Read our latest publications

Image of dividing cells

Embryo Research Licensing Committee Report to Parliament - 1 March 2018 to 31 August 2018

The 32nd biannual report.

  • Embryo Research Licensing Report
  • Corporate archive

Competencies for Australian Academic Clinical Trialists

In conjunction with the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance, we developed the clinical trials competencies to be used in the development of detailed curricula and training courses by universities, Colleges and other registered training organisations*. 

  • Current

NHMRC Good Practice Process for Site Assessment and Authorisation of Clinical Trials

To improve clinical trial start-up times, we developed the Good Practice Process for Site Assessment and Authorisation Phases of Clinical Trial Research Governance (the Good Practice Process).

  • Current
Annual  Report 2017-2018

Annual Report 2017-18

This annual report contains information on NHMRC administration and performance, and a record of our activities for the reporting period 2017–18.

  • Annual report
  • Current

10 of the Best 2016

10 of the Best NHMRC research projects 2016 describes 10 Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC-funded medical research projects underway in Australia.

See more 10 of the Best

  • 10 of the Best
  • Corporate archive

National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) - Updated 2018

The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (National Statement (2007), and as updated, consists of a series of guidelines made in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992.

  • Statement
  • Current
Cells under microscope

Embryo Research Licensing Committee report to Parliament - 1 September 2017 to 28 February 2018

The 31st biannual report.

  • Embryo Research Licensing Report
  • Corporate archive

Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018

The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 (the 2018 Code) establishes a framework for responsible research conduct that provides a foundation for high-quality research, credibility and community trust in the research endeavour.  

  • Guideline
  • Current
decorative image

Road Map 3 - Report of Community Consultations

Road Map 3: A strategic framework for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through research. Report of Community Consultations. 

Linked to:

  • Report
  • Current

Embryo research licensing: key terms

A useful guide explaining key terms used in embryo research. Provides definitions of the main terms used, including biological definitions and therapy explanations.

  • Guideline

Embryo Research Licensing Committee information kit

This Kit is divided into five chapters, covering different aspects of the NHMRC Embryo Research Licensing Committee’s activities:

  • Guideline
  • Current

Managing individual exposure to lead in Australia

Managing individual exposure to lead in Australia – A guide for health practitioners (The Guide) provides health practitioners with general information to assist in the management of individuals with elevated blood lead levels. 

 

  • Guideline
  • Current

Best practice methodology in the use of animals for scientific purposes

This document provides advice on the conduct of animal-based studies to ensure that the studies are rigorous, transparent and reproducible and lead to useful outcomes. It is in line with the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, 8th edition (2013), which is adopted into legislation across Australia. 

  • Guideline

NHMRC Strategic Plan for 2007-2009

This strategic plan outlines the major objectives of the NHMRC over the next three years, the major health issues that may emerge in the coming years and the steps needed to address them.

 

  • Report
  • Current

2017 Public Statement – Water fluoridation and human health

Based on a comprehensive review of the evidence and the translation of this evidence into the Information Paper Water fluoridation: dental and other human health outcomes, this also takes into consideration what the situation is here in Australia compared to elsewhere.

  • Statement

Embryo Research Licensing Committee report to Parliament - 1 March 2017 to 31 August 2017

The 30th biannual report.

  • Embryo Research Licensing Report

Water fluoridation: dental and other human health outcomes

This Information Paper explores the potential link between water fluoridation and human health based. The 2016 NHMRC Evidence Evaluation shows that water fluoridation helps to reduce tooth decay in children and adults. There is no reliable evidence that water fluoridation at current Australian levels causes health problems.

  • Guideline
  • Current

Promoting social and emotional development and wellbeing of infants in pregnancy and the first year of life

This report Promoting social and emotional development and wellbeing of infants in pregnancy and the first year of life: a NHMRC report on the evidence summarises findings of the evaluation of evidence on the effectiveness of interventions delivered in pregnancy or the first postpartum year.

  • Report
  • Current

Fraud control framework 2017-2019

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.

  • Policy
lab scientist

Ethical guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology

The Ethical guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology in clinical practice and research (ART guidelines) are used by professional organisations to set standards for the practice of ART. The 2023 update includes the addition of Part D to support the ethical introduction of mitochondrial donation into ART in Australia, along with minor administrative updates to the 2017 guidelines. 

  • Policy
  • Current

Embryo Research Licensing Committee report to Parliament - 1 September 2016 to 31 February 2017

The 29th biannual report.

  • Embryo Research Licensing Report
  • Current

Safety monitoring and reporting in clinical trials involving therapeutic goods

This document clarifies the responsibilities of those involved in clinical trials to monitor and report adverse events and other safety issues. Supplementary guidance on other clinical trial safety monitoring and reporting issues is also available*.

  • Guideline
  • Current

Principles and guidelines for the care and use of non-human primates for scientific purposes

This document provides principles and best practice guidance for the care and use of non-human primates for scientific purposes. The document is intended for use by those involved in the care and use of non-human primates for scientific purposes, including institutional animal ethics committees, investigators and animal carers. 

 

  • Guideline

Statement on consumer and community involvement in health and medical research

The Statement on consumer and community involvement in health and medical research (The Statement), co-authored by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF), aims to guide research institutions, researchers, consumers and community members in the active involvement of consumers and community members in all aspects of health and medical research. 

  • Statement
  • Current

Embryo Research Licensing Committee report to Parliament - 1 March 2016 to 31 August 2016

The 28th biannual report.

  • Embryo Research Licensing Report
  • Current

10 of the Best 2015

10 of the Best NHMRC research projects 2015 describes 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

  • 10 of the Best
  • Corporate archive

Ethical guidelines for organ transplantation from deceased donors

The Ethical guidelines for organ transplantation from deceased donors were developed by NHMRC following a joint request from the Organ and Tissue Authority and the Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand.

    • Guideline
    • Current

    NHMRC Research funding facts book 2014

    This book contains key statistics on the outcomes of the 2014 application rounds for NHMRC’s research funding, as well as historical information relating to research funding and activity over the last ten years. 

    • Factsheet
    • Corporate archive
    Image of Cells

    Embryo Research Licensing Committee report to Parliament - 1 September 2015 to 29 February 2016

    The 27th biannual report.

    • Embryo Research Licensing Report
    • Current

    Principles for accessing and using publicly funded data for health research

    A guide to the legislative and governance structure to refer to when accessing datasets from publicly funded research. This page also contains a single page summary to the guide and a consumer guide.

    • Guideline
    • Current

    Embryo Research Licensing Committee report to Parliament - 1 March 2015 to 31 August 2015

    The 26th biannual report.

    • Embryo Research Licensing Report
    • Current

    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.

    • Guideline
    • Current

    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.

    • Guideline
    • Current
    Lights

    10 of the Best 2014

    10 of the Best research projects 2014 describes 10 Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC-funded medical research projects underway in Australia.

    See more 10 of the Best

    • 10 of the Best
    • Corporate archive

    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.

    • Statement
    • Current

    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.

    • Guideline
    • Current

    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.

    • Report
    • Current

    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.

    • Report
    • Current

    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.

    • Rescinded

    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*.

     

    • Guideline
    • Rescinded

    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.

    • Statement
    • Current
    Photograph of a Wind Farm

    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.

    • Report
    • Current

    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.

     

    • Report
    • Current

    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.

    • Factsheet
    • Current

    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, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) concludes there is currently no consistent evidence that wind farms cause adverse health effects in humans.

    • Statement
    • Current
    Photograph of bottles with labels facing the other way

    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.

    • Guideline
    • Current

    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.

    • Report
    • Corporate archive

    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.

    • Report
    • Current

    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.

    • Factsheet
    • Corporate archive

    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.