NHMRC and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, responsible for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), have launched a joint Open Science Policy. This policy marks a step forward in Australia’s commitment to research that is open, rigorous, and designed to benefit everyone.
Under the policy, at least one version of any research paper funded by NHMRC and/or MRFF must be openly accessible from the moment it’s published, with clear recognition of the funding sources and unique identifiers to track impact. The policy now allows another route for research papers to comply beyond NHMRC’s Open Access Policy, by freely posting a preprint version online.
Researchers are expected to share their data and methods as openly as possible, guided by principles that ensure data is findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable, while also respecting the rights and interests of Indigenous communities through dedicated governance and stewardship.
The policy encourages researchers to plan for openness from the very start of their projects, to publish negative results as well as positive ones, and to make research software and code available for others to use and build upon. Intellectual property is protected, but the policy also calls for collaboration and transparency, especially when research involves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
By making research outputs freely available and fostering a culture of openness, the NHMRC and MRFF Open Science Policy aims to boost collaboration, reduce research waste, and ensure that Australia’s investment in health and medical research delivers the greatest possible benefit to society.
NHMRC grant holders will be required to comply with the policy from 2 February 2026. The requirement will apply to MRFF grant opportunities opening from 1 January 2026, noting a small number of grant opportunities may be exempted. To determine if the new requirement applies in a particular grant opportunity, refer to the grant opportunity guidelines on GrantConnect
For more details, read the full Open Science Policy on the NHMRC website or Open Science Policy on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s website
For enquiries please contact the NHMRC Open Science team openscience@nhmrc.gov.au or MRFF MRFF@Health.gov.au