National Health and Medical Research Council

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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

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.

27 February 2025

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is dedicated to the adoption and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This Transparency Statement outlines our approach to AI use within the NHMRC, in accordance with the DTA's policy for responsible AI in government.

Print this page __

Purpose of AI Use

The NHMRC encourages the use of AI to achieve 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.

AI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC.

AI Applications

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 automates repetitive tasks (for example, meeting transcriptions, minute, searching for emails or sorting data), allowing staff to focus on more complex and value-added activities.
Office Productivity - AI is employed to enhance textual interpretation and generation by understanding and responding in natural language, such as structuring text in documents or summarising written material.

Monitoring and Governance

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

Training: All staff using Copilot complete AI 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 will use the DTA’s AI assurance framework to review the impact of AI against Australia's AI ethics principles. The NHMRC will also adhere to any relevant legislation and regulations governing AI across Commonwealth agencies, such as the DTA's policy for responsible AI in government.

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

26 February: 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 page.

27 February 2025

Purpose of AI Use

AI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC.

AI Applications

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 automates repetitive tasks (for example, meeting transcriptions, minute, searching for emails or sorting data), allowing staff to focus on more complex and value-added activities.
Office Productivity - AI is employed to enhance textual interpretation and generation by understanding and responding in natural language, such as structuring text in documents or summarising written material.

Monitoring and Governance

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

Training: All staff using Copilot complete AI 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

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

26 February: 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 page.

28 February 2026

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.

Purpose of AI use

AI applications

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 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

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 page.

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.

Purpose of AI use

AI applications

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 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

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 page.

Statement text © National Health and Medical Research Council, reproduced for transparency tracking (most agency content is CC BY 4.0 — check the original for specifics).

Revision history

Show 1 scrape-noise revision

19 June 2026updatednoise+733
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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.
20 May 2026updated-18
View diff
~~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.
6 May 2026updated+1295
View diff
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 D~~TA's [p~~igital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) [Policy for responsible AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/~~policy/ai/policy~~ai/ai-in-government-policy/staff-training). ## Purpose of AI Uuse The NHMRC encourages the use of ~~AI to achieve~~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 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 a~~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 - 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 summaris~~and analytics activities such as internally classifying research topics. _Note: We also allow staff to access certain public GenAI tools in linge writ~~ten 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 mus~~ing Copilo~~t 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 framework~~impact assessment tool](https://www.digital.gov.au/~~policy/ai/pilot-ai-assurance-framework~~ai/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/policy~~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 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.
1 May 2026updated-22
View diff
27 February 2025 The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is dedicated to the adoption and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This Transparency Statement outlines our approach to AI use within the NHMRC, in accordance with the DTA's [policy for responsible AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). ~~Print this page \_\_~~ ## Purpose of AI Use The NHMRC encourages the use of AI to achieve 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. AI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC. ## AI Applications 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 automates repetitive tasks (for example, meeting transcriptions, minute, searching for emails or sorting data), allowing staff to focus on more complex and value-added activities. - **Office Productivity** - AI is employed to enhance textual interpretation and generation by understanding and responding in natural language, such as structuring text in documents or summarising written material. ## Monitoring and Governance The NHMRC has established governance mechanisms to ensure the ethical and effective use of AI. This includes: - **Training:** All staff using Copilot complete AI 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 will use the DTA’s [AI assurance framework](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/pilot-ai-assurance-framework) to review the impact of AI against [Australia's AI ethics principles](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 the DTA's [policy for responsible AI in government](https://www.digital.gov.au/policy/ai/policy). ## 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 - 26 February: 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.
11 Nov 2025first tracked+3073
First tracked revision.