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WORKING TO BUILD A HEALTHY AUSTRALIA
NHMRC is Australia's peak body for health and medical research; for health advice; and for ethics in health care and in health and medical research.
CEO's message
Health care is probably Australia's largest single industry. Like all industries, research and innovation are essential. There is much to learn if we are to better prevent ill health and better maintain good health throughout life, to more effectively deliver health care based on evidence of what works, and if we are to discover new therapies and cures...
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Previous news & events
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New Diabetic Retinopathy Guidelines released28 August 2008
The Guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy have just been released. The guidelines were developed to assist health practitioners to make decisions about the appropriate health care of patients with diabetes, a growing issue in our community.
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Alcohol guidelines update26 August 2008
Following the initial consideration by the NHMRC Council, NHMRC is finalising the NHMRC Australian alcohol guidelines for low risk drinking, including the latest research. The Council is expected to consider them again in late 2008.
» More information on the alcohol guidelines consultation -
Australia participates in the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC)22 August 2008
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, today announced Australia’s key role in the international fight against cancer. The Government, through NHMRC, has committed $27.5 million over five years to participate in a consortium of countries studying the disease.
The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) will coordinate international research efforts to understand DNA changes involved in the major forms of cancer, leading to better diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Research institutions interested in being involved should submit an expression of interest by 29 August 2008.
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Linking research to real life21 August 2008
NHMRC CEO Warwick Anderson has announced the new NHMRC Partnerships scheme, intended to build direct relationships between health providers and researchers. The scheme is ongoing, with the initial funding of over $100m available in the first two years.
» See media release
» See NHMRC Partnerships information -
10 of the best research projects 200820 August 2008
Stem cells, diabetes, cancer, dental health and obesity in children are just a few of the research projects funded by the NHMRC showcased in this new booklet, 10 of the best research projects 2008. Read about these and other groundbreaking projects and meet the researchers who are carrying them out.
» See publication -
NHMRC Fellow wins Victoria Prize19 August 2008Congratulations to Professor Peter Colman on being awarded the prestigious 2008 Victoria Prize at a gala ceremony held in Melbourne on Wednesday 13 August. Professor Colman is head of the Structural Biology Division at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and an NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow. He received the Victoria Prize for his seminal contribution to the discovery of the new class of anti-influenza drugs behind Relenza and Tamiflu.
» More information on the Victoria Prize -
Water quality and health19 August 2008Public seminar: Tuesday 2 September, 11am to noon, CSIRO Discovery Centre, Canberra. Special guest speaker: Dr Jamie Bartram of the World Health Organization (WHO).
» More information -
New guidelines improve animal wellbeing18 August 2008
World first Guidelines to Promote the Wellbeing of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes: The Assessment and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Research Animals have been released by the NHMRC. They focus on all aspects of the care of animals used in research.
» See media release -
DNA testing online: marketing hype or medical breakthrough?14 August 2008
DNA shampoo? Diet and exercise regimes tailored to your own genetic makeup? DNA tests available on the internet to calculate your genetic risk for breast cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease?
This is no longer the stuff of science fiction—rapid advances in genetic science and technology are greatly expanding the range of DNA tests available, and dramatically reducing the costs.
NHMRC and the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) joined forces to explore these issues at a free Public Meeting hosted by ABCTV’s Bernie Hobbs in Sydney on 7 August 2008:
» Read more -
CEO thanks researchers14 August 2008
Each year NHMRC establishes Grant Review Panels (GRP), which are responsible for reviewing and ranking NHMRC grant applications.
For the past three weeks in Melbourne, NHMRC has conducted a GRP for project grants starting in 2009.
During the three weeks almost 500 assessors reviewed 2790 of applications. Assessors are senior researchers who have received funding from NHMRC.
Applying for NHMRC grants is highly competitive and the peer review is a critical part of the process. It is an enormous task to undertake, but necessary to ensure the transparency, probity and fairness of our funding.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each researcher who volunteered their valuable time to review the applications.
Without their help NHMRC wouldn’t have the reputation it does for its rigorous review process.
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30 years of bionic ears1 August 2008
On this day in 1978, Professor Graeme Clark and colleagues implanted the first bionic ear in an adult patient at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. NHMRC grants from 1975 to 1982 assisted Professor Clark to develop and commercialise this groundbreaking technology that since then has improved the lives of 50,000 people in more than 120 countries.
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Research Partnerships for better health25 July 2008
The NHMRC Partnerships initiative was designed to meet the need for a more effective integration of evidence into health policy and service delivery. Application forms and advice to applicant documentation will be available early August 2008. The funding policy provides information to advise researches and prospective partners of the research call.
» Read more -
The validity of published health findings28 July 2008
ABC Radio National's The Health Report of 28 July broadcast an interview with Professor John Ioannidis from the University of Ioannina in Greece and Tufts University in Boston about his paper "Why Most Published Research Findings Are False".
» Interview transcript and audio on ABC.net.au -
The support that helps medical research happen25 July 2008
NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson has announced 22 grants to independent health and medical research institutes across Australia totalling $29 million through the NHMRC Independent Research Institute Infrastructure Support Scheme.
» Read more -
Direct-to-consumer DNA tests: marketing hype or medical breakthrough? 10 July 2008
Public meeting, Thursday 7 August 2008, 6-8pm, Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of NSW.
» Read more -
How will the NHMRC be involved in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) consultation process?
The NHMRC is working with ARC to support the consultation process, in particular around the use of research publications data.
» Read more -
Dietary guidelines for children and adolescents24 june 2008
Some recent media reports have mentioned the effects of caffeine in children’s drinks. The Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia outlines the National Health and Medical Research Council’s recommendation regarding children and consumption of caffeine. The relevant information begins on page 145.
» Read more (PDF, 1.56MB)
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The Australian Alcohol Guidelines for Low Risk Drinking 200820 June 2008
The Australian Alcohol Guidelines for Low Risk Drinking 2008 are currently being finalised.
The revised guidelines are a draft and therefore not a public document as they have not yet been approved by the NHMRC. They are currently being reviewed by international experts before going to NHMRC Council. It is expected they will be finalised in mid July 2008.
Any discussion about their likely content is speculation at this time.
All NHMRC guidelines are based on the best and most recent scientific research available. It is NHMRC’s duty to put this evidence before the community, however, it is up to individuals how they want to use the information.
NHMRC’s guidelines will give Australians the evidence that they need to make informed choices about drinking alcohol and provide them with information on the risks of alcohol-related accidents, injury, illnesses and disease. That is why their actual title is Australian Alcohol Guidelines for Low Risk Drinking. Scientific evidence shows that, the more a person drinks the greater the risk for alcohol-related injury and illness.
Binge drinking and low risk drinking
The guidelines do not use the term 'binge drinking'. However, they do provide guidance on the risks both over a lifetime, and on a single drinking occasion.
» How does NHMRC develop its guidelines? -
Post-coma unresponsiveness guidelines19 June 2008
NHMRC has launched two documents targeted at people involved in the care of people in post-coma states. Ethical Guidelines for the Care of People in Post-Coma Unresponsiveness (Vegetative State) or a Minimally Responsive State and A Guide for Families and Carers of People with Profound Brain Damage provide an ethical framework to guide health care professionals, courts and tribunals, and families acting in the best interests of these vulnerable people.
» See media release
» Download publications
» Related publication: Post-coma Unresponsiveness (Vegetative State): A Clinical Framework for Diagnosis -
Congratulations to Professor Michael Good10 June 2008
Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Professor Michael Good, has been recognised in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his service to medical research.
» Read more -
Young, groundbreaking and inspiring6 June 2008
Outstanding young medical researcher Prof James Whisstock was awarded the 2008 Commonwealth Health Minister's Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research at the ASMR Medical Research Week dinner on Thursday 5 June.
» Listen to a podcast interview with James -
Stop the clot - reducing blood clot risk for hospital patients28 may 2008
A new national prevention program to stop potentially lethal blood clots developing in private hospital patients was launched in Canberra today by Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon.
» See media release -
Water Recycling Guidelines28 may 2008
NHMRC and the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) have been developing guidelines for recycling water under the auspices of the Environment Protection Heritage Council (EPHC). There are 3 modules:
Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks (Phase 2): Augmentation of Drinking Water Supplies was endorsed by the EPHC, NRMMC and NHMRC in April 2008.
Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks (Phase 2): Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse and Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks (Phase 2): Managed Aquifer Recharge were released for public consultation on 6 May 2008, which will close on 1 July.
EPHC have posted all three documents on their website:
» Go to EPHC Water Recycling -
Update on the 2008/09 Federal Budget and its impact on the National Health and Medical Research Council14 may 2008
CEO Warwick Anderson today welcomed the support of the Rudd Government for health and medical research in Australia.
“We are delighted with the funding allocation to medical research. Funding of $617 million will be available to support high quality health and medical research throughout Australia as a result of last night’s budget,” said Professor Anderson.
A summary of the key facts on the NHMRC funding from the budget is available.
» Go to CEO's summary -
Communiqué from the NHMRC Council Meeting9 may 2008
The Minister for Health and Ageing, The Hon Nicola Roxon MP addressed the 170th Council Meeting on the 24 of April 2008. The Communiqué outlines Council discussions on indigenous health, mental illness and other essential health issues.
» See NHMRC Communiqué -
Dates for consultation workshops for Indigenous health Road Map1 may 2008
NHMRC has announced dates for consultation workshops for its review of The NHMRC Road Map: A Strategic Framework for Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Through Research.
» See consultation workshop dates -
Health at the Australia 2020 Summit22 April 2008
Health was a major topic at the Australia 2020 Summit convened by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on the weekend of 19, 20 April 2008. Chair of the NHMRC Council Professor Michael Good co-chaired the discussion 'A long-term national health strategy' with The Hon. Nicola Roxon MP, and NHMRC CEO Warwick Anderson was among the participants.
» See Australia 2020 Summit
» See Health - Australia 2020 Summit -
New alcohol guidelines expected soon18 April 2008
The draft of the revised Australian Alcohol Guidelines: health risks and benefits were released for comment in October 2007.
NHMRC received 162 submissions and the information from these submissions is being taken into consideration in developing the final guidelines.
The guidelines were due to be released in March, but because of the high number of submissions, publication has been delayed. It is expected the guidelines will be released in mid-June 2008. They will undergo an international peer review before being published.
For further information contact the Communications section on 0422 008 512 or email nhmrc.media@nhmrc.gov.au.
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Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition15 April 2008
The Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition has been released.
» See media release
» Australian Immunisation Handbook - 9th Edition 2008 (on Department of Health & Ageing website) -
Research grants open opportunities with China14 April 2008
Australian health researchers will study in China for the first time under a new grants program funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
» See media release -
Grants help to market medical discoveries13 April 2008
Retinal imaging to identify people at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, a dressing that will reduce the severity of scars and a "smarthroscope" that distinguishes between healthy and damaged tissue are among 22 National Health and Medical Research Council development grants worth $4.4 million announced today by the Australian Government.
» See media release -
NHMRC Complaints10 April 2008
NHMRC supports a transparent approach to the handling and resolution of complaints lodged with the agency. The purpose of the NHMRC Policy on Complaints is to outline how to Lodge a complaint and how a complaint that falls within NHMRC's jurisdiction is lodged with and processed by the NHMRC.
» See complaint form -
Funding backs research priorities in primary health care31 march 2008
Research into new approaches to help GPs deal with childhood obesity, assess patients' risk of heart attacks and improve the health of Indigenous people will be supported by NHMRC funding.
» See media release -
Complementary Medicine gets a boost31 march 2008
Research into the fast-growing area of complementary and alternative medicine received a boost today with the announcement by the Australian Government of more than $7 million in grants.
» See media release -
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation applications18 march 2008
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has announced a request for applications.
This request is a component of the Islet Transplantation Program, which was established by the JDRF with funding from the Department of Health and Ageing. It is designed to help take islet transplantation from being an experimental procedure to one broadly available for people with diabetes.
JDRF will direct $2.2 million over two years to this program, and only investigators and institutes based in Australia are eligible.
Further information detailing the process of application can be found at www.jdrf.org.au and click on 'Islet transplantation - new funding available'. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 18 April 2008.
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The National Health and Medical Research Council has released its Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water18 march 2008
The main aim of the Guidelines is to protect humans from threats posed by the recreational use of coastal, estuarine and fresh waters.
They have been developed to help local, state and territory governments and other authorities formulate legislation and standards to ensure recreational water environments are managed as safely as possible. They also encourage a national approach to managing the quality of water used for recreation.
The Guidelines are an update on the 2006 Guidelines without substantive changes to the content, but with editorial amendments.
» View the guidelines -
NHMRC Supported Group Leader at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory11 march 2008
NHMRC and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory are seeking applications from talented molecular and cell biologists for an NHMRC-supported Group Leader position. This is an opportunity for a researcher of outstanding ability to further their career at EMBL in Europe and develop into an internationally recognised research leader.
» View more information -
Research grants to tackle dementia3 march 2008
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, today announced grants of more than $9 million to tackle dementia.
» See media release -
Closing evidence-practice gaps in emergency care29 February 2008
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has published the latest brochures in its series, Emergency Care Evidence in Practice. The brochures were developed for emergency care clinicians by the NHMRC’s National Institute of Clinical Studies Emergency Care Community of Practice. They highlight evidence-practice gaps of particular relevance within Australian emergency departments.
» See media release -
Council Chair appointed to 2020 Summit29 February 2008
Chair of the NHMRC Council, Professor Michael Good, is one of 11 hand picked Australians to lend their expertise to the 2020 Steering Committee.
» View full story -
NICS Update19 February 2008
NHMRC has added NICS Update to its free online subscription service! NICS Update is a monthly bulletin that brings you the latest news on evidence uptake from our National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS).
» Subscribe to NICS Update
» View NICS Update -
Grants take a preventative slant - Campus Review26 February 2008
The focus of research grants change over time with researchers constantly looking at the trends to help frame their applications. John Ross looks at the latest round of NHMRC grants.
» Download: Article, re-printed courtesy of Campus Review (PDF, 2.7MB) -
Health care workers as well as at-risk groups must be immunised against influenza to save lives, says NHMRC chief22 February 2008
Professor Warwick Anderson, CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is calling for employers of health care workers in general practice, hospitals and aged care to start planning influenza vaccination clinics now so that their staff are protected against this disease and avoid spreading it to at risk groups in their care.
» See media release -
Podcasts: Great minds in Australian research22 February 2008
NHMRC is proud to present its new series of podcast interviews, Great minds in health and medical research.
Great minds in health and medical research is a fortnightly series of ten conversations with leading figures in Australian health and medical research. It kicks off with NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson, who discusses NHMRC’s role in the future of health and medical research.
Next fortnight Great minds in health and medical research will talk with Professor Judith Whitworth, the director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research and the Howard Florey Professor of Medical Research at the Australian National University in Canberra.
» See NHMRC podcasts -
Apology to the stolen generation13 February 2008
Following the Parliament of Australia’s apology to the stolen generation and bipartisan approach to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, NHMRC recommits itself to helping in this task.
Our Strategic Plan identifies Indigenous health as one of our highest priorities, which means the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians will continue to be a major focus of research attention from NHMRC.
In particular, we are concentrating on health inequalities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with a focus on prevention, delivery of care and governance, and are considering the social, cultural and economic factors that contribute to the health of individuals and communities.
We have made significant advances in the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and we remain committed to allocating 5 per cent of our annual research budget to research that is relevant to Indigenous people.
That funding is matched by a commitment to ensuring the research is beneficial and acceptable to Indigenous Australians. We do this through the NHMRC Road Map: A Strategic Framework for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through research, which was developed through national consultation.
We are guided in this by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Research Advisory Committee.
Professor Warwick Anderson
CEO -
Major funding for Australian health and medical researchers04 February 2008
The Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, today announced $124 million in funding for projects to support health and medical research in Australia.
» See media release: Major funding for Australian health and medical researchers
» See media release: Health research grants focus on prevention
» See media release: International health and medical research collaboration
» See media release: Major investment in Australia's health researchers
» See grant details -
International Review - NHMRC research funding processes31 January 2008
To enable broad input from a number of international leaders, the Review has been conducted in two stages. The first meeting in October was Chaired by the President of the Canadian Institute for Health Research, Professor Alan Bernstein, and included panel members Dr Toni Scarpa (Director, Centre for Scientific Review, US National Institutes for Health), and Dr Merilyn Sleigh (Consultant and former Managing Director of Evogenix).
The second meeting, with Dr Elias Zerhouni (Director, National Institutes for Health), Professor Sally Davies, (Director of Research and Development, UK Department of Health), and Dr Edward Holmes, (Executive Deputy Chairman of Singapore’s Biomedical Research Council) was scheduled for late January 2008.
The NHMRC will be considering the report from the review and consulting with government and stakeholders during 2008.
» Download: Article, re-printed courtesy of Campus Review (PDF, 1.8MB) -
Alcohol guidelines based on strong evidence22 january 2008
The National Health and Medical Research Council has reinforced the quality and accuracy of its draft alcohol guidelines, saying they are based on the best available scientific evidence.
» See media release -
CEO greetings message17 December 2007
I would like to extend my warmest wishes for the festive season.
This year the health and medical community continued to face many challenges including finding cures for familiar, chronic diseases, dealing with new illnesses and promoting prevention. All need research solutions.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in supporting health and medical research. High-quality research is needed more than ever as we face the health challenges of the future.
On behalf of the staff, Council and Committees of the NHMRC, I wish you and your families a safe and well-earned break, and look forward to working together in the New Year. Have a happy and safe holiday season.
I’d also like to congratulate all of the winners from the inaugural NHMRC awards night, held in Canberra last week. Go to details of the winners and their categories.
Happy holidays!
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NHMRC awards outstanding achievers in health and medical research13 December 2007
Sixteen outstanding achievers have been recognised by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for their significant contributions to health and medical research.
» See media release -
Inaugural NHMRC Awards5 December 2007
The Inaugural NHMRC Awards will be announced on Wednesday 12th December at a Gala Dinner attended by a vast cross section of the Australian research community.
» More information can be found here -
Evidence supports fluoridation of drinking water14 november 2007
The NHMRC has completed a review of the latest scientific evidence in relation to fluoride and health. Based on the research the NHMRC recommends artificial fluoridation of water as an effective community measure to protect the population from tooth decay.
» See public statement
» See publication -
NHMRC launches Great minds in Australian research book1 november 2007
The 2007 edition of 10 of the Best - Great minds in Australian research was launched at the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Canberra as part of Thank You Day celebrations.
» See media release
» See publication -
‘Thank You’ to our researchers31 october 2007
Some of Australia’s leading health professionals gathered at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the ANU today, to celebrate the contribution of health and medical research in Australia.
» See media release -
Invitation to comment - revision of the Core Food Groups (1994)30 october 2007
The NHMRC is updating the publication Core Food Groups (1994) to be consistent with the recent Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand (2006), and are inviting comment on the draft Statement of Requirement, specification and projected timeframe from interested people or agencies.
[Comments closed on 21 November 2007]
» More information can be found here -
2008 National Health and Medical Research grants announced, totalling $561.4 million25 September 2007
More than 50 universities and research institutes are the recipients of the major funding round for the 2008 National Health and Medical Research grants.
» See media release for details and State highlights NHMRC-funded trial shows blood pressure drugs can cut diabetes deaths3 September 2007
NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson today congratulated the George Institute for International Health on the success of a worldwide clinical trial showing that a combination of blood-pressure-lowering drugs can cut deaths from complications of type 2 diabetes by almost one-fifth.
» See media release-
New code on responsible research practices and handling misconduct29 august 2007
Integrity in research, meeting community expectations, and handling allegations of misconduct are the focus of a new national code released today by the NHMRC, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia. The Code replaces the Joint NHMRC/AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (1997).
» Joint media release
» Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007) $291,190 for Palliative Care Research in SA19 August 2007
Research into end-of-life and palliative care practices will be supported by two NHMRC grants announced in South Australia.
» See media releaseNHMRC accommodation changes -- possible disruptions 20-22 August 200717 August 2007
Between Monday 20 August and Wednesday 22 August 2007 many NHMRC staff in Canberra will be relocating as we reorganise accommodation to reflect our new organisational structure, and move to occupy an additional floor in our 20 Allara St premises. There may be some disruptions to service during this period, and some staff may be difficult to contact. We apologise for the inconvenience, and please ring 02 6217 9000 if you require assistance.
NHMRC apologises for administrative error in grants process8 August 2007
The National Health and Medical Research Council today confirmed that an administrative error had occurred in its 2007 project grants review process that had inadvertently revealed the identity of some reviewers.
» See public statement$36 million for Australia’s medical researchers2 august 2007
The Commonwealth Government’s $36 million Australia Fellowships, through the National Health and Medical Research Council, have been awarded to researchers in cancer, infectious diseases and mental health.
» See media releaseRecycled water for drinking National Workshop in CanberraAUGUST 2 2007
Recycled water for drinking is a hot topic affecting all Australians. The NHMRC is bringing together the country’s leading public health and environment experts with consumer representatives to rigorously debate this topic of national importance.
» More information$1.1 million for palliative care research in NSW27 july 2007
Research into end of life and palliative care practices will be supported by six National Health and Medical Research Council grants announced on 27 July by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Brett Mason.
» See media releaseAustralia to become an Associate Member of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)25 july 2007
The NHMRC supports Australia’s recently-announced associate membership of EMBL, and will provide funding for selected Australian researchers to undertake research work in EMBL laboratories. Details will be announced later in 2007 via NHMRC Tracker.
» See Education Minister Julie Bishop's Media Release and
EMBL Press Release-
$1.1 Million for Palliative Care Research in Victoria17 july 2007
Research into improving health issues associated with end-of-life and palliative care practices will be supported by seven NHMRC grants announced today.
» See media release NHMRC research data now available online17 july 2007
The first set of NHMRC research funding datasets showing the NHMRC’s investment in various ‘burden of disease’ areas, national health priorities and other issues relevant to the NHMRC’s 2007-2009 Strategic Plan.
» View the NHMRC statistics portalNational Statement Information Sessions11 july 2007
The NHMRC will conduct information sessions on changes to the National Statement around Australia, with the first to be held at the Sebel and Citigate Hotel, King George Square, Brisbane on Monday 30 July.
Australian scientists awarded $2.3 million for international research 6 july 2007
More than $2.3 million over 3 years has been awarded to seven of Australia’s leading health and medical researchers under the prestigious international Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP).
» See media releaseNHMRC info subscription page now online!4 july 2007
Get the latest NHMRC information as soon as it happens! Subscribe online for free to the fortnightly NHMRC Tracker (includes research and funding announcements), Media Releases and Major Announcements, and NHMRC Newsmakers (NHMRC funded researchers in the media).
» Subscription ServiceEthical Guidelines on the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Clinical Practice and Research (updated in 2007)3 July 2007
The 2007 revised guidelines include ethical guidance in areas such as human egg donation; research on embryos that are unsuitable for implantation; and research on embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer (also known as ‘therapeutic cloning’).
» View GuidelinesNHMRC Tracker e-bulletin now online29 june 2007
NHMRC Tracker is a fortnightly e-bulletin covering major NHMRC announcements and news on grants, research funding, health advice, health ethics and other items of interest. It supersedes the Research and General Noticeboard, and NHMRC eNews.
» More informationPublic consultation on Post-Coma Unresponsiveness (vegetative state) – Ethical Care Guidelines for health professionals, families and carers29 june 2007
Two draft NHMRC guidelines documents for the ethical care of people in post-coma unresponsiveness are now available for public consultation.
» Background informationNew guidelines for communicating end-of-life issues18 June 2007
These guidelines, funded by the NHMRC and the Department of Health and Ageing, were launched today by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Brett Mason.
» Senator Mason's media release | » GuidelinesNew Commonwealth laws on human embryo research and prohibition of human cloning now in effect 15 june 2007
The Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction and the Regulation of Human Embryo Research Amendment Act 2006 came into operation on 12 June 2007.
» More information about changes to legislationNHMRC Ethics Report8 June 2007
The Commonwealth Government has released Challenging Ethical Issues in Contemporary Research on Human Beings.
» Report | » Minister’s media releaseHealth Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research 2007
The 2007 winner is Professor Jamie Rossjohn from Monash University.
» Minister’s media releaseNational Ethical Guidelines on Organ and Tissue Donation1 june 2007
The NHMRC has released these new ethical guidelines after an extensive public consultation.
» Minister’s media release | » GuidelinesResearchers awarded NHMRC healthy start to life grants1 june 2007
More than $6.2 million has been awarded to investigate a range factors that have the potential to affect children’s health.
» Minister’s media release and details of grants awardedNew cardiac rehabilitation service for Indigenous Australians31 may 2007
The NHMRC has released a geographic information system CD-ROM that locates cardiac rehabilitation services for Indigenous Australians across Australia.
» Media releaseProceedings of Complementary Medicine Forum now available 29 May 2007
This Future Directions Forum was held in Sydney on 21 -22 November 2006.
» More informationAustralian Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Guidelines Launched23 may 2007
The guidelines were developed by the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and approved by the NHMRC.
» Media release | » More information
Indigenous health
Draft alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking
Human genetics & genetic technologies
Prof. Ron Trent on DNA testing
Vijaya Nagarajan on DNA testing
Prof. Ian Frazer on the Gardasil journey