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Commonly referred to as a ‘second brain’, the role of the gut extends beyond being a digestor of food and drink. In fact, research has demonstrated time and time again the profound partnership between the gut and the brain, and the range of actions elicited by the chemical factory that is our gut microbiome. The gut-brain-axis operates through several pathways and chemical signals that have an influence over our mood, stress levels and cognitive function. So, with the support of the 100 trillion microbes that live within the human digestive system, Australian researchers are discovering how we can improve mental health conditions through diet.

For the review of the evidence for dietary guidance for older Australians.Published in June 2024.

Diets around the world have significantly shifted for the worse since the 20th century and this has had a highly negative impact on the health of the global population. At the same time, the burden of mental disorders, particularly depression, has increased significantly. Associate Professor Felice Jacka and her team have established new approaches to the prevention and treatment of mental disorders by looking at what we eat.

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.  

The Australian Government commissioned a review of the clinical effectiveness of 16 natural therapies excluded from private health insurance rebates in April 2019. The Department of Health and Aged Care engaged National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to assist in its review by commissioning evidence evaluations that assessed published scientific research on the excluded therapies. NHMRC completed its role in the Natural Therapies Review 2024 with submission of all finalised evidence evaluations to the Department of Health and Aged Care in January 2025.

In 2017–18, almost 1 million Australian adults had type 2 diabetes (T2D) and, in 2018, diabetes contributed to 11% of, or over 17,000, Australian deaths.1,2 Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death for people with diabetes and obesity is a major contributor to the disease.3

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.

NHMRC and the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) are promoting excellence in consumer and community involvement through videos and case studies.

This report contains information on NHMRC administration and performance, and a record of our activities for the reporting period 2022–23. An accessible version of this document is available on the Transparency Portal.

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.

This section provides information on the key stages of the review of PFAS in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

As an Australian Government agency, our decisions must be transparent, our policies credible and our practices fair and ethical. We strive to achieve well-coordinated, efficient and accountable public administration. We comply with legislative and mandatory requirements that pose external reporting obligations, including those provided below.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR) was established in 2015 to target and coordinate the $200 million national dementia research effort through the Boosting Dementia Research Initiative (BDRI).