We have published a wealth of information on Australian health and medical research, and on specific issues relating to Australian health and health care. These include statements, strategies, guidelines and other reports – all of which are publicly available.
Read our latest publications
Guidelines under Section 95 of the Privacy Act 1988
These guidelines provide a framework in which medical research involving personal information obtained by Commonwealth agencies should be conducted, to ensure the information is protected.
Clinical ethics capacity building resource manual
This manual demonstrates the need for clinical ethics capacity in Australian health care organisations and provides guidance for institutions wishing to establish or strengthen an existing clinical ethics service.
Ten of the best NHMRC research projects 2014
Ten of the Best Research Projects 2014 describes ten Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC funded medical research projects underway in Australia today.
Naltrexone implant treatment for opioid dependence
In 2011 NHMRC reviewed studies relating to the effectiveness of naltrexone implants for the treatment of opioid dependence, determining the implants remain an experimental product, only to be used in a research setting. NHMRC believes further research is required before a statement on safety can be confidently made.
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) - Updated 2015
This statement has been designed for researchers, ethical review bodies, those involved in research governance and possible research participants. This brief guide describes the structure of the document and suggests how each of these groups might use it.
Evidence on the effects of lead on human health
This Statement and Information Paper were designed to inform the community and policy makers of the effects of lead on the human body. Evidence has shown an association with reduced academic achievement, behavioural problems, increased blood pressure and delayed sexual maturation.
Expert review: Effects of lead on human health: expert review
This expert review is the summary of key issues from the report Evidence on the Effects of Lead on Human Health.
Cases for Action
NHMRC’s Research Translation Faculty was established to suggest action that could be taken in the 2012-15 triennium to address significant evidence practice and policy gaps for Major Health Issues identified in its 2013-15 Strategic Plan. Twelve Cases for Action were submitted to NHMRC in 2015.
Administrative report: Evidence on the effects of lead on human health
This Administrative report: Information Paper: Evidence on the effects of lead on human health refers to the development of the Information paper and Statement as well as background documents relating to the assessment of the evidence on the health effects of lead.
Public consultation summary of key issues: effects of lead on human health
This document: Public consultation — summary of key issues: Draft information paper: Evidence on the effects of lead on human health outlines the key issues raised via public consultation and summaries of the Lead Working Committee’s responses.
Fraud control framework 2015-2017
NHMRC refuses to tolerate fraud and has a commitment to high ethical, moral and legal standards. A key focus of this framework is to raise awareness of fraud among NHMRC staff and other people who deal with NHMRC, to assist in the prevention, detection and reporting of suspected fraud.
NHMRC Strategic direction 2015-16 to 2018-19
This document provides a brief snapshot of the key messages from the NHMRC Corporate Plan 2015-2016.
Principles for the translation of omics-based tests
The Principles for the translation of ‘omics’- based tests from discovery to health care are designed to assist researchers and clinicians in translating omics-based discoveries into properly validated tests that are clinically useful.
Statement on Open Researcher and Contributor ID
The NHMRC and ARC Statement on Open Researcher and Contributor ID explains NHMRC's position on the ORCID researcher identifier.
Administrative report: Advice on wind farms and human health
NHMRC has been investigating concerns about the impact of wind farms on human health since 2009, following concerns raised by the public.
This administrative report refers to the development of a related information paper, NHMRC Statement and evidence-based background documents.
Expert review of the evidence on wind farms and human health
Following an earlier review of evidence linking wind farms to human health, NHMRC sought to update and review available information. The documents here focus on the methods used to conduct a systematic literature review focusing on noise, shadow flicker and electromagnetic radiation.
NHMRC Information paper: Evidence on wind farms and human health
Some members of the community have raised concerns about the impact on their health while living near a wind farm.
This information paper summarises the available evidence on the subject along with key issues raised by the public and the expert community.
NHMRC Statement: Evidence on wind farms and human health
Examining whether wind farm emissions may affect human health is complex, due to the nature of the emissions and individual perceptions are highly variable. After careful consideration and deliberation of the body of evidence, NHMRC concludes there is currently no consistent evidence that wind farms cause adverse health effects in humans.
Talking with your patients about complementary medicine – a resource for clinicians
Many Australians report they use complementary medicine, but don't tell their clinicians which may impede treatment.
This resource aims to promote discussions between clinicians and patients about complementary medicine and better equip patients to make informed decisions about their health care.
Annual report 2013-2014
This annual report is a record of NHMRC's activities during 2013–2014 financial year and the performance and financial information presented in the 2013–14 NHMRC Portfolio Budget Statement and 2013–14 NHMRC Portfolio Additional Estimates Statement.
Measuring up 2013
This document is a five-year analysis of the scientific publication output and citation impact of research funded by NHMRC and of Australian health and medical research generally.
The aim of the report is to measure the impact of NHMRC funding schemes in terms of published journal output.
NHMRC Strategic Plan for 2010-2012
This Strategic Plan outlines five objectives of NHMRC over a three year period. These include raising the standard of public health in Australia and developing consistent standards, fostering relevant research and training and more.
The Plan also outlines 10 major health issues NHMRC focused on over the same three year period.
NHMRC Research Funding facts book 2013
This Facts Book contains statistics on the outcomes of the 2013 application rounds for NHMRC’s research funding, as well as historical information over the last ten years. NHMRC is committed to transparency regarding the outcomes of its granting system. More detailed statistics and funding data can be found on the NHMRC website under Data on research.
A guide to the care and use of Australian native mammals in research and teaching
This guide supports the implementation of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition (2013) by providing advise about the specific and unique needs of Australian native mammals can be met when these animals are used for scientific purposes.
It provides information for investigators, institutions, animal ethics committees and all those involved in the care and use of Australian native mammals for scientific purposes.
Report on Australian clinical practice guidelines 2014
Since 2010 NHMRC has released annual reports on the characteristics of Australian clinical practice guidelines which provide information about who funds and develops clinical practice guidelines, and describe trends in important quality indicators such as the use of evidence and the disclosure of competing interests.
Direct-to-Consumer genetic testing - statement
Genetic tests are easily purchased by consumers, often over the internet and usually without the involvement of a medical professional. These tests can be used in diagnosing medical conditions or pre-dispositions.
The statement highlights issues for medical professionals and consumers regarding the use of health-related genetic testing.
Understanding Direct-to-Consumer genetic DNA testing
The number of direct to consumer DNA tests consumers can buy over the internet, without the involvement of a doctor, has been rising.
This resource is to inform consumers about test accuracy, privacy legislation and what it may mean for personal insurances and blood relations.
Prostate-Specific Antigen testing in asymptomatic men
This information has been developed for health practitioners to support discussion with men and their families about prostate-specific antigen testing for prostate cancer. It covers benefits, possible risks, current research and frequently asked questions.
Guidelines approved under Section 95AA of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
The Privacy Legislation Amendment Act 2006 (Cth) made changes to the Privacy Act 1988(Cth) (the Privacy Act) to allow health practitioners to disclose patient’s genetic information, whether or not they give consent, in circumstances where there is reasonable belief that doing so is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to the life, health or safety of their genetics relative(s). The amendments do not oblige disclosure of information but provide the framework for this to occur under the appropriate circumstances.
Ten of the best NHMRC research projects 2013
Ten of the Best Research Projects 2013 showcases ten Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC funded medical research projects underway in Australia.
These projects illustrate the extraodinary quality and diversity of work being undertaken with NHMRC support.
Genetic discrimination
Discrimination against an individual can appear in many forms. As DNA testing increasingly identifies differences in the genetic make-up of individuals, it becomes possible that people will be discriminated against based on genetic information.
Personalised medicine and genetics
Using information about genetic predisposition to disease is a key part of personalised medicine. This resource has been developed to provide information to consumers about personalised medicine and genetics.
Use of genetic information in sport
DNA testing can be used for a number of purposes not related to health. One area of interest is the potential for DNA testing and genetic profiles in sport applications such as talent identification, individualised training programs and avoidance of sport-related injury.
The human genome
This resource has been developed to provide information to consumers about the human genome.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity
The Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, adolescents and children in Australia is intended for use by clinicians including general practitioners.
NHMRC Strategic Plan for 2013-2015
This document includes NHMRC priorities, the major health issues identified for the 2013-15 period, how NHMRC will deal with those issues and a strategy for medical research and public health research.
Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
The purpose of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code) is to promote the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals used for scientific purposes. It provides guidance for investigators, institutions, animals ethics committees, animal carers and all those involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Further information about the background and purpose of the Code is also available.
A PDF version of the Code is available under 'Downloads'
A web version of the Code is provided below.
Staying healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services
This Staying healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services replaces the 4th edition and represents an increased focus on a risk-management approach to infection prevention and control principles in daily care activities.
Prevention and control of infection in aged care
The pocket book Infection prevention and control in residential and community aged care provides advice to assistants in nursing, community care, personal care and ancillary staff.
Sequencing your genome
Rapid advances in DNA sequencing technologies now allow an individual’s whole genome to be sequenced.
Clinical Practice Guideline - Borderline Personality Disorder
This Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of Borderline Personality Disorder will assist health professionals to diagnose, treat and manage BPD in adolescents and adults.
Australian Dietary Guidelines
To ensure we can make healthy food choices, we need dietary advice based on the best scientific evidence. This Guideline seeks to offer the best advice on dietary patterns that promote optimal health and wellbeing for the generally healthy Australian population.
Biobanks information paper
This paper provides information on the establishment, management and governance of biobanks in Australia. A biobank is a collection of human biological material held for health and medical research. Biobanks facilitate this research, while protecting participants’ interests and privacy.
Clinical Practice Points - ADHD in children and adolescents
Clinical Practice Points on the Diagnosis, Assessment and Management of ADHD in Children and Adolescents discusses the use of medications, psychological and educational strategies as other management options for some children/adolescents.
Medical genetic testing: Health information for you and your family
This factsheet aims to support people to: understand the basics of DNA, genes and chromosomes; consider whether to get tested; understand the potential outcomes of the genetic testing process; and find more information and support.
DNA Genetic Testing in the Australian Context
The full title of this factsheet is: DNA Genetic Testing in the Australian Context: A Statement from the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Certification handbook
This handbook outlines the requirements and procedures for the certification of institutions under our National Certification Scheme of Institutional Processes Related to the Ethical Review of Multi-centre Research.
The handbook is currently under review. Before commencing steps to apply for certification, please contact us at HREC.admin@nhmrc.gov.au for further advice.
Infant Feeding Guidelines: information for health workers
The Infant Feeding Guidelines are written to assist health workers provide consistent advice about breastfeeding and infant feeding. They provide a review of the evidence, and clear evidence-based recommendations on infant feeding for health workers.
NHMRC Statement on Cancer Clusters
The aim of the statement is to provide the general public with information on the assessment and management of cancer clusters. It is intended to support guidelines issues by State and Territory Departments and Cancer Councils.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
Updated in August 2018, the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011) provides guidance to water regulators and suppliers on monitoring and managing drinking water quality.