An award offer will normally refer to a Chief Investigator, but the research is undertaken in the name of Edith Cowan University, and ECU assumes the legal responsibility.
When a proposal becomes successful, the University is often required to enter into a formal agreement with the funding agency. Prior to the University entering into this agreement it is essential that the Chief Investigator acknowledge that they have read and accepted the conditions of the award.
All awards must be accepted by the Chief Investigator through the ECURMS (ECU Research Management System) before contract preparation can begin. When a grant has been awarded, it may be with or without conditions.
Accepting an award through the ECURMS confirms that you accept any conditions attached to the grant, and that you will carry out the project accordingly.
The ECURMS can be accessed from the Student and Staff Portal. Select the 'Research Management System' link located in the Easy Logins section.
When Research Services is notified that an application has been awarded funding it will notify the first-named Chief Investigator and ask that they read and accept the conditions of the award within ECURMS.
By accepting the award, the Chief Investigator is acknowledging that he/she has read and accepts the conditions of the grant.
Research Services will then arrange for the University to formally accept the award and, if needed, enter into an agreement.
When a project is awarded with conditions, e.g. less funding than requested, the Chief Investigator is required to submit a revised budget and budget justification prior to accepting the award.
The revised budget must be endorsed by the Senior Finance Officer via email. The RAO will then upload the endorsed documentation into the ECURMS for the School Dean to approve.
Once notified of the intention to accept a grant with conditions the Dean will review the amended proposal and budget and will approve it after assessing the impact and risks associated with accepting the grant with the stated conditions.
By accepting the award, the Chief Investigator is acknowledging that he/she has read and accepts the conditions of the grant.
Research Services will then arrange for the University to formally accept the award and, if needed, enter into an agreement.