Read our latest publications

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

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  • Rescinded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

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 advice about how 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.

Notice: This publication is more than 5 years old and may no longer reflect current evidence or best practice.

  • Guideline
  • More than 5 years old

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.

  • Statement
  • Current

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.

  • Factsheet
  • Rescinded

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.

  • Clinical guideline
  • Current
Cells

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.

  • 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. 

  • Factsheet
  • Rescinded

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.

  • Factsheet
  • Rescinded

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.

  • Guideline

The human genome

This resource has been developed to provide information to consumers about the human genome.

  • Factsheet
  • Rescinded

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. 

  • Clinical guideline
  • Rescinded

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.

The Code is adopted into legislation in all Australian states and territories. It is endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Universities Australia. Compliance with the Code is a prerequisite for receipt of NHMRC funding.

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’.

  • Guideline
  • Current

Sequencing your genome

Rapid advances in DNA sequencing technologies now allow an individual’s whole genome to be sequenced. 

  • Guideline
  • Rescinded

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.

  • Clinical guideline
  • Rescinded

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.

 

  • Guideline
  • Current

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.

  • Guideline
  • Current
Decorative image - gold background

10 of the Best 2012

10 of the Best research projects 2012 showcases 10 Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC-funded medical research projects in Australia.

  • 10 of the Best

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.

  • Factsheet
  • Rescinded

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.

  • Statement
  • Current
iStock decorative image

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.

  • Guideline
  • Under review

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.

  • Guideline
  • Current

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.

  • Statement
  • Current
decorative image

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.

  • 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.

October 2024: Public Consultation is open on draft guidance on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for inclusion in the Guidelines. Submissions close on 22 November 2024. 

December 2023: NHMRC is proposing minor amendments to the Guidelines to align with updated guidance on microbial water quality that was published in September 2022.

April 2023: 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 proposed consequential amendments to the Guidelines as well as the error and proposed corrections that will be made to the next version of the Guidelines are outlined below in the Public Notice of December 2023 and April 2023.

  • Guideline
  • Current

Report of the Independent Review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002

The Report of the Independent 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.

  • Report
  • Current

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.

  • Guideline
  • Under review

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.

  • Guideline
  • Corporate archive
Pregnant lady with doctor

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.

  • Statement
  • Current
Abstract image

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.

  • 10 of the Best
father kissing baby

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.

 

  • Statement
  • Current

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.

  • Guideline
  • Current

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.

  • Report
  • Current
Decorative image - bacteria close-up

10 of the Best 2009

10 of the Best Research Projects 2009 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

  • 10 of the Best
  • Corporate archive

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.

  • Guideline
  • More than 5 years old

10 of the Best 2007-2008

10 of the Best Research Projects 2008 showcases 10 Australian health and medical research projects chosen from among the thousands of NHMRC-funded medical research projects in Australia.

  • 10 of the Best

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.

  • Guideline
  • Current

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. 

 

  • Guideline
  • Current

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

  • Guideline
  • Current

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.