Our policy on research integrity

The NHMRC Research Integrity and Misconduct Policy (the Integrity Policy) specifies when NHMRC Administering Institutions must notify NHMRC about research integrity matters. It also describes the actions NHMRC may take in response to such matters. The current Integrity Policy came into effect on 1 July 2019.

The policy should be read in conjunction with the Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018), the current NHMRC Funding Agreement and grant guidelines. Three fact sheets support the policy and are available in the Downloads section below. Other resources include our:  

• Fraud and Corruption Control Framework
• Privacy Policy
• Complaints Policy and Form
• Peer Review guidance
• NHMRC and MRFF Open Science policy
• Principles for accessing and using publicly funded data for health research
• 2016 Misconduct Policy

Reporting concerns 

NHMRC does not investigate allegations of research misconduct or potential breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 (the Code). This is the responsibility of the relevant research institution, as stated in the Code.

The fact sheets below provide advice on how to raise concerns about research integrity (available in Downloads section):

• What should I do if I suspect a researcher may be doing the wrong thing?
• Concerns arising during peer review about possible research misconduct

The Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC), supported by both NHMRC and the Australian Research Council, provides a mechanism for review of research integrity investigations. 

For further advice, contact integrity@nhmrc.gov.au.

Anonymous reports – fraud and corruption

If you wish to report a suspicion of fraud or corruption related to NHMRC funding, you can do so anonymously online via Contact us.