Yesterday the government announced the appointment of a new, independent Australian Research Council (ARC) Board, responsible for approval of most research grants within the National Competitive Grants Program.
The ARC Board has been established following the Review of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, led by Professor Margaret Sheil AO, recommending that governance of the ARC be strengthened by establishing an ARC Board.
This appointment comes following criticism of Ministers in previous governments vetoing or delaying ARC grants decisions, with the Minister for Education, Jason Clare, saying that “over the last decade, the ARC has been bedevilled by political interference and Ministerial delays”.
Professor Peter Shergold AC has been appointed inaugural Chair of the Board, bringing strong credentials to the role, including stints as Secretary of the Department of Education, Science and Training in the early 2000s, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (the most senior official in the Australian Public Service), and Chancellor of Western Sydney University.
The Minister will be responsible for approving funding guidelines and retains the power to approve nationally significant investments. The Minister will also have the power to direct the Board to not approve a grant based on national security concerns.
The members of the ARC Board include:
- Professor Peter Shergold AC (Chair)
- Professor Susan Dodds FAHA (Deputy Chair)
- Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter
- Professor Cindy Shannon AM
- Professor Paul Wellings CBE
- Emeritus Professor Margaret Harding
- Mr Mark Stickells AM
- Ms Sally-Ann Williams FTSE
