Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
  1. Macquarie University
  2. Research
  3. Our research
  4. Funding and grants
  5. ARC schemes
  6. Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities

Status: Closed

Find out information about the aims, funding, key dates, resources and contacts for the ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities scheme.

Aim

The ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme provides funding for research infrastructure, equipment and facilities to eligible organisations.

The scheme enables higher education researchers to participate in cooperative initiatives so that expensive infrastructure, equipment and facilities can be shared between higher education organisations and also with industry.

The scheme also fosters collaboration through its support of the cooperative use of international or national research facilities.

The LIEF scheme objectives are to:

  • support excellent pure basic, strategic basic and applied research and research training, across all disciplines excluding clinical and other medical research, through the acquisition (purchase, upgrade, construction, transportation, installation, and/or maintenance) of research equipment and infrastructure and access to national and international research facilities;
  • encourage Eligible Organisations to develop collaborative arrangements with other Eligible Organisations and/or Partner Organisations for the acquisition and use of research equipment and infrastructure or access to national and international facilities;
  • enhance the scale and focus of research in areas of existing and/or emerging research strength; and
  • expand the availability of research infrastructure for the broader research community.

The minimum level of funding provided by the ARC under LIEF is $150,000 per year. The maximum level of funding provided by the ARC for a project under LIEF is up to 75% of the total direct cost of the eligible budget items.

A project may be applied for and awarded funding for one year, or, in the case of construction of research infrastructure, or subscription or coordinated access to international facilities and major national facilities, up to five years.

Eligibility for DVCR Co-Funding - for general reference

Eligibility for the DVCR Co-Funding Scheme is contingent upon on-time submission of applications by the compliance and eligibility check date. Many applications for external funding require cash and in-kind contributions from the host institution in order to be considered for funding. In most cases, researchers request cash contributions, such as project support funds, funding for research associates, scholarships and major equipment, from the DVCR via the DVCR Co-Funding Scheme to support their external funding applications. To be eligible to request this DVCR Co-Funding, grant applications must be submitted internally, via Pure, by the compliance and eligibility check date.
Macquarie University Expression of Interest (EOI) form for LE26

Applicants intending to submit a Macquarie-led LIEF application or who intend to participate on an externally led bid are asked to complete this EOI form.

EOI forms must be emailed to grant.development@mq.edu.au (and cc your Faculty Research Office) by 9am Monday 10 February 2025.

For funding commencing in 2026:
  • Release of ARC Grant Guidelines: Wednesday 11 December 2024 (see Forecast Opportunity)
  • ARC opening date in RMS: Wednesday 22 January 2025
  • EOI Submissions to MQ: 9am Monday 10 February 2025
  • Strategic review (optional): Submit to the Research Office in RMS by Wednesday 12 March 2025
  • Compliance and eligibility check (mandatory): Submit to the Research Office in RMS by Wednesday 26 March 2025
  • ARC request not to assess close: Wednesday 26 March 2025
  • Research Services submission to ARC: Wednesday 9 April 2025
  • Rejoinder period: 25 June to 8 July 2025
  • Outcomes expected: 14 to 28 November 2025

These are indicative dates from the ARC and are subject to change.
Webinar for Funding Commencing in 2025

Introduction to the ARC LIEF Funding Scheme

About: The session will provide key information on the ARC's Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme and is for researchers interested in learning about the scheme. It will cover advice about what it takes to be successful, provide information of the NSW DVCR Committee EOI process (purpose and benefits) and information on the process for applying in the upcoming round.
Date: 21 November 2023
Speakers: Dr Gill Smith (Research Services) and Assoc Prof Yijiao Jiang (ARC College of Experts and Faculty of Science and Engineering)
Slides [PDF]
Recording [Microsoft Stream]

LIEF Information for Funding Commencing in 2025