Published: 20 June 2021 Updated: 10 November 2022

Stage 1 – Preparing the Final Report

The Final Report should be written in line with the FRDC Final Report Standard template and comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) international standard. It must include the items listed in the report template and specific discussion of the extent to which each project objective has been achieved.

DOWNLOAD FRDC FINAL REPORT STANDARD template

A Draft Final Report should be as close to the Final Report as possible. At this stage, the Principal Investigator (PI) should have had the report proofread, edited and designed (if applicable). They should have also sought feedback and undertaken peer review (if required).

The PI must submit an electronic copy of the Draft Final Report through FishNet.

Stage 2 – FRDC Review

The FRDC will review the Draft Final Report and provide written advice on any concerns about the technical content and/or report format (this may include a peer review process). The PI will incorporate those recommendations, or discuss and resolve any discrepancies in the Draft Final Report with the FRDC. The FRDC may request a subsequent draft for review.

Stage 3 – Finalisation

The author will arrange an ISSN or ISBN library code for the final report, and it will be included in the publication. The Final Report must be submitted within the date specified in the project schedule (usually within two months of the Draft Final Report due date).

When you are ready to submit your FRDC Final Report, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the FRDC Final Report Checklist in FishNet.
  2. Submit the following in FishNet:
    1. Final Report in both Word and PDF format, the entire Final Report including appendices must be saved as a single file with no document security applied . Please ensure the Final Report is saved with the project number in the title (e.g. 2014-001-DLD.pdf/.docx).
    2. copies of all products resulting from the project such as photos, fact sheets, publications, software, extension tools, pamphlets etc.
  3. Email the financial acquittal, transaction list and corresponding final invoice to frdc.programs@frdc.com.au with the project number as the 'subject'.

Please note: for long-term storage, the Final Report must follow this National Archives format.

Final Report requirements – accessibility

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Australian Government agencies are required to ensure information and services are provided in a non-discriminatory accessible manner. The FRDC and all content produced as part of our projects must meet these requirements.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines outline ways to make digital content more accessible to the broadest audience.

A key focus for Principal Investigators is to ensure that PDF documents are accessible. To make a PDF accessible you must make sure structural elements such as headings are marked-up so that a screen reader can follow the logical order of the content. The FRDC will update the final report design standard to reflect changing requirements.

What happens to your Final Report?

Your Final Report will be made available on the FRDC website. You can also make the Final Report available on your organisational website. On some occasions, a Final Report may be confidential and therefore have limited release. Contact the FRDC if your Final Report should not be made publicly available.