High-quality research is rigorous, transparent and reproducible. It is conducted responsibly, ethically and with integrity, and contributes to community trust in science.

The NHMRC Research Quality Award recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual, team or organisation who has made a significant contribution to supporting and/or uplifting the quality of Australian health and medical research beyond their own program of research.

The award is intended to reinforce the importance of institutional culture to the conduct of high-quality research.

An open call for nominations is held every 2 years.  

Nominees will demonstrate their leadership and commitment to supporting the conduct of high-quality research and leadership roles in the following areas:

  • Respect – fostering an open, honest and respectful research culture conducive to the conduct of high-quality research
  • Rigour – commitment to the supervision and mentorship of research and researchers to ensure high-quality research practices in accordance with international standards
  • Transparency – promoting community trust by fostering the responsible sharing and communication of research findings, supporting data and enabling methodologies
  • Leadership –upholding and modelling behaviours, attitudes and values that encourage collaboration, equity and sustainability of research career paths, and supports the next generation of researchers.

The award winner is selected by the NHMRC CEO based on the above selection criteria.

The CEO may seek additional nominations and/or consult others on the nominees in making their selection.

Past winners

  • 2025 Guunu-maana 'Heal' Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program, The George Institute for Global Health
  • 2021: Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney