Previous Homepage Announcements
This page features announcements that have been on the NHMRC home page in the preceding 4 months. More recent items can be found on the NHMRC homepage.
Complementary Medicine gets a boost31 march 2008
Research into the fast-growing area of complementary and alternative medicine received a boost today with the announcement by the Australian Government of more than $7 million in grants.
» See media release
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation applications18 march 2008
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has announced a request for applications.
This request is a component of the Islet Transplantation Program, which was established by the JDRF with funding from the Department of Health and Ageing. It is designed to help take islet transplantation from being an experimental procedure to one broadly available for people with diabetes.
JDRF will direct $2.2 million over two years to this program, and only investigators and institutes based in Australia are eligible.
Further information detailing the process of application can be found at
www.jdrf.org.au and click on 'Islet transplantation - new funding available'.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 18 April 2008.
The National Health and Medical Research Council has released its Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water18 march 2008
The main aim of the Guidelines is to protect humans from threats posed by the recreational use of coastal, estuarine and fresh waters.
They have been developed to help local, state and territory governments and other authorities formulate legislation and standards to ensure recreational water environments are managed as safely as possible. They also encourage a national approach to managing the quality of water used for recreation.
The Guidelines are an update on the 2006 Guidelines without substantive changes to the content, but with editorial amendments.
» View the guidelines
NHMRC Supported Group Leader at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory
11 march 2008
NHMRC and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory are seeking applications from talented molecular and cell biologists for an NHMRC-supported Group Leader position. This is an opportunity for a researcher of outstanding ability to further their career at EMBL in Europe and develop into an internationally recognised research leader.
» View more information
Research grants to tackle dementia3 march 2008
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, today announced grants of more than $9 million to tackle dementia.
» See media release
Closing evidence-practice gaps in emergency care29 February 2008
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has published the latest brochures in its series, Emergency Care Evidence in Practice. The brochures were developed for emergency care clinicians by the NHMRC’s National Institute of Clinical Studies Emergency Care Community of Practice. They highlight evidence-practice gaps of particular relevance within Australian emergency departments.
» See media release
Council Chair appointed to 2020 Summit 29 February 2008
Chair of the NHMRC Council, Professor Michael Good, is one of 11 hand picked Australians to lend their expertise to the 2020 Steering Committee.» View full story
NICS Update19 February 2008
NHMRC has added NICS Update to its free online subscription service! NICS Update is a monthly bulletin that brings you the latest news on evidence uptake from our National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS).
» Subscribe to NICS Update
» View NICS Update
Grants take a preventative slant - Campus Review 26 February 2008
The focus of research grants change over time with researchers constantly looking at the trends to help frame their applications. John Ross looks at the latest round of NHMRC grants.
» Download: Article, re-printed courtesy of Campus Review (PDF, 2.7MB) 
Health care workers as well as at-risk groups must be immunised against influenza to save lives, says NHMRC chief 22 February 2008
Professor Warwick Anderson, CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is calling for employers of health care workers in general practice, hospitals and aged care to start planning influenza vaccination clinics now so that their staff are protected against this disease and avoid spreading it to at risk groups in their care.
» See media release
Podcasts: Great minds in Australian research22 February 2008
NHMRC is proud to present its new series of podcast interviews, Great minds in health and medical research.
Great minds in health and medical research is a fortnightly series of ten conversations with leading figures in Australian health and medical research. It kicks off with NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson, who discusses NHMRC’s role in the future of health and medical research.
Next fortnight Great minds in health and medical research will talk with Professor Judith Whitworth, the director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research and the Howard Florey Professor of Medical Research at the Australian National University in Canberra.
» See NHMRC podcasts
Apology to the stolen generation13 February 2008
Following the Parliament of Australia’s apology to the stolen generation and bipartisan approach to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, NHMRC recommits itself to helping in this task.
Our Strategic Plan identifies Indigenous health as one of our highest priorities, which means the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians will continue to be a major focus of research attention from NHMRC.
In particular, we are concentrating on health inequalities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with a focus on prevention, delivery of care and governance, and are considering the social, cultural and economic factors that contribute to the health of individuals and communities.
We have made significant advances in the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and we remain committed to allocating 5 per cent of our annual research budget to research that is relevant to Indigenous people.
That funding is matched by a commitment to ensuring the research is beneficial and acceptable to Indigenous Australians. We do this through the NHMRC Road Map: A Strategic Framework for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through research, which was developed through national consultation.
We are guided in this by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Research Advisory Committee.
Professor Warwick Anderson
CEO
Major funding for Australian health and medical researchers 04 February 2008
The Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, today announced $124 million in funding for projects to support health and medical research in Australia.
» See media release: Major funding for Australian health and medical researchers
» See media release: Health research grants focus on prevention
» See media release: International health and medical research collaboration
» See media release: Major investment in Australia's health researchers
» See grant details
International Review - NHMRC research funding processes 31 January 2008
To enable broad input from a number of international leaders, the Review has been conducted in two stages. The first meeting in October was Chaired by the President of the Canadian Institute for Health Research, Professor Alan Bernstein, and included panel members Dr Toni Scarpa (Director, Centre for Scientific Review, US National Institutes for Health), and Dr Merilyn Sleigh (Consultant and former Managing Director of Evogenix).
The second meeting, with Dr Elias Zerhouni (Director, National Institutes for Health), Professor Sally Davies, (Director of Research and Development, UK Department of Health), and Dr Edward Holmes, (Executive Deputy Chairman of Singapore’s Biomedical Research Council) was scheduled for late January 2008.
The NHMRC will be considering the report from the review and consulting with government and stakeholders during 2008.
» Download: Article, re-printed courtesy of Campus Review (PDF, 1.8MB)
Alcohol guidelines based on strong evidence 22 january 2008
The National Health and Medical Research Council has reinforced the quality and accuracy of its draft alcohol guidelines, saying they are based on the best available scientific evidence.
» See media release
CEO greetings message17 December 2007
I would like to extend my warmest wishes for the festive season.
This year the health and medical community continued to face many challenges including finding cures for familiar, chronic diseases, dealing with new illnesses and promoting prevention. All need research solutions.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in supporting health and medical research. High-quality research is needed more than ever as we face the health challenges of the future.
On behalf of the staff, Council and Committees of the NHMRC, I wish you and your families a safe and well-earned break, and look forward to working together in the New Year. Have a happy and safe holiday season.
I’d also like to congratulate all of the winners from the inaugural NHMRC awards night, held in Canberra last week. Go to details of the winners and their categories.
Happy holidays!
NHMRC awards outstanding achievers in health and medical research13 December 2007
Sixteen outstanding achievers have been recognised by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for their significant contributions to health and medical research.
» See media release
Inaugural NHMRC Awards 5 December 2007
The Inaugural NHMRC Awards will be announced on Wednesday 12th December at a Gala Dinner attended by a vast cross section of the Australian research community.
» More information can be found here
Evidence supports fluoridation of drinking water 14 november 2007
The NHMRC has completed a review of the latest scientific evidence in relation to fluoride and health. Based on the research the NHMRC recommends artificial fluoridation of water as an effective community measure to protect the population from tooth decay.
» See public statement
» See publication
NHMRC launches Great minds in Australian research book 1 november 2007
The 2007 edition of 10 of the Best - Great minds in Australian research was launched at the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Canberra as part of Thank You Day celebrations.» See media release
» See publication
‘Thank You’ to our researchers 31 october 2007
Some of Australia’s leading health professionals gathered at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the ANU today, to celebrate the contribution of health and medical research in Australia.
» See media release
Invitation to comment - revision of the Core Food Groups (1994) 30 october 2007
The NHMRC is updating the publication Core Food Groups (1994) to be consistent with the recent Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand (2006), and are inviting comment on the draft Statement of Requirement, specification and projected timeframe from interested people or agencies.
[Comments closed on 21 November 2007]
» More information can be found here
2008 National Health and Medical Research grants announced, totalling $561.4 million 25 September 2007
More than 50 universities and research institutes are the recipients of the major funding round for the 2008 National Health and Medical Research grants.
» See media release for details and State highlights
NHMRC-funded trial shows blood pressure drugs can cut diabetes deaths3 September 2007
NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson today congratulated the George Institute for International Health on the success of a worldwide clinical trial showing that a combination of blood-pressure-lowering drugs can cut deaths from complications of type 2 diabetes by almost one-fifth.
» See media release
New code on responsible research practices and handling misconduct 29 august 2007
Integrity in research, meeting community expectations, and handling allegations of misconduct are the focus of a new national code released today by the NHMRC, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia. The Code replaces the Joint NHMRC/AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (1997).
» Joint media release
» Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007)
$291,190 for Palliative Care Research in SA 19 August 2007
Research into end-of-life and palliative care practices will be supported by two NHMRC grants announced in South Australia.
» See media release
NHMRC accommodation changes -- possible disruptions 20-22 August 2007 17 August 2007
Between Monday 20 August and Wednesday 22 August 2007 many NHMRC staff in Canberra will be relocating as we reorganise accommodation to reflect our new organisational structure, and move to occupy an additional floor in our 20 Allara St premises. There may be some disruptions to service during this period, and some staff may be difficult to contact. We apologise for the inconvenience, and please ring 02 6217 9000 if you require assistance.
NHMRC apologises for administrative error in grants process 8 August 2007
The National Health and Medical Research Council today confirmed that an administrative error had occurred in its 2007 project grants review process that had inadvertently revealed the identity of some reviewers.
» See public statement
$36 million for Australia’s medical researchers 2 august 2007
The Commonwealth Government’s $36 million Australia Fellowships, through the National Health and Medical Research Council, have been awarded to researchers in cancer, infectious diseases and mental health.
» See media release
Recycled water for drinking National Workshop in Canberra AUGUST 2 2007
Recycled water for drinking is a hot topic affecting all Australians. The NHMRC is bringing together the country’s leading public health and environment experts with consumer representatives to rigorously debate this topic of national importance.
» More information
$1.1 million for palliative care research in NSW 27 july 2007
Research into end of life and palliative care practices will be supported by six National Health and Medical Research Council grants announced on 27 July by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Brett Mason.
» See media release
Australia to become an Associate Member of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) 25 july 2007
The NHMRC supports Australia’s recently-announced associate membership of EMBL, and will provide funding for selected Australian researchers to undertake research work in EMBL laboratories. Details will be announced later in 2007 via NHMRC Tracker.
» See Education Minister Julie Bishop's Media Release and
EMBL Press Release
$1.1 Million for Palliative Care Research in Victoria 17 july 2007
Research into improving health issues associated with end-of-life and palliative care practices will be supported by seven NHMRC grants announced today.
» See media release
NHMRC research data now available online17 july 2007
The first set of NHMRC research funding datasets showing the NHMRC’s investment in various ‘burden of disease’ areas, national health priorities and other issues relevant to the NHMRC’s 2007-2009 Strategic Plan.
» View the NHMRC statistics portal
National Statement Information Sessions 11 july 2007
The NHMRC will conduct information sessions on changes to the National Statement around Australia, with the first to be held at the Sebel and Citigate Hotel, King George Square, Brisbane on Monday 30 July.
Australian scientists awarded $2.3 million for international research 6 july 2007
More than $2.3 million over 3 years has been awarded to seven of Australia’s leading health and medical researchers under the prestigious international Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP).
» See media release
NHMRC info subscription page now online! 4 july 2007
Get the latest NHMRC information as soon as it happens! Subscribe online for free to the fortnightly NHMRC Tracker (includes research and funding announcements), Media Releases and Major Announcements, and NHMRC Newsmakers (NHMRC funded researchers in the media).
» Subscription Service
Ethical Guidelines on the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Clinical Practice and Research (updated in 2007)3 July 2007
The 2007 revised guidelines include ethical guidance in areas such as human egg donation; research on embryos that are unsuitable for implantation; and research on embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer (also known as ‘therapeutic cloning’).
» View Guidelines
NHMRC Tracker e-bulletin now online 29 june 2007
NHMRC Tracker is a fortnightly e-bulletin covering major NHMRC announcements and news on grants, research funding, health advice, health ethics and other items of interest. It supersedes the Research and General Noticeboard, and NHMRC eNews.
» More information
Public consultation on Post-Coma Unresponsiveness (vegetative state) – Ethical Care Guidelines for health professionals, families and carers 29 june 2007
Two draft NHMRC guidelines documents for the ethical care of people in post-coma unresponsiveness are now available for public consultation.
» Background information| » Make a submission
New guidelines for communicating end-of-life issues 18 June 2007
These guidelines, funded by the NHMRC and the Department of Health and Ageing, were launched today by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Brett Mason.» Senator Mason's media release | » Guidelines
New Commonwealth laws on human embryo research and
prohibition of human cloning now in effect 15 june 2007
The Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction and the Regulation of Human Embryo Research Amendment Act 2006 came into operation on 12 June 2007.
» What has changed for the NHMRC
NHMRC Ethics Report 8 June 2007
The Commonwealth Government has released Challenging Ethical Issues in Contemporary Research on Human Beings.
» Report | » Minister’s media release
Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research 2007
The 2007 winner is Professor Jamie Rossjohn from Monash University.
» Minister’s media release
National Ethical Guidelines on Organ and Tissue Donation1 june 2007
The NHMRC has released these new ethical guidelines after an extensive public consultation.
» Minister’s media release | » Guidelines
Researchers awarded NHMRC healthy start to life grants1 june 2007
More than $6.2 million has been awarded to investigate a range factors that have the potential to affect children’s health.
» Minister’s media release and details of grants awarded
New cardiac rehabilitation service for Indigenous Australians31 may 2007
The NHMRC has released a geographic information system CD-ROM that locates cardiac rehabilitation services for Indigenous Australians across Australia.
» Media release
Proceedings of Complementary Medicine Forum now available 29 May 2007
This Future Directions Forum was held in Sydney on 21 -22 November 2006.
» More information
Australian Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Guidelines Launched 23 may 2007
The guidelines were developed by the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and approved by the NHMRC.
» Media release | » More information