research & Development Corporation is one of the world's leading grains research organisations, responsible for planning, investing and overseeing research and development, delivering improvements in production, sustainability and profitability across the Australian grains industry. GRDC is a statutory corporation, founded in 1990 under the Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Act 1989 (PIERD Act), it is subject to accountability and reporting obligations set out in the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act). The GRDC's portfolio department is the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The GRDC's mission is to invest in research and development for the greatest benefit to its stakeholders - graingrowers and the Australian Government. The Corporation links innovative research with industry needs. The GRDC's vision is for a profitable, internationally competitive and ecologically sustainable grains industry.
What happens if I receive a Science Award Grant?
If you are successful and receive an industry category Award, you will receive up to $22,000 inc gst to fund your project.
Recipients of an industry category Award will then have the opportunity to apply for the Minister’s Award which provides an additional $33,000 inc gst for an extended project.
Travel to Canberra and presentation function
The presentation function for the 2012 Science Award recipients will be held as part of the Outlook 2012 conference dinner on Tuesday 6 March in Canberra.
Travel and accommodation details will be provided close to the event. This also includes one complimentary registration to Outlook 2012 conference.
There is likely to be media interest in your project and your Science Award. The department’s external communications team can provide assistance and support. On occasion, your sponsor may also be interested in having you meet with their staff or speak at an industry event.
Funding agreement
You will be required to sign a funding agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, prior to commencing your project and receiving your funding.
A sample version of the funding agreement is available on the Science Awards website. You will have 12 months from the date of signing this document to finish your project.
Project reporting
As part of the terms of the funding agreement, you will be required to complete two progress reports. The first is due six months after commencing your project, which will detail the progress of your project, tasks completed, budget, timelines and outcomes.
At the end of the twelve months, when you have completed your project, you will prepare and submit a final report. These reports will be provided to ABARES and your sponsor.
Information for Applicants
Applications close at 5.00pm AEDT Friday 18 November 2011
Applicants should read this document thoroughly prior to completing their 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Application form
Frequently asked questions, advice for the category Award sponsors and tips for completing the Application Form are available on the Science Awards webpage.
For further information
Visit: ABARES Science Awards webpage
Email: scienceawards
Phone: 02 6272 2260 / 2303 / 3051
- Introduction
The 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Awards) support young people to undertake a project on an innovative or emerging scientific issue, including biophysical and social sciences, that will contribute to the ongoing success and sustainability of Australia's agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries.
The Awards aim to encourage the uptake of science, innovation and technology in rural industries and help to advance the careers of young scientists through national recognition of their research ideas.
The program is administered by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
- Who can apply?
Applications for funding are open to young people between 18 and 35 years, who are working, employed or studying in an agriculture, fisheries or forestry related industry (including food and sustainable natural resource management).
Eligible applicants may include young producers (farmers, fishers, foresters etc), extension officers, researchers, processors, students, or industry advisers.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive) on Friday 18 November 2011.
- be Australian citizens or permanent residents (proof may be required).
- be working, employed or studying in an agriculture, fisheries or forestry related industry (including food and sustainable natural resource management).
Employees of the Commonwealth and those directly employed by sponsoring organisations are not eligible to apply. Bodies subject to the Financial Management Act 1997 (FMA Act) are considered as Commonwealth agencies. If you work at, or your project relates to, an agency subject to the FMA Act, then you are ineligible to apply. An example of an FMA body is the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Any organisations or statutory bodies that fall within this department, for example the Australian Research Council, are also considered FMA agencies.
Bodies subject to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act) are considered legally and financially separate from the Commonwealth, and are not considered as Commonwealth bodies under the eligibility criteria within the information for applicants.For further clarification on FMA and CAC agencies, please visit http://www.finance.gov.au/publications/flipchart/docs/FMACACFlipchart.pdf
If you remain unsure about your eligibility, please contact the Science Awards Manager (see Section 11 for contact details.
- The Project
In the context of these Awards, a project is defined as a specific body of work, which is a scientific or technological innovation.
Applicants must submit a written proposal to undertake a specific project, for a period of up to 12 months, that:
- is related to an innovative or emerging scientific issue in an agriculture, fisheries or forestry related industry (including food and sustainable natural resource management
- demonstrates dedication to the future of rural and regional industries with a commitment to promoting science and innovation as an integral part of that future.
This may include, for example, projects that involve further study, industry visits, specific research activities, attending conferences or workshops etc. Full details of the proposed project should be set out in accordance with Section C of the Application Form.
Applicants should provide a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with their project in Section C of the Application Form. Applicants should ensure that the funds are to be used efficiently, as value for money is an assessment criterion (refer to Section 7 of this document).
- Ineligible Projects
Projects that will not be funded include:
- projects that are undertaken as part of any TAFE or undergraduate tertiary course of study (projects that complement or contribute to a postgraduate course of study may be eligible provided that they are not excluded under 4(ii) and 4(iii) below)
- projects that are funded by other Commonwealth or state government programs
- projects that include activities that have commenced before the assessment of 2012 Award winners (as a general guide, projects should not commence before 6 March 2012). Award winners will be paid following the announcement.
- Awards
Two types of Award will be offered in 2012:
A. Industry category Awards
There will be one Industry Award for each award category (refer to Section B of the Application Form). Applicants can apply for more than one Award category but a separate application must be submitted for each. Applicants will only be eligible to receive one Award for their project. The relevant judging panels will be advised if an applicant has applied in other categories.
Industry Awards are sponsored by the rural research and development corporations and industry associations.
Applicants can apply for up to $22,000 (GST inclusive). The grant must be applied against the nominated project within 12 months of receiving their award, therefore by the end of March 2012.B. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Award
One 2012 individual Award category recipient will also receive the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Award, valued at up to $33,000 (GST inclusive).
The Minister’s Award is additional to the Industry Award and will be based on a further assessment of the 2012 individual Award category recipients. Recipients of an individual category Award will be provided with the application forms to apply for the Minister’s Award and will be given extra time to do so.
- Project Timeframe
Successful applicants will be expected to complete their project within 12 months of receiving an Industry Award (it is expected the Award will be paid after March 2012 with completion expected by the end of March 2013. However, if the Award is granted at a later date, the 12 month period will start from the payment date). Recipients may also be expected to present the results of their project to a number of public forums or seminars on request from ABARES or the Industry Award sponsor.
The applicable period of the Minister’s Award is also 12 months from award (being the same period applicable to the Industry Award).
If you are unable to complete your project within the specified timeframes, you must advise the Science Awards Manager as soon as possible on 02 6272 2260 or email science awards to negotiate a revised timeframe.
- Assessment of Applications
A. Industry Awards
Assessment of applications will be undertaken by a judging panel convened by the relevant sponsor (see Section B of the Application form for sponsors).All eligible applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- the project is related to an innovative or emerging scientific issue in an agriculture, fisheries and forestry related industry (including food and sustainable natural resource management)
- the project demonstrates dedication to the future of rural and regional industries with a commitment to promoting science and innovation as an integral part of that future
- the project is likely to provide long-term benefits to the related industry
- the project is likely to provide benefits to the applicant
- the project activities represent good value for money.
Applicants should ensure that all parts of the Application Form are complete. Applications will be assessed only on information submitted in the application.
B. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Award (Minister’s Award)
Applications for this Award are subject to a separate process. The application process for the Minister’s Award has changed for the 2012 round. Applications for the Minister’s Award will be available to those applicants who are successful under the Industry Awards and will require a separate application process. As in previous years, it is successful recipients of the individual industry Award who are eligible for the Minister’s Award.
An independent panel will recommend to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the recipient of the Minister’s Award. The criteria for this award are the same as those applicable to the Industry Awards, as described above in Section 7A of this document. This Award is to give extra recognition to the project considered as the most outstanding overall.
- Announcement of Award Winners
All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application for funding.
Award winners, including the Minister’s Award winner, will be formally announced at a presentation event in Canberra on 6 March 2012 as part of the Outlook 2012 conference dinner.
- Grant Conditions
If successful, Award winners will be required to sign a funding agreement with the Commonwealth (a draft funding agreement is available at Science Awards).
Please note that no grant funding can be provided until the funding agreement has been fully completed and signed by both the grantee and the Commonwealth. A copy of the signed agreement will be provided to you.
- Complaint Handling
Decisions regarding the award of each grant to an applicant are final. All applicants will be notified of the final outcome, and feedback can be provided if desired.
If you have a concern you wish to raise regarding the outcome of your application, please contact the Science Awards Manager in the first instance, on 02 6272 2260 or email scienceawards.
If you are not satisfied with the initial resolution of your concern, you can contact:
Annette Blyton
Branch Manager
Research Portfolio Management
DAFF
Phone: 02 6272 2222
Email: annette.blyton@abares.gov.auIf after this process, or at any time, you do not believe that the department has adequately addressed your concerns, you may refer the matter to:
Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman
GPO Box 441
Canberra City ACT 2601
Phone: 1300 362 072
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au - How to Apply
Applicants can obtain an Application Form from ABARES Science Awards or by contacting the Science Awards Manager (details below).
Applicants should ensure that all parts of the Application Form are completed and signed prior to lodgement.
All applications must:- be submitted using the 2012 Application Form
- be lodged by 5.00pm AEDT 18 November 2011.
Applicants must submit:
One electronic copy of their completed application in Word document format only (compatible with Microsoft Word 2007), lodged by email to scienceawards@daff.gov.au by the due date which should be supported by one signed original hardcopy of the complete application lodged by the due date to:
By post to:
Maree Finnegan
Science Awards Manager
DAFF
GPO Box 1563
Canberra ACT 2601
or by courier* to:
Maree Finnegan
Science Awards Manager
DAFF
18 Marcus Clarke Street
Canberra City ACT 2601
*Couriers - please call extension 2260, 3051 or 2303 at reception for collectionIllegible, faxed or late applications will not be accepted.
Failure to meet all requirements and provide all information requested will result in your application not being considered.
Failures in email and IT systems are not considered grounds for accepting late applications.
- Further Information
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Science Awards Manager:
Phone: 02 6272 2260
Email: scienceawards
Web: ABARES Science Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
- I am currently undertaking a PhD research project which is funded by an industry/university scholarship. Am I eligible to apply for a 2012 Science and Innovation Award?
If you are seeking funds to complete a research project you are already undertaking as part of your PhD project, then you’re not eligible. However, if you wish to undertake an additional project that will complement and build on your existing research then you are eligible. You should indicate in your application that your Science Awards project is additional to your current PhD research program.
- Does my proposed project need to utilise the whole budget of $22,000 (GST inclusive)?
No, your project budget does not have to be $22,000 and you will not be disadvantaged if you do seek the full amount. The main thing to keep in mind is “value for money”, which is one of the criterion upon which your application will be assessed. For example, a $22,000 project that will undertake a range of activities (e.g. purchase of equipment, hosting information sessions, printing flyers) may be considered better value for money than a $11,000 project that will undertake only one activity (e.g. travel overseas to attend a conference).
- I recall there is a Minister’s Award that provides an extra $33,000 (GST inclusive) but I can’t find the details or application form?
Following comments and feedback from applicants in the 2011 round of the Science Awards we know that the additional work in completing the Minster’s Award application was considerable. For the 2012 Science Awards, applicants will not have to complete the extended application form for the Minister’s Award.
As in past years, only category Award winners were considered for the Minister’s Award. If you are successful with a category Award, then you will be invited to apply for the Minister’s Award and will be given additional time to complete the application form.
- I’m a New Zealand citizen currently permanently residing in Australia, am I eligible to apply for a 2012 Science and Innovation Award?
If you arrived in Australia prior to 26 February 2001 and have been living in Australia permanently since then, you are eligible to apply.
If you arrived on or after 26 February 2001 you are not eligible unless you hold an Australian permanent resident visa. This is because, under the new bilateral social security arrangement between Australia and New Zealand on 26 February 2001, the Australian Government announced that New Zealand citizens who arrive in Australia on or after 26 February 2001 must apply for, and be granted, Australian permanent residence.
This means that if you arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001 you are not eligible to apply for the 2012 Awards, unless you hold a permanent resident visa.
For more information on the matter please visit the Citizenship website.
- I’m currently residing in Australia and have applied for permanent residency, but have not yet received it, am I eligible?
No, only permanent residents (at the date of applications closing 5.00pm 18 November 2011) and Australian Citizens are eligible.
- I’m currently working for a state government agency, am I eligible to apply for a 2012 Science and Innovation Award?
Yes, you are eligible to apply if you are employed by a state government agency. People employed by the Commonwealth Government are not eligible to apply as the awards are partly funded by the Commonwealth Government.
- I’m currently employed by a company that is sponsoring one of the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards, am I eligible to apply?
No, you are not eligible to apply if you are employed by a sponsoring company or organisation.
- Can you clarify what constitutes a “Commonwealth or state government program” as mentioned in the “information for applicants” page?
Bodies subject to the Financial Management Act 1997 (FMA Act) are considered as Commonwealth agencies. If you work at, or your project relates to, an agency subject to the FMA Act, then you are ineligible to apply. An example of an FMA body is the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Any organisations or statutory bodies that fall within this department, for example the Australian Research Council, are also considered FMA agencies.
Bodies subject to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act) are considered legally and financially separate from the Commonwealth, and are not considered as Commonwealth bodies under the eligibility criteria within the information for applicants.
For further clarification on FMA and CAC agencies.
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Can part of the Science Awards grant amount be used for salary costs, stipends, living allowances or other similar expenses?
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These costs are not supported by the grant funding. The grant funding is to be directed to project costs such as purchase of equipment, further study, industry visits, specific research activities, attending conferences or workshops, hosting information sessions etc. The anticipated grant expenditure is to be detailed in the project budget section of the Application form in Section C – project proposal.
17 Jan 2012