APS AI Tracker

NHMRC

National Health and Medical Research Council

View the original ↗

Tracked since 11 Nov 2025 · 2 changes of substance across 4 versions · last changed 19 June 2026

What’s changed

How to read this

  1. Tracking begins. The statement says it was first published 26 Feb 2025.

  2. substantive Rewrites its statement for policy v2.0. It discloses new Copilot uses in coding, HR and IT agents and research-topic analytics, allows public GenAI tools, and requires AI training for all staff.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    • New use: generating and debugging code for systems development and maintenance
    • New use: SharePoint agents supporting internal HR and IT advice
    • New use: analytics, including classifying research topics internally
    • Staff may now use certain public GenAI tools under DTA guidance
    • All staff must now complete APS Academy AI fundamentals training, where before only Copilot users had to train
    • Uses are now grouped by the DTA classification system (workplace productivity, corporate and enabling, analytics for insights)
    • Uses the DTA AI impact assessment tool instead of the pilot AI assurance framework
    • States it is implementing the Policy for responsible AI in government v2.0
    • Update history adds a 6 May 2026 revision
    • Removed: summarising written material as a named use
    • Usage pattern added: analytics for insights
    • Policy version referenced: unspecified → v2
    • Stated last-updated date: 2025-02-27 → 2026-05-06
    Show the words that changed ↓

  3. One cosmetic edit : Removes the "28 February 2026" date stamp from the top of the statement. The statement text itself is unchanged.

  4. substantive Discloses GenAI use for research and analysis support and for drafting publications and briefings, while limiting AI to support functions and making staff responsible for verifying outputs.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    • New 'Research and analysis support' use: summarising information, structuring analyses and preparing reports, publications and briefing content
    • Workplace productivity use widened from structuring internal reports to structuring and refining publications and briefing materials
    • New limit: GenAI confined to support functions and does not replace human authorship, decision-making or accountability
    • New safeguard: staff responsible for verifying the accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted outputs
    • Update history adds a 19 June 2026 version
    • New commitment (human oversight): Staff remain responsible for verifying accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted outputs
    • Stated last-updated date: 2026-05-06 → 2026-06-19
    Show the words that changed ↓

What the statement says

How to read this

NHMRC gives staff Microsoft 365 Copilot for workplace productivity, simple SharePoint agents for internal HR and IT advice, internal analytics such as classifying research topics and support for research and analysis, and says it does not rely on generative AI for decision-making. It governs this through mandatory AI fundamentals training for all staff, an AI community of practice, existing governance forums and the DTA's AI impact assessment tool, and says it is implementing version 2.0 of the policy. read by Claude Opus 5.5

What it says AI is used for

  • Workplace productivity
  • Analytics for insights
  • Corporate and enabling

Named tools: Microsoft 365 Copilot

Public-facing AI: unclear

Safeguards named: staff training, human review of outputs, a governance body, risk assessment

The Standard’s eight elements 8 of 8

  • Intentions behind AI use
  • Use classified by DTA usage pattern or domain
  • Public-facing use addressed
  • Monitoring and protection measures
  • Compliance with the policy
  • Compliance with legislation
  • Date last updated
  • Public contact

What the policy requires Policy v2.0

Accountable official
not mentioned
Strategic position on AI
not mentioned
AI use-case register
not mentioned
Staff training
mandatory
Policy version referenced
version 2.0

What the AI Plan asks AI Plan

Chief AI Officer
not mentioned

Dates as of 12 Oct 2026

Review schedule
when the approach changes
Says it was last updated
19 Jun 2026
Last change we saw
19 June 2026
Updated since policy v2.0
yes
Annual review
stated date within the last year

Commitments

  • will not AI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC
  • human oversight Always human involvement in any processes where AI is applied
  • human oversight Staff remain responsible for verifying accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted outputs
  • will Assess AI use cases where the public may directly interact with or be significantly impacted by AI
  • will Use the DTA's AI assurance framework to review AI impact against Australia's AI ethics principles
  • will Adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and the DTA policy governing AI
  • will Update the statement regularly to reflect changes in AI practices and policies

The statement

How to read this

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is dedicated to the adoption and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our commitment to digital innovation aligns with the Australian Government’s Data and Digital Government Strategy in relation to adopting emerging technologies.

This Transparency Statement outlines our approach to AI use within the NHMRC, in accordance with the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) Policy for responsible AI in government.

The NHMRC encourages the use of Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance our productivity, where it is ethical and safe to do so. Our AI initiatives include automation of repeatable processes which helps us streamline our work to support the overall mission of building a healthy Australia.

GenAI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC. Use of GenAI is limited to support functions (such as drafting, editing, summarising, structuring and supporting research analyses) and does not replace human authorship, decision-making or accountability.

Following a pilot and evaluation of Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot, NHMRC staff have access to the licenced version providing enterprise data protection. M365 Copilot allows staff to use GenAI, as per the [DTA classification system](https://www.digital.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-12/Standard for AI transparency statements 2.0_0.pdf), for the purposes of:

  • Automating repetitive tasks (for example, meeting transcriptions, minutes, searching for emails or sorting data), allowing staff to focus on more complex and value-added activities.
  • Structuring and refining content in documents such as internal reports, publications and briefing materials.
  • Generating and debugging code used in systems and applications development and maintenance.
  • GenAI is used to support internal HR and IT advice using simple SharePoint agents.
  • Used to support a range of reporting and analytics activities such as internally classifying research topics.

Research and analysis support

  • GenAI may be used to assist with research, including summarising information, structuring analyses, and supporting the preparation of written materials such as reports, publications and briefing content. AI is used as a support tool only and does not replace human judgement or accountability.

Note: We also allow staff to access certain public GenAI tools in line with the DTA's guide on APS use of public generative AI tools.

The NHMRC has established governance mechanisms to ensure the ethical and effective use of AI. This includes:

  • Training – All staff must complete AI fundamentals training to ensure that there is always human involvement for any processes where AI is applied.
  • Community of Practice – An inclusive group that meets regularly to discuss AI related risks and opportunities.
  • Governance forums – We use our range of existing forums integrating AI issues such as security and privacy.

Staff remain responsible for verifying the accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted outputs.

Public impact and compliance

We are committed to protecting the public from potential negative impacts of AI. We will assess AI use cases where the public may directly interact with or be significantly impacted by AI. We use the DTA’s AI impact assessment tool to review the impact of AI against Australia’s AI Ethics Principles.

The NHMRC will adhere to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies. NHMRC is implementing the DTA’s Policy for responsible AI in government v2.0 and following its guidance on use of public generative AI tools.

This Transparency Statement is part of our commitment to open and transparent communication about our AI use. It will be updated regularly to reflect any changes in our AI practices and policies.

  • 19 June 2026: Updated version published.
  • 6 May 2026: Updated version published.
  • 26 February 2025: Initial version published.

For more information about our AI initiatives or to provide feedback, please contact the Director of IT Management and Strategy through our Contact us page.

Statement text © National Health and Medical Research Council. Most agency content is CC BY 4.0; check the original for its terms.

Every version

Every copy the daily scrape saved that differed from the one before, including minor edits. Pick a dot to see the statement as it was then.

  1. substantive +733

    Discloses GenAI use for research and analysis support and for drafting publications and briefings, while limiting AI to support functions and making staff responsible for verifying outputs.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is dedicated to the adoption and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our commitment to digital innovation aligns with the Australian Government’s [Data and Digital Government Strategy](https://www.dataanddigital.gov.au/strategy/missions/government-for-the-future#adopt_emerging_technologies) in relation to adopting emerging technologies. This Transparency Statement outlines our approach to AI use within the NHMRC, in accordance with the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) [Policy for responsible AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/ai-in-government-policy/staff-training). ## Purpose of AI use The NHMRC encourages the use of Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance our productivity, where it is ethical and safe to do so. Our AI initiatives include automation of repeatable processes which helps us streamline our work to support the overall mission of building a healthy Australia. GenAI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC. Use of GenAI is limited to support functions (such as drafting, editing, summarising, structuring and supporting research analyses) and does not replace human authorship, decision-making or accountability. ## AI applications Following a [pilot](https://www.digital.gov.au/initiatives/copilot-trial) and [evaluation](https://evaluation.treasury.gov.au/publications/evaluation-generative-artificial-intelligence) of Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot, NHMRC staff have access to the licenced version providing enterprise data protection. M365 Copilot allows staff to use GenAI, as per the \[DTA classification system\](https://www.digital.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-12/Standard for AI transparency statements 2.0_0.pdf), for the purposes of: ### Workplace productivity - Automating repetitive tasks (for example, meeting transcriptions, minutes, searching for emails or sorting data), allowing staff to focus on more complex and value-added activities. - Structuring and refining content in documents such as internal reports, publications and briefing materials. - Generating and debugging code used in systems and applications development and maintenance. ### Corporate and enabling - GenAI is used to support internal HR and IT advice using simple SharePoint agents. ### Analytics for insights - Used to support a range of reporting and analytics activities such as internally classifying research topics. ### Research and analysis support - GenAI may be used to assist with research, including summarising information, structuring analyses, and supporting the preparation of written materials such as reports, publications and briefing content. AI is used as a support tool only and does not replace human judgement or accountability. _Note: We also allow staff to access certain public GenAI tools in line with the DTA's guide on APS use of public generative AI tools._ ## Monitoring and governance The NHMRC has established governance mechanisms to ensure the ethical and effective use of AI. This includes: - **Training** – All staff must complete [AI fundamentals](https://www.apsacademy.gov.au/course-sessions/ai-government-fundamentals) training to ensure that there is always human involvement for any processes where AI is applied. - **Community of Practice** – An inclusive group that meets regularly to discuss AI related risks and opportunities. - **Governance forums** – We use our range of existing forums integrating AI issues such as security and privacy. Staff remain responsible for verifying the accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted outputs. ## Public impact and compliance We are committed to protecting the public from potential negative impacts of AI. We will assess AI use cases where the public may directly interact with or be significantly impacted by AI. We use the DTA’s [AI impact assessment tool](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/impact-assessment-tool) to review the impact of AI against Australia’s AI Ethics Principles. The NHMRC will adhere to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies. NHMRC is implementing the DTA’s [Policy for responsible AI in government v2.0](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/ai-in-government-policy) and following its guidance on [use of public generative AI tools](https://www.dta.gov.au/media-releases/dta-releases-new-guidance-australian-government-use-public-generative-ai-tools). ## Transparency and updates This Transparency Statement is part of our commitment to open and transparent communication about our AI use. It will be updated regularly to reflect any changes in our AI practices and policies. ### Update history - 19 June 2026: Updated version published. - 6 May 2026: Updated version published. - 26 February 2025: Initial version published. ## Contact information For more information about our AI initiatives or to provide feedback, please contact the Director of IT Management and Strategy through our [Contact us](https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/contact-us "Contact us") page.
    2275fb0
  2. cosmetic -18

    Removes the "28 February 2026" date stamp from the top of the statement. The statement text itself is unchanged.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    28 February 2026 The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is dedicated to the adoption and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our commitment to digital innovation aligns with the Australian Government’s [Data and Digital Government Strategy](https://www.dataanddigital.gov.au/strategy/missions/government-for-the-future#adopt_emerging_technologies) in relation to adopting emerging technologies. This Transparency Statement outlines our approach to AI use within the NHMRC, in accordance with the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) [Policy for responsible AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/ai-in-government-policy/staff-training). ## Purpose of AI use The NHMRC encourages the use of Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance our productivity, where it is ethical and safe to do so. Our AI initiatives include automation of repeatable processes which helps us streamline our work to support the overall mission of building a healthy Australia. GenAI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC. ## AI applications Following a [pilot](https://www.digital.gov.au/initiatives/copilot-trial) and [evaluation](https://evaluation.treasury.gov.au/publications/evaluation-generative-artificial-intelligence) of Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot, NHMRC staff have access to the licenced version providing enterprise data protection. M365 Copilot allows staff to use GenAI, as per the \[DTA classification system\](https://www.digital.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-12/Standard for AI transparency statements 2.0_0.pdf), for the purposes of: ### Workplace productivity - Automating repetitive tasks (for example, meeting transcriptions, minutes, searching for emails or sorting data), allowing staff to focus on more complex and value-added activities. - Structuring content in documents such as internal reports. - Generating and debugging code used in systems and applications development and maintenance. ### Corporate and enabling - GenAI is used to support internal HR and IT advice using simple SharePoint agents. ### Analytics for insights - Used to support a range of reporting and analytics activities such as internally classifying research topics. _Note: We also allow staff to access certain public GenAI tools in line with the DTA's guide on APS use of public generative AI tools._ ## Monitoring and governance The NHMRC has established governance mechanisms to ensure the ethical and effective use of AI. This includes: - **Training** – All staff must complete [AI fundamentals](https://www.apsacademy.gov.au/course-sessions/ai-government-fundamentals) training to ensure that there is always human involvement for any processes where AI is applied. - **Community of Practice** – An inclusive group that meets regularly to discuss AI related risks and opportunities. - **Governance forums** – We use our range of existing forums integrating AI issues such as security and privacy. ## Public impact and compliance We are committed to protecting the public from potential negative impacts of AI. We will assess AI use cases where the public may directly interact with or be significantly impacted by AI. We use the DTA’s [AI impact assessment tool](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/impact-assessment-tool) to review the impact of AI against Australia’s AI Ethics Principles. The NHMRC will adhere to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies. NHMRC is implementing the DTA’s [Policy for responsible AI in government v2.0](https://www.digital.gov.au/ai/ai-in-government-policy) and following its guidance on [use of public generative AI tools](https://www.dta.gov.au/media-releases/dta-releases-new-guidance-australian-government-use-public-generative-ai-tools). ## Transparency and updates This Transparency Statement is part of our commitment to open and transparent communication about our AI use. It will be updated regularly to reflect any changes in our AI practices and policies. ### Update history - 6 May 2026: Updated version published. - 26 February 2025: Initial version published. ## Contact information For more information about our AI initiatives or to provide feedback, please contact the Director of IT Management and Strategy through our [Contact us](https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/contact-us "Contact us") page.
    8043f60
  3. substantive +1295

    Rewrites its statement for policy v2.0. It discloses new Copilot uses in coding, HR and IT agents and research-topic analytics, allows public GenAI tools, and requires AI training for all staff.

    read by Claude Opus 5.5
    The words that changed
    278 February 20256 The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is dedicated to the adoption and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our commitment to digital innovation aligns with the Australian Government’s [Data and Digital Government Strategy](https://www.dataanddigital.gov.au/strategy/missions/government-for-the-future#adopt_emerging_technologies) in relation to adopting emerging technologies. This Transparency Statement outlines our approach to AI use within the NHMRC, in accordance with the DTA's [pigital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) [Policy for responsible AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policyai/ai-in-government-policy/staff-training). ## Purpose of AI Uuse The NHMRC encourages the use of AI to achieveGenerative AI (GenAI) to enhance our productivity, where it is ethical and safe to do so. Our AI initiatives include automation of repeatable processes which helps us streamline our work to support the overall mission of building a healthy Australia. GenAI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC. ## AI Aapplications Currently, the NHMRC primarily uses Microsoft’s Copilot as its AI tool. Copilot allows staff to apply AI for the purposes of: - **Automation and Efficiency** - AI aFollowing a [pilot](https://www.digital.gov.au/initiatives/copilot-trial) and [evaluation](https://evaluation.treasury.gov.au/publications/evaluation-generative-artificial-intelligence) of Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot, NHMRC staff have access to the licenced version providing enterprise data protection. M365 Copilot allows staff to use GenAI, as per the \[DTA classification system\](https://www.digital.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-12/Standard for AI transparency statements 2.0_0.pdf), for the purposes of: ### Workplace productivity - Automatesing repetitive tasks (for example, meeting transcriptions, minutes, searching for emails or sorting data), allowing staff to focus on more complex and value-added activities. - **Office Productivity** - AI is employed to Structuring content in documents such as internal reports. - Generating and debugging code used in systems and applications development and maintenhance textual interpretation and generation by understanding and. ### Corporate and enabling - GenAI is used to support internal HR and IT advice using simple SharePoint agents. ### Analytics for insights - Used to support a range of respondrting in natural language, such as structuring text in documents or summarisand analytics activities such as internally classifying research topics. _Note: We also allow staff to access certain public GenAI tools in linge written material.h the DTA's guide on APS use of public generative AI tools._ ## Monitoring and Ggovernance The NHMRC has established governance mechanisms to ensure the ethical and effective use of AI. This includes: - **Training:** – All staff musing Copilot complete [AI fundamentals](https://www.apsacademy.gov.au/course-sessions/ai-government-fundamentals) training to ensure that there is always human involvement for any processes where AI is applied. - **Community of Practice** :– An inclusive group that meets regularly to discuss AI- related risks and opportunities. - **Governance Fforums:** – We use our range of existing forums integrating AI issues such as security and privacy. ## Public Iimpact and Ccompliance We are committed to protecting the public from potential negative impacts of AI. We will assess AI use cases where the public may directly interact with or be significantly impacted by AI. We will use the DTA’s [AI assurance frameworkimpact assessment tool](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/pilot-ai-assurance-frameworkai/impact-assessment-tool) to review the impact of AI against [Australia'’s AI eEthics pPrinciples](https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/accountability-and-reporting/Australia's%20AI%20ethics%20principles). . The NHMRC will also adhere to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies, such as. NHMRC is implementing the DTA'’s [pPolicy for responsible AI in government v2.0](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policyai/ai-in-government-policy) and following its guidance on [use of public generative AI tools](https://www.dta.gov.au/media-releases/dta-releases-new-guidance-australian-government-use-public-generative-ai-tools). ## Transparency and Uupdates This Transparency Statement is part of our commitment to open and transparent communication about our AI use. It will be updated regularly to reflect any changes in our AI practices and policies. ### Update Hhistory - 6 May 2026: Updated version published. - 26 February 2025: Initial version published. ## Contact Iinformation For more information about our AI initiatives or to provide feedback, please contact the Director of IT Management and Strategy through our [Contact us](https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/contact-us "Contact us") page.
    fef937f
  4. first tracked +3051

    First tracked version.

    b7e2a3d