Disreputable Conduct - Additional Guidance

'Disreputable Conduct' (formerly known as ‘probity event’) means any event or occurrence, including corrupt or illegal conduct, which:

1. has a material adverse effect on the integrity, character or honesty of the Administering Institution, a Participating Institution or Personnel involved in a Research Activity; or
2. relates to the Administering Institution, a Participating Institution or Personnel involved in a Research Activity and has a material adverse effect on the public interest or public confidence in the Administering Institution, Participating Institution or Research Activity.

Administration Institution Obligations

Section 15.1(h) of the 2026 NHMRC Funding Agreement states that the Administering Institution must immediately notify NHMRC in writing if it becomes aware of Disreputable Conduct.

Following advice of Disreputable Conduct, NHMRC may take corrective actions as specified in Clause 15.2 of the Funding Agreement.

Responsibilities of Administering Institutions

Under clause 33.4(h) of the Funding Agreement, an Administering Institution should notify NHMRC as soon as reasonably practicable after if it becomes aware of Disreputable Conduct. This may include, but not necessarily be limited to, that person being:

• subject of a substantiated complaint/s about a breach of institutional workplace policies, including behavioural and sexual misconduct policies, which if substantiated would be likely to result in significant disciplinary action
• subject of a conduct complaint/s to a professional body, which if substantiated would be likely to result in significant disciplinary action
• charged with criminal offences where conviction is likely to result in a sentence of imprisonment (NHMRC may take precautionary measures pending the outcome of a prosecution).