APS AI Tracker

NHMRC

National Health and Medical Research Council

View the original ↗

Tracked since 11 Nov 2025 · 2 changes of substance across 5 captures · last changed 19 June 2026

The story so far

How to read this

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

  2. substantive NHMRC rewrites its statement, disclosing new GenAI uses including SharePoint HR/IT agents, code generation and analytics, and swaps the assurance framework for the impact assessment tool.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    • New uses disclosed: SharePoint agents for internal HR and IT advice, code generation/debugging, and analytics classifying research topics
    • Staff now allowed to use certain public GenAI tools under DTA guidance
    • Licensed M365 Copilot with enterprise data protection replaces generic 'Microsoft Copilot', following the Copilot pilot and evaluation
    • Removed: reliance on the DTA pilot AI assurance framework, replaced by the AI impact assessment tool
    • Now aligned to Policy for responsible AI in government v2.0 and DTA's transparency standard classification system
    • Training commitment tightened to mandatory APS Academy 'AI in government fundamentals'
    • Usage pattern added: analytics for insights
    • Policy version referenced: unspecified → v2
    • Stated first-published date: — → 2025-02-26
    • Stated last-updated date: 2025-02-27 → 2026-05-06
    Show the words that changed ↓

  3. One cosmetic edit with no change of substance: Only the date line "28 February 2026" at the top of the statement has dropped out; the text is otherwise unchanged.

  4. substantive NHMRC discloses a new "research and analysis support" use of generative AI and adds safeguards limiting it to support functions with staff verifying outputs.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    • New AI application category: research and analysis support (summarising, structuring analyses, drafting reports and publications)
    • New commitment that GenAI is limited to support functions and does not replace human authorship, decision-making or accountability
    • New commitment that staff must verify accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted outputs
    • Workplace productivity bullet broadened to refining content in publications and briefing materials
    • Update history records a 19 June 2026 revision
    • New commitment (human oversight): Staff remain responsible for verifying accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted outputs
    • New commitment (will not): GenAI does not replace human authorship, decision-making or accountability
    • Safeguard added: acceptable use policy
    • Stated last-updated date: 2026-05-06 → 2026-06-19
    Show the words that changed ↓

What the statement says

How to read this

NHMRC says it encourages generative AI (M365 Copilot and SharePoint agents) for workplace productivity, internal HR/IT advice, reporting analytics and research/writing support, and does not rely on it for decision-making. Governance rests on mandatory AI fundamentals training, a community of practice, existing governance forums, staff verification of outputs and the DTA's AI impact assessment tool. read by Claude Opus 5

What it says AI is used for

  • Analytics for insights
  • Workplace productivity
  • Corporate and enabling

Named tools: Microsoft 365 Copilot

Public-facing AI: not addressed

Safeguards named: risk assessment, human review of outputs, staff training, a governance body, an acceptable-use policy

Against the Standard 7/8

  • 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 requiresPolicy 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 asksAI Plan

Chief AI Officer
not mentioned

Currency as of 29 Aug 2026

Review cadence
when the approach changes
Says it was last updated
19 Jun 2026
Last change we observed
19 June 2026
Updated since policy 2.0
yes
Annual review
within a year of its own date

Commitments

  • will notAI is not relied upon for decision-making in NHMRC
  • will notGenAI does not replace human authorship, decision-making or accountability
  • human oversightAll staff using Copilot complete AI training ensuring human involvement in any AI-applied process
  • human oversightStaff remain responsible for verifying accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted outputs
  • willWill assess AI use cases where the public may directly interact or be significantly impacted
  • willWill use the DTA's AI assurance framework and Australia's AI ethics principles to review impact
  • willStatement will be updated 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, reproduced for transparency tracking (most agency content is CC BY 4.0 — check the original for specifics).

Every revision

Every capture the daily scrape recorded that differed from the last, including edits with no change of substance. Pick a dot to view the statement as it stood at that capture.

  1. substantive+733

    NHMRC discloses a new "research and analysis support" use of generative AI and adds safeguards limiting it to support functions with staff verifying outputs.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    View diff
    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.
    c632fa7
  2. cosmetic-18

    Only the date line "28 February 2026" at the top of the statement has dropped out; the text is otherwise unchanged.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    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.
    e5cb7a8
  3. substantive+1295

    NHMRC rewrites its statement, disclosing new GenAI uses including SharePoint HR/IT agents, code generation and analytics, and swaps the assurance framework for the impact assessment tool.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    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 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.
    bdd966c
  4. scrape noise-22

    No change to the statement itself; only a stray "Print this page" page widget dropped out of the capture.

    read by Claude Opus 5
    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.
    8c8591c
  5. first tracked+3073

    First tracked revision.

    07278a5