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
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.
10 of the Best 2013
10 of the Best research projects 2013 showcases 10 Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC-funded medical research projects underway in Australia.
These projects illustrate the extraordinary quality and diversity of work being undertaken with NHMRC support.
See more 10 of the Best
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 web version of the Code is provided below.
A PDF version of the Code is available under 'Downloads'
Guidance documents about implementation of Section 7: Cosmetic Testing of the Code are available under ‘Downloads’.
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.
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.
10 of the Best 2011
10 of the Best research projects 2011 showcases 10 Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC-funded medical research projects in Australia.
See more 10 of the Best
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (the Guidelines) provide guidance to water regulators and suppliers on monitoring and managing drinking water quality.
April 2023: Please note NHMRC has identified an error of minor significance in the September 2022 update to the microbial water quality guidance (Chapter 5 and Appendix 3 of the Guidelines). Information about the error and the proposed corrections that will be made to the next version of the Guidelines are outlined below in the Public Notice.
2010 Legislation review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002
The 2010 Legislation review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and the research involving human embryos Act 2002 offers a review of legislation regarding the use of human clones for reproduction and the use of human embryos in research.
Meeting the 2011 NHMRC standard for clinical practice guidelines
The Procedures and requirements for meeting the 2011 NHMRC standard for clinical practice guidelines are designed to support guideline developers, including those seeking NHMRC approval, to ensure that guidelines are developed to the highest standard.
Community water planner
The Community water planner: A tool for small communities to develop drinking water management plans was a web-based tool developed to help assess and manage the risks in remote Australian community water supplies. This tool is no longer available.
Iodine supplementation for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Iodine is an essential nutrient that humans need in very small quantities. The thyroid uses iodine to produce hormones vital to ensure normal development of the brain and nervous system before birth, in babies and young children. For this reason, it is very important that pregnant and breastfeeding women get enough iodine.
10 of the Best 2010
10 of the Best research projects 2010 showcases 10 Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC-funded medical research projects in Australia.
See more 10 of the Best
Vitamin K administration to newborns: Joint statement
The Vitamin K administration to newborn infants to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding in infancy recommendations for Vitamin K to be given to newborn children.
Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2010) RESCINDED
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in collaboration with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare are updating the 2010 Guidelines.
This version is rescinded – see updated guidelines
Road map II: A strategic framework for improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through research
Road map II: A strategic framework for improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through research will be used by the NHMRC’s Research Committee to identify research topics requiring priority funding.
Medical Genetic Testing: information for health professionals
The paper identifies key issues that should be considered in relation to genetic testing, and identifies relevant resources, guidelines, standards, and requirements that are pertinent for the delivery of genetic testing in Australia.
Challenging ethical issues in contemporary research
Human Ethics Committees have a difficult and sometimes controversial role in guiding the Australian research community’s work with people. Challenging ethical issues in contemporary research on human beings focuses on some of the most challenging ethical issues using case studies and through discussions.
Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes
The Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes: The assessment and alleviation of pain and distress in research animals (2008) provide guidance on how to support and safeguard the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes.
Notice: This publication is more than five years old and may no longer reflect current evidence or best practice.
Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling
The Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Augmentation of drinking water supplies builds on guidance provided in Phase 1 on the planned use of recycled water (treated sewage and stormwater) to top up drinking water supplies.
Ethical guidelines: care of people in post-coma unresponsiveness
NHMRC provides advice about the care of people in post-coma unresponsiveness (vegetative state) or a minimally responsive state.
Guidelines for managing risks in recreational water
These guidelines aim to protect Australians from threats posed by the recreational use of coastal, estuarine and fresh water environments. These guidelines are currently being updated by NHMRC’s Recreational Water Quality Advisory Committee.
Objective Criteria for determining embryos that are unsuitable for implantation
This criteria must be used for determining embryos that are considered unsuitable for implantation and that may be used for research. The NHMRC will continue to work with the scientific community to update and refine these Objective Criteria as additional scientifically authenticated information becomes available.
Organ and tissue donation after death, for transplantation
These guidelines outline ethical principles for health professionals involved in donation after death and provide guidance on how these principles can be put into practice.
Making a decision about living organ and tissue donation
This booklet aims to help people think through some ethical issues and make decisions about living organ and tissue donation. If you are thinking of making a living donation, the doctors caring for you can give you more information that is relevant to your situation.
Making a decision about organ and tissue donation after death
The booklet aims to help people think through some ethical issues and make informed decisions about organ and tissue donation after death.
Organ and tissue donation by living donors
These guidelines outline ethical practice for health professionals involved in living organ and tissue donation and provides guidance on how these principles can be put into practice.
Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2007
The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007 (the 2007 Code) guides institutions and researchers in responsible research practices and promotes research integrity. It assists institutions in developing their own employee codes of conduct and procedures for the investigation of allegations of research misconduct by providing a comprehensive framework of acceptable academic standards.
Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Including Recommended Dietary Intakes
This document outlines required essential nutrient intake believed adequate to meet the nutritional needs of the majority of healthy people to prevent deficiency. The document can be used by health professionals to assess the likelihood of inadequate intake in individuals or groups.
10 of the Best 2006
10 of the Best 2006 celebrates success stories from 10 of Australia's leading health and medical research teams, whose work has been funded by NHMRC.
See more 10 of the Best
Cultural competency in health
Cultural Competency in health: A guide for policy, partnerships and participation is designed to help policy makers and stakeholders develop culturally competent policies throughout the health system.