Annual Report 2015–2016
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National Health and Medical Research Council<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2015–2016</strong>
Publication Details<br />
Publication title:<br />
National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
<strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
Published: October 2016<br />
Publisher:<br />
National Health and Medical Research Council<br />
NHMRC Publication reference: NH172<br />
Online version:<br />
www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/nh172<br />
ISBN Print: 978-1-925129-74-8<br />
ISBN Online: 978-1-925129-73-1<br />
Suggested citation:<br />
National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
<strong>2015–2016</strong>. Canberra: National Health and Medical Research<br />
Council<br />
Cover and back image:<br />
Eve, Year 3/4–Marie Bashir Public School<br />
Design:<br />
giraffe.com.au<br />
Printing:<br />
Bytes ‘n Colours<br />
Copyright<br />
© Commonwealth of Australia 2016<br />
All material presented in this publication is<br />
provided under a Creative Commons Attribution<br />
4.0 International licence (www.creativecommons.<br />
org.au), with the exception of the Commonwealth<br />
Coat of Arms, NHMRC logo and any content<br />
identified as being owned by third parties. The<br />
details of the relevant licence conditions are<br />
available on the Creative Commons website<br />
(www.creativecommons.org.au), as is the full legal<br />
code for the CC BY 4.0 International licence.<br />
Attribution<br />
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International<br />
Licence is a standard form licence agreement<br />
that allows you to copy, distribute, transmit and<br />
adapt this publication provided that you attribute<br />
the work. The NHMRC’s preference is that<br />
you attribute this publication (and any material<br />
sourced from it) using the following wording:<br />
Source: National Health and Medical Research<br />
Council.<br />
Use of images<br />
Unless otherwise stated, all images (including<br />
background images, icons and illustrations) are<br />
copyrighted by their original owners.<br />
NHMRC would like to acknowledge the Marie Bashir Public School, Strathfield NSW for their artistic<br />
contributions to this annual report. Thank you to Associate Professor Chris Lonsdale for organising the<br />
creative contributions from the Marie Bashir Public School.<br />
Contact us<br />
To obtain information regarding NHMRC publications or submit a copyright request, contact:<br />
E: nhmrc.publications@nhmrc.gov.au<br />
P: (02) 6217 9000
A HEALTHY START TO LIFE<br />
NHMRC is committed to<br />
improving the health<br />
and wellbeing of<br />
Australia’s children<br />
and young people.<br />
CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES (CYSTIC FIBROSIS, FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME, ETC)<br />
$31M<br />
A HEALTHY START TO LIFE for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children $20M<br />
DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS (ADHD, AUTISM, DYSLEXIA, ETC) <br />
CHILDHOOD CANCERS<br />
$14 M<br />
$12 M<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
i
The Hon Sussan Ley MP<br />
Minister for Health and Aged Care<br />
Parliament House<br />
Canberra ACT 2600<br />
GPO Box 1421 | Canberra ACT 2601<br />
16 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City ACT 2600<br />
T. 13 000 NHMRC (13 000 64672) or +61 2 6217 9000<br />
F. +61 2 6217 9100<br />
E. nhmrc@nhmrc.gov.au<br />
ABN 88 601 010 284<br />
www.nhmrc.gov.au<br />
Dear Minister<br />
I am pleased to present the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
for 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016.<br />
During the reporting period, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has<br />
continued to deliver on the strategic directions of managing investment in health and<br />
medical research, developing evidence-based health advice, providing advice on ethical<br />
practice in health care and the conduct of medical research, and performing functions<br />
under the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and the Research<br />
Involving Human Embryos Act 2002.<br />
The report has been prepared in accordance with section 70 of the Public Service Act<br />
1999, section 83 of the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 (NHMRC<br />
Act), section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and<br />
the Requirements for <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>s approved by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts<br />
and Audit.<br />
I certify that I am satisfied that NHMRC has in place appropriate fraud risk assessment<br />
and fraud control plans, fraud prevention, detection, investigation, reporting and data<br />
collection procedures and processes, in accordance with the Australian Government Fraud<br />
Control Guidelines. NHMRC has taken all reasonable measures to minimise the instance<br />
of fraud, investigate fraud and recover the proceeds of fraud against it.<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
Professor Anne Kelso AO<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
17 October 2016<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
CONTENTS<br />
ABOUT THE REPORT<br />
V<br />
PART 1 OVERVIEW 1<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW 2<br />
ABOUT US 6<br />
NHMRC’S EXECUTIVE 7<br />
RESEARCH FUNDING EXPENDITURE 9<br />
NHMRC FUNDING SNAPSHOT 10<br />
PROMOTING EXCELLENCE THROUGH THE NHMRC AWARDS 11<br />
PART 2 PERFORMANCE REPORT 23<br />
OUTCOMES AND PROGRAM STRUCTURE 25<br />
RESULTS SUMMARY 26<br />
INVESTMENT 31<br />
TRANSLATION 55<br />
INTEGRITY 74<br />
PART 3 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT 85<br />
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 86<br />
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 87<br />
EXTERNAL SCRUTINY 93<br />
COMPLIANCE AND ASSURANCE 94<br />
RESEARCH INTEGRITY 98<br />
ACCOUNTABILITY 99<br />
CORRECTION OF MATERIAL ERRORS IN PREVIOUS ANNUAL REPORT 105<br />
PART 4 PEOPLE MANAGEMENT 109<br />
PEOPLE 110<br />
PART 5 FINANCIAL REPORT 119<br />
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY 120<br />
AGENCY RESOURCE STATEMENT 121<br />
NHMRC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2015–16 122<br />
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 123<br />
STATEMENT BY THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 125<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES 161<br />
APPENDIX 1: EXECUTIVE BIOGRAPHIES 160<br />
APPENDIX 2: THE COUNCIL OF THE NHMRC 162<br />
APPENDIX 3: RESEARCH COMMITTEE 169<br />
APPENDIX 4: AUSTRALIAN HEALTH ETHICS COMMITTEE 170<br />
APPENDIX 5: EMBRYO RESEARCH LICENSING COMMITTEE 171<br />
APPENDIX 6: HEALTH TRANSLATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE 172<br />
APPENDIX 7: HEALTH INNOVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE 173<br />
APPENDIX 8: COMMISSIONER OF COMPLAINTS BIOGRAPHY 174<br />
APPENDIX 9: PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS 175<br />
APPENDIX 10: GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS 176<br />
APPENDIX 11: COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST 178<br />
INDEX 185<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
iii
LIST OF FIGURES<br />
Figure 1 NHMRC organisational structure as at 30 June 2016 8<br />
Figure 2<br />
Medical Research Endowment Account: new grant commitments, revenue,<br />
grant payments and the MREA balance 9<br />
Figure 3 NHMRC strategy for health and medical research 24<br />
Figure 4 NHMRC strategy – investment 31<br />
Figure 5 Expenditure by National Health Priority Area 33<br />
Figure 6 Expenditure by Science and Research Priority 35<br />
Figure 7 Expenditure by Broad Research Area 35<br />
Figure 8 NHMRC strategy – translation 55<br />
Figure 9 NHMRC strategy – integrity 74<br />
Figure 10 NHMRC governance structure 87<br />
Figure 11 Breakdown by classification level as at 30 June 2016 110<br />
Figure 12 Number of men and women by classification level 111<br />
Figure 13 Classification breakdown by age 112<br />
LIST OF TABLES<br />
Table 1 NHMRC funding summary 2015–16 10<br />
Table 2 Portfolio Budget Statement – NHMRC expenses and resources 25<br />
Table 3 Expenditure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 33<br />
Table 4 Expenditure by National Health Priority Area 33<br />
Table 5 Expenditure by Science and Research Priority 34<br />
Table 6 Expenditure by Broad Research Area 35<br />
Table 7 Funding for Centres of Research Excellence 36<br />
Table 8 Funding for Targeted Calls for Research 37<br />
Table 9 People support outcomes by broad research area 39<br />
Table 10 People support outcomes by gender 40<br />
Table 11 People support outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research 41<br />
Table 12 Percentage of women as Chief Investigators 42<br />
Table 13 NHMRC commitments by research focus 56<br />
Table 14 Advice provided to Government 63<br />
Table 15 Clinical practice guidelines approved by NHMRC 65<br />
Table 16 Grants awarded for each Career Development Fellowship stream 69<br />
Table 17 NHMRC commitments to research translation focussed funding programs 71<br />
Table 18 Inspections undertaken by the ERLC under the RIHE Act and PHCR Act 2015–16 91<br />
Table 19 Freedom of Information requests 2015–16 97<br />
Table 20 Consultancy contract expenditure from 2011–12 to 2015–16 100<br />
Table 21 Consultancy services let during 2015–16 of $10,000 or more 101<br />
Table 22 Numbers of complaints received by NHMRC 2015–16 102<br />
Table 23 Tenant light and power 104<br />
Table 24 NHMRC employee overview as at 30 June 2016 110<br />
Table 25<br />
Representation of equal employment opportunity groups as a percentage of staff,<br />
at 30 June 2016 112<br />
Table 26 NHMRC salary ranges by classification as at 30 June 2016 113<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
ABOUT THE REPORT<br />
This report was prepared in accordance with Public Governance, Performance and Accountability<br />
(non‐corporate Commonwealth Entity) <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>ing Rule 2016. It contains information on NHMRC’s<br />
organisation, administration and performance for the reporting period 2015–16.<br />
It is a record of NHMRC’s activities during 2015–16 and the performance and financial information presented<br />
in the 2015–16 NHMRC Portfolio (Agency) Budget Statements, 2015–16 NHMRC Portfolio Additional<br />
Estimates Statement and the NHMRC Corporate Plan 2015-2016.<br />
The report is structured as follows:<br />
PART ONE: OVERVIEW<br />
Part one explains NHMRC’s broad strategic directions and priorities for 2015–16. It describes NHMRC’s<br />
role and organisational structure, introduces the senior executive, notes key issues, and outlines the<br />
organisation’s future directions.<br />
PART TWO: PERFORMANCE REPORT<br />
Part two reports on NHMRC’s performance against the program of work under the Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement and Corporate Plan. It outlines NHMRC’s achievements and includes information on our<br />
major projects.<br />
PART THREE: OPERATING ENVIRONMENT<br />
Part three discusses NHMRC’s legislative, governance, compliance and assurance arrangements. It provides<br />
information to satisfy the reporting requirements of various Commonwealth legislation and Australian<br />
Government policies, including Freedom of Information and ecologically sustainable development.<br />
PART FOUR: PEOPLE MANAGEMENT<br />
Part four includes information on people management, including workforce demographics.<br />
PART FIVE: FINANCIAL REPORT<br />
Part five contains the complete set of NHMRC audited financial statements prepared in accordance with the<br />
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial <strong>Report</strong>ing) Rule 2015.<br />
PART SIX: APPENDICES<br />
The appendices contain statutory reporting information, including on the composition, functions and chairs’<br />
and members’ biographies of NHMRC’s Council and Principal Committees. It also provides supplementary<br />
information to the report, including the public consultation activities held during the reporting period,<br />
and guidelines and health advice issued by NHMRC.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
v
Samuel, Year 3/4
PART1<br />
OVERVIEW<br />
Chief Executive Officer’s review 2<br />
About us 6<br />
NHMRC’s executive 7<br />
Research funding expenditure 9<br />
NHMRC funding snapshot 10<br />
Promoting excellence through the NHMRC Awards 11<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong> 1
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REVIEW<br />
The children’s drawings throughout this year’s <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> reflect NHMRC’s<br />
focus on improving the health and well-being of present and future generations,<br />
through research and its implementation into policy and practice.<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
As the Australian Government’s lead agency for health and medical research since<br />
1937, NHMRC plays a critical national role in supporting the research needed to<br />
address the health issues that face Australia. These issues range from the acute<br />
challenges of today – cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia<br />
and others – to the foreseeable threats of the future from our changing way of life<br />
and the spread of new infectious diseases. In turn, the research we need ranges<br />
widely from the development and trials of new therapies, devices and behavioural<br />
interventions, to understanding health and healthcare disparities across our<br />
society, and exploration of the biological basis of health and the origins of disease.<br />
NHMRC also has a national responsibility to promote the translation of research results into policy and<br />
practice, to produce evidence-based advice in clinical, public and environmental health, and to provide the<br />
framework for research integrity and the ethical conduct of research in humans and animals.<br />
In all of these activities, NHMRC draws on the advice of independent experts and consumer representatives<br />
from around the country and offshore to ensure that public funds are directed to the most significant and<br />
highest quality research and that the guidance we provide is based on sound evidence and ethical principles.<br />
The 2015-2016 <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> summarises NHMRC’s work across all of these domains under the broad<br />
themes of our Corporate Plan: investment, translation and integrity.<br />
HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT<br />
NHMRC is responsible for the allocation of more than $800 million from the Medical Research Endowment<br />
Account (MREA). In 2015–16, these funds were distributed to researchers in universities, medical research<br />
institutes and hospitals through a range of funding schemes designed to support focussed projects,<br />
large collaborative research programs and networks, partnerships with the health industry and policy makers,<br />
development of ideas with commercial potential, and international collaborative research, amongst others.<br />
A proportion of the MREA was also distributed to support individual high-performing researchers at all career<br />
stages from postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows to senior clinical, public health and biomedical<br />
researchers – all of whom are leaders in their field and provide the training ground for the next generation of<br />
researchers. In this way, NHMRC seeks to ensure not only that the most important research is supported<br />
but also that Australia has the highly skilled capacity it needs to address its health challenges.<br />
In 2015–16, NHMRC has maintained its commitment to expend at least 5% of its research funds on<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. This target was exceeded again with expenditure on this<br />
critical priority reaching 6.5%. Much remains to be done, however, and an important focus in this triennium<br />
is the building of research capacity among people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.<br />
2<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
Structural review of NHMRC’s grant program<br />
NHMRC seeks to improve individual and population health by supporting excellence across the spectrum of<br />
biomedical, clinical, public health and health services research and by providing opportunities for a diversity<br />
of researchers at all career stages. In recent years, rising application numbers to NHMRC schemes and<br />
rising costs of research have led to falling funding rates. The time spent by applicants and peer reviewers<br />
in preparing and evaluating the large number of proposals, the great majority of which cannot be funded,<br />
is a significant cost to Australia’s health and medical research effort. Concerns have also been raised that<br />
low funding rates are discouraging early and mid-career researchers from a research career and inhibiting<br />
exploration of new areas of research.<br />
Recognising these issues, in 2015–16, we commenced a major review of the structure of NHMRC’s grant<br />
program to determine whether we can streamline the current suite of funding schemes, while continuing<br />
to support the best Australian research and researchers. An Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Professor<br />
Steve Wesselingh, was established to assist in the review. The consultation paper released in July 2016<br />
was followed by open consultation meetings around the country and a call for submissions. Feedback from<br />
this process will inform the consideration of alternative structures by the Expert Advisory Group,<br />
Research Committee and Council in late 2016, followed by detailed planning for the implementation of<br />
any changes.<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Medical Research Future Fund<br />
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), established by the Australian Government in 2015–16, is a<br />
significant and welcome new investment which will ultimately double the Commonwealth funds available<br />
for health and medical research. Strategic alignment between the priorities for expenditure from the MRFF<br />
and the Medical Research Endowment Account administered by NHMRC is essential if Australia is to<br />
obtain the best possible health outcomes from these two funds. My membership of the Australian Medical<br />
Research Advisory Board, formed to advise the Minister for Health on the strategy and priorities for MRFF<br />
expenditure, provides one pathway to ensure this alignment. At NHMRC, we will continue to work closely<br />
with the Minister, the Department of Health and others as we shape NHMRC’s own strategy and priorities in<br />
this changing funding environment.<br />
Priority-driven research<br />
NHMRC supports both investigator-initiated and priority-driven health and medical research.<br />
Targeted Calls for Research (TCRs) are one of the mechanisms through which NHMRC directs funding<br />
to research on specific health issues that are not being addressed through other schemes. In 2015–16,<br />
NHMRC developed a new framework for identifying and prioritising TCR topics, drawing on advice from the<br />
Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, NHMRC Council and our Principal Committees, among others.<br />
An important part of this new framework is an online pathway for community and professional groups to<br />
make the case for targeted health research funding in their areas of interest. An external committee has<br />
been appointed to assist in evaluating and recommending topics for support as a TCR.<br />
Throughout the year NHMRC funded three TCRs including Preparing Australia for the Genomics Revolution,<br />
Wind Farms and Human Health and Preventing Obesity in 18–24 Year Olds.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
3
Infectious diseases<br />
The 2013–16 Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, the dramatic spread of Zika virus in the Americas in<br />
2015–16 and the recent resurgence of Yellow Fever in Africa have all drawn attention to the continuing<br />
threat of infectious disease throughout the developed and developing world. Several NHMRC initiatives are<br />
expected to strengthen Australia’s research response to this threat.<br />
In late 2015, we called for applications for a Centre of Research Excellence in Infectious Disease Emergency<br />
Response Research. The purpose of this call is to establish a national collaborative network that will<br />
coordinate and facilitate rapid research and provide the evidence base for health system responses to urgent<br />
infectious disease threats. The outcomes of the funding round were announced in July 2016.<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
In 2015, NHMRC also convened a workshop of key stakeholders to discuss implementation plans for<br />
NHMRC’s component of the 2015 Federal Budget measure Developing Northern Australia – positioning the<br />
north as a leader in tropical health. The outcomes of the workshop assisted in developing guidelines for<br />
the Northern Australia Tropical Disease Collaborative Research Program which opened for applications in<br />
February 2016. The Program will support a geographically diverse network of high quality teams to undertake<br />
research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tropical disease and promote translation of this<br />
research into health outcomes in Australia and the region. This investment is part of a broader Government<br />
strategy to build Australia’s primary research capacity and support the development of Northern Australia as<br />
outlined in the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia.<br />
NHMRC is also a member of the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness<br />
(GloPID-R). This growing network brings together funding agencies on a global scale to enable a coordinated<br />
research response within 48 hours of a public health emergency due to a new or re-emerging infectious<br />
disease. NHMRC’s membership of GloPID-R provides Australia with additional opportunities for international<br />
collaboration and information sharing in preparing for, and responding to, an infectious disease outbreak with<br />
pandemic potential.<br />
RESEARCH TRANSLATION<br />
The effective translation of research into better clinical practice, public health policy and health systems is<br />
essential if the community is to benefit from NHMRC investment in health and medical research. This strategic<br />
priority in the NHMRC Corporate Plan 2015-2016 is reflected in a number of funding schemes (such as<br />
Partnership Projects and Development Grants) and other initiatives (such as the Advanced Health Research and<br />
Translation Centres) that aim to accelerate research translation and embed research in clinical care.<br />
The theme of the 4th <strong>Annual</strong> NHMRC Symposium on Research Translation, held in October 2015, was<br />
Policy and Research: Working together to improve the health of Australians. The symposium was held in<br />
collaboration with the Centre for Informing Policy in Health with Evidence from Research (CIPHER). With the<br />
goal of creating more effective working relationships between health and medical researchers and policy<br />
makers, the symposium enabled discussion of lessons learned and successful strategies, for example<br />
through early engagement and involvement of policy makers during the development of research projects.<br />
Research evidence<br />
Under NHMRC’s remit to provide guidance to practitioners and policy makers and to help Australians<br />
make informed decisions about their health, NHMRC produces and endorses guidelines, statements and<br />
information papers on significant health issues based on the best available, high-quality evidence generated<br />
in Australia and around the world.<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
During the year the NHMRC Council endorsed five guidelines: Patient Blood Management Guidelines<br />
Module 6: Neonatal and paediatrics; Clinical practice guidelines and principles of care for people with<br />
dementia; Clinical practice guidelines: PSA Testing and Early Management of Test-Detected Prostate Cancer;<br />
National Evidence Based Guideline on Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes;<br />
and The Australian Immunisation Handbook, 10th edition.<br />
RESEARCH INTEGRITY<br />
NHMRC plays a leadership role in ensuring the high ethical standards and integrity of Australian health and<br />
medical research through the provision of codes of practice and other guidance.<br />
In partnership with the Australian Research Council and Universities Australia, NHMRC is leading the review<br />
of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007. This critically important code is<br />
undergoing a substantial revision to strengthen guidance to researchers on research integrity and to support<br />
institutions in managing allegations of research misconduct.<br />
During the year, NHMRC’s Australian Health Ethics Committee developed Ethical guidelines for organ<br />
transplantation from deceased donors in partnership with the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) and the<br />
Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ). Significant progress was made in the rolling<br />
review of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, review of the Ethical Guidelines<br />
on the Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology in Clinical Practice and Research, and updating of the Policy<br />
on the Care and Use of Non-Human Primates for Scientific Purposes.<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Throughout 2015-16, as always, NHMRC has relied on the advice of its Council and Principal Committees.<br />
We are deeply appreciative of the breadth, depth and wisdom of the counsel we receive from the Chair<br />
of Council Professor Bruce Robinson AM, the Chairs of the Principal Committees Professor Sharon Lewin,<br />
Professor Kathryn North AM, Professor Ian Olver AM and Professor Graeme Samuel AC, the Chair of<br />
the Embryo Research Licensing Committee Professor Constantine Michael AO, the chair of the Principal<br />
Committee Indigenous Caucus Professor Sandra Eades, and all the members of their committees.<br />
We thank the very large number of people who serve on expert working committees, grant review panels<br />
and the Community and Consumer Advisory Group and contribute to peer review and other activities in<br />
which we require expert advice. Finally, NHMRC thanks the community of researchers. We are proud of<br />
the extraordinary contribution they are making through their research to the health and well-being of all<br />
members of our society – young and old, now and in the future.<br />
Professor Anne Kelso AO<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
September 2016<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
5
ABOUT US<br />
OVERVIEW<br />
NHMRC’s mission:<br />
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has been Australia’s government body for<br />
supporting health and medical research since 1937.<br />
The principal functions of the organisation are to foster improved health and medical knowledge through:<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
• funding research and translating research findings into evidence-based clinical practice<br />
• administering legislation governing research<br />
• issuing guidelines and advice for ethics in health<br />
• promoting public health.<br />
On behalf of the Australian Government, NHMRC is the leading national investor in health and medical<br />
research, advancing health and medical knowledge to improve the health of all Australians.<br />
The organisation develops evidence-based health advice for the Australian community, health professionals<br />
and governments, and provides advice on ethical practice in health care and the conduct of health and<br />
medical research.<br />
Key stakeholders include governments, researchers, research institutions, health consumers,<br />
health professionals and the Australian community.<br />
NHMRC is a statutory authority within the Commonwealth health portfolio. Our activities within the<br />
2015–16 reporting period were subject to the Public Service Act 1999, the Public Governance, Performance<br />
and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), and the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992<br />
(NHMRC Act).<br />
The NHMRC Act requires NHMRC to:<br />
• raise the standard of individual and public health throughout Australia<br />
• foster the development of consistent health standards between the various states and territories<br />
• foster medical research and training and public health research and training throughout Australia<br />
• foster consideration of ethical issues relating to health.<br />
NHMRC also has statutory obligations under the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002<br />
and the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002.<br />
As at 30 June 2016, the CEO was accountable to the Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for Health and<br />
Aged Care.<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
NHMRC’s strategy for health and medical research<br />
NHMRC’s Corporate Plan 2015-2016 outlines NHMRC’s strategy for health and medical research<br />
for the period 2015–19, and is driven by the following themes:<br />
• investment – invest in high quality health and medical research and build research capability,<br />
supporting the best research and researchers<br />
• translation – support the translation of health and medical research into clinical practice, policy and<br />
health systems and the effective commercialisation of research discoveries<br />
• integrity – maintain a strong integrity framework for research and guideline development,<br />
underpinning rigorous research and relevant and accurate guidelines and promoting community trust.<br />
NHMRC’S EXECUTIVE<br />
NHMRC executive is responsible for the high-level management of the agency. The executive consists of the<br />
Chief Executive Officer, the General Manager and four Executive Directors.<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Professor Anne Kelso AO<br />
General Manager<br />
Mr Tony Kingdon<br />
Leadership team<br />
Mr Tony Krizan FCPA: Executive Director, Corporate Operations and Information<br />
Ms Samantha Robertson: Executive Director, Evidence, Advice and Governance<br />
Mr Alan Singh: Executive Director, Research Policy and Translation<br />
Dr Tony Willis: Executive Director, Research Programs<br />
Biographies of NHMRC executive staff can be found in Appendix 1<br />
The organisational structure as at 30 June 2016 is shown in Figure 1.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
7
Figure 1 NHMRC organisational structure as at 30 June 2016<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />
PROFESSOR ANNE KELSO AO<br />
GENERAL MANAGER<br />
TONY KINGDON<br />
LEGAL<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Legal Officers<br />
Research Programs Evidence, Advice & Governance Research Policy & Translation Corporate Operations & Information<br />
DR TONY WILLIS<br />
Executive Director<br />
SAMANTHA ROBERTSON<br />
Executive Director<br />
ALAN SINGH<br />
Executive Director<br />
TONY KRIZAN FCPA<br />
Executive Director/CFO<br />
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT<br />
AND PARTNERSHIPS<br />
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & CAMS<br />
RESEARCH TRANSLATION &<br />
MANAGER, MELBOURNE OFFICE<br />
HUMAN RESOURCES<br />
RESEARCH GRANTS<br />
STRATEGIC PROJECTS & SUPPORT<br />
GUIDELINES<br />
FINANCE & MREA<br />
PEOPLE SUPPORT<br />
ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE<br />
PARLIAMENTARY & EXTERNAL<br />
COMMUNICATIONS<br />
BUSINESS SERVICES<br />
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION<br />
PUBLIC HEALTH<br />
RESEARCH POLICY<br />
ICT SERVICES<br />
PRIORITY DRIVEN RESEARCH<br />
CLINICAL TRIALS<br />
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES<br />
STRAIT ISLANDER ADVISER<br />
ICT DEVELOPMENT & NPP STREAMLINING<br />
SENIOR PRINCIPAL<br />
RESEARCH SCIENTIST<br />
SENIOR PRINCIPAL<br />
RESEARCH SCIENTIST<br />
DATA ANALYTICS AND REPORTING<br />
SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST<br />
SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST<br />
Dr TONY WILLIS<br />
Executive Director<br />
SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
RESEARCH FUNDING EXPENDITURE<br />
Funding received for health and medical research from the Australian Government and other sources through<br />
the Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) amounted to $845.5 million 1 in 2015–16, while grant<br />
payments for health and medical research totalled $825.5 million in the same year.<br />
New grants awarded through the MREA during 2015–16 amounted to $865.7 million to be spent over a<br />
period of up to six calendar years. This is an increase of $39 million, up from $826.7 million in 2014–15.<br />
The increase is due to new grants awarded under the Boosting Dementia Research budget measure,<br />
an increase to the allocation for new Program Grants, an additional round of Partnership Projects, and a new<br />
Targeted Call for Research to Prepare Australia for the Genomics Revolution.<br />
The MREA balance at the end of 2015–16 was $151.4 million.<br />
Figure 2<br />
Medical Research Endowment Account: new grant commitments, revenue,<br />
grant payments and the MREA balance<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
1,000<br />
900<br />
800<br />
700<br />
$ MILLION<br />
600<br />
500<br />
400<br />
300<br />
200<br />
100<br />
0<br />
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16<br />
FINANCIAL YEAR<br />
New Grant Commitments<br />
Revenue (Appropriation & Other Receipts)<br />
Grant Payments<br />
MREA Balance<br />
In 2015–16, NHMRC also administered grant programs for activities related to dementia research<br />
($8.8 million, including $2.8 million for Boosting Dementia Research and $6.0 million for dementia<br />
related collaborative and partnership research centres), anti-venom research ($0.5 million) and provision<br />
of research evidence for clinical practice and policy through the Cochrane Collaboration ($2 million).<br />
1 Funding in 2015–16 includes Australian Government appropriations credited to the Medical Research Endowment<br />
Account ($836 million), external funding from other organisations ($6.2 million), and unspent grant funds that have been<br />
recovered ($3.2 million).<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
9
NHMRC FUNDING SNAPSHOT<br />
Table 1 NHMRC funding summary 2015‐16<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Main<br />
Funding<br />
Group<br />
Create New<br />
Knowledge<br />
Accelerate<br />
Research<br />
Translation<br />
Funding<br />
Initiative<br />
Number<br />
of New<br />
Grants<br />
Total<br />
Commitments<br />
($)<br />
Project Grants 516 419,674,973<br />
Program Grants 9 108,742,325<br />
Create New Knowledge Total 525 528,417,298<br />
Centres of Research Excellence 16 41,823,135<br />
Development Grants 24 14,142,312<br />
Targeted Research - Preparing Australia for the Genomics<br />
Revolution 1 25,000,000<br />
Build<br />
Australia’s<br />
Future<br />
Capability<br />
Work with<br />
Partners<br />
Targeted Research - Wind Farms and Human Health 2 3,301,586<br />
Targeted Research - Preventing Obesity in 18-24 Year Olds 5 3,494,036<br />
Accelerate Research Translation Total 48 87,761,069<br />
Scholarships 69 6,634,303<br />
Early Career Fellowships 111 35,823,120<br />
Career Development Fellowships 55 23,965,192<br />
Research Fellowships 70 [1] 56,506,680<br />
Practitioner Fellowships 15 7,299,065<br />
Translating Research into Practice Fellowships 13 2,278,939<br />
Build Australia’s Future Capbility Total 364 132,507,299<br />
Aust/EU Collaborative Research Grants 3 1,495,919<br />
NHMRC - NSFC Joint Call for research on Type 2 Diabetes 7 4,072,104<br />
National Institute for Dementia Research - JPco-fuND 2 2,638,484<br />
Partnership Projects 37 28,901,815<br />
Targeted Research - NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research<br />
Development Fellowship 76 43,669,587<br />
Infrastructure<br />
Support<br />
Work with Partners Total 125 80,777,908<br />
Equipment Grants 46 5,700,000<br />
Independent MRI Infrastructure Grants 25 30,525,924<br />
Infrastructure Support Total 71 36,225,924<br />
Total 1102 865,689,498<br />
[1] - In addition to the 70 new grants 31 6th year extensions were awarded to unsuccessful applicants.<br />
Information on all NHMRC grants awarded during 2015–16 is available at NHMRC’s website.<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
PROMOTING EXCELLENCE THROUGH THE<br />
NHMRC AWARDS<br />
NHMRC promotes excellence across its areas of influence and research funding by celebrating successes<br />
with NHMRC awards. These annual awards recognise individuals and teams that have made outstanding<br />
contributions and advancements in health through research in 2015–16.<br />
COMMONWEALTH HEALTH MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN<br />
HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH<br />
Dr Joseph Powell from the University of Queensland was the recipient of the annual Commonwealth Health<br />
Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research for 2016. This prestigious award recognises<br />
outstanding individual achievement by a mid-career Australian researcher.<br />
Dr Powell’s research uses large-scale genomic data to investigate how DNA sequence variants contribute to<br />
human disease. His research is in developing and exploiting new computational and statistical methods to<br />
explore how changes in non-coding DNA cause changes in gene expression that affect disease susceptibility.<br />
Work at this frontier will ultimately benefit the broader community through new approaches to the control of<br />
specific diseases.<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
As well as the award, Dr Powell received a $50,000 grant that will help his team at the Institute of Molecular<br />
Bioscience at the University of Queensland to further their research.<br />
The award is given to the top-ranked NHMRC Career Development Fellowship recipient.<br />
Career Development Fellowships are highly competitive, four-year fellowships that support the most<br />
outstanding early to mid-career health and medical researchers.<br />
Dr Joseph Powell from the Institute of Molecular Bioscience<br />
at the University of Queensland was the recipient of the<br />
annual Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in<br />
Health and Medical Research for 2016.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
11
RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2015<br />
The outstanding achievements of 17 of Australia’s most talented health and medical researchers were<br />
celebrated at NHMRC’s annual Research Excellence Awards. The winners were assessed by their peers<br />
as meeting the highest national and international standards for their research. They represent the top<br />
17 applicants from more than 6,000 funding applications NHMRC received in 2015. The awards are<br />
presented to the top-ranked applicants across NHMRC’s funding schemes.<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Photo: Irene Dowdy<br />
Rear (L - R): Associate Professor Alex Hewitt, Professor Kirill Alexandrov, Associate Professor Anne<br />
Tiedemann, Dr Kim Delbaere, Professor Peter Currie, Dr Robert Commons, Associate Professor Bruce<br />
Campbell, Professor Stephen Nicholls,<br />
Front (L - R): Professor Robyn Guymer, Dr Joseph Powell, Professor Billie Giles-Corti, Professor Jane<br />
Visvader, Professor Anne Kelso AO, Professor Bruce Robinson, Professor Stephen Davis, Associate Professor<br />
Gail Garvey, Professor Justin Cooper-White<br />
Absent: Associate Professor Felice Jacka, Associate Professor Jean Yang<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
Award Recipient Institution Research project<br />
TOP RANKED APPLICANTS<br />
Rising Star Award<br />
The award is given to the top-ranked<br />
application by an Indigenous researcher in the<br />
Early Career Fellowship scheme.<br />
Associate<br />
Professor Gail<br />
Garvey<br />
Menzies School of<br />
Health Research<br />
Improving health<br />
outcomes for<br />
Aboriginal and<br />
Torres Strait Islander<br />
Australians with<br />
cancer<br />
Gustav Nossal Award<br />
The award is named in honour of Sir Gustav<br />
Nossal and his pioneering work in the field<br />
of immunology. It is awarded to the highest<br />
ranked applicant for an NHMRC Postgraduate<br />
Scholarship in the field of medical and<br />
dental research.<br />
Marshall and Warren Award<br />
The award is named after Australian Nobel<br />
Laureates Professors Barry Marshall and Robin<br />
Warren, who were awarded the 2005 Nobel<br />
Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The award is<br />
made to the applicant with the most highly<br />
innovative and potentially transformative<br />
Project Grant application.<br />
Dr Robert<br />
Commons<br />
Professor<br />
Justin Cooper-<br />
White<br />
Menzies School of<br />
Health Research<br />
The University of<br />
Queensland<br />
Primaquine radical<br />
cure of Plasmodium<br />
vivax malaria: a<br />
risk‐benefit analysis<br />
Targeted direct<br />
reprogramming<br />
of adult cardiac<br />
fibroblasts<br />
to functional<br />
cardiomyocytes<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Project Grant<br />
Project Grants support the creation of<br />
new knowledge by funding the best<br />
investigator‐initiated research project in any<br />
area relevant to human health. The award<br />
is given to the highest ranked applicant in<br />
NHMRC’s Project Grant scheme.<br />
Professor<br />
Peter Currie<br />
Monash University<br />
Mechanisms of<br />
muscle stem cell<br />
action in injury<br />
and disease<br />
Program Grant<br />
Program Grants support teams of high<br />
calibre researchers to pursue broad based,<br />
multi-disciplinary and collaborative research<br />
activities. The award is made to the highest<br />
ranked applicant in NHMRC’s Program<br />
Grant scheme.<br />
Professor<br />
Stephen Davis<br />
The University of<br />
Melbourne<br />
Saving brain and<br />
changing practice<br />
in stroke<br />
Development Grant<br />
Development Grants support the commercial<br />
development of a product, procedure or<br />
service that would result in improved health<br />
care, disease prevention or provide health<br />
cost savings. The award is given to the highest<br />
ranked applicant in NHMRC’s Development<br />
Grant scheme.<br />
Professor Kirill<br />
Alexandrov<br />
The University of<br />
Queensland<br />
Next generation<br />
personal<br />
diagnostic devices<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
13
Award Recipient Institution Research project<br />
ELIZABETH BLACKBURN FELLOWSHIPS<br />
These fellowships are named after Australian-American Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, who was<br />
awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The fellowships promote and foster the career<br />
development of female researchers. The award is made to the highest ranked female applicant in each of the<br />
biomedical, clinical and public health pillars of the Research Fellowship scheme.<br />
Biomedical<br />
Professor<br />
Jane Visvader<br />
Walter and Eliza<br />
Hall Institute of<br />
Medical Research<br />
Deciphering<br />
breast cancer<br />
heterogeneity to<br />
improve breast<br />
cancer outcomes<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Clinical<br />
Public Health<br />
Professor<br />
Robyn<br />
Guymer<br />
Professor<br />
Billie Giles-<br />
Corti<br />
Centre for Eye<br />
Research Australia<br />
The University of<br />
Melbourne<br />
Age-related macular<br />
degeneration:<br />
A cause and a cure<br />
Building urban<br />
planning and<br />
health evidence to<br />
inform policy and<br />
practice that creates<br />
healthy, liveable<br />
and equitable<br />
communities<br />
designed to prevent<br />
non-communicable<br />
diseases<br />
FELLOWSHIP AWARDS<br />
Practitioner Fellowship<br />
Practitioner Fellowships support research<br />
that results in the translation of evidence<br />
into improved clinical practice and health<br />
policy, delivering improvements in health and<br />
healthcare to Australians. The award is given<br />
to the highest ranked applicant in NHMRC’s<br />
Practitioner Fellowship scheme.<br />
Associate<br />
Professor Alex<br />
Hewitt<br />
University of<br />
Tasmania<br />
Molecular profiling<br />
to identify<br />
therapeutic targets<br />
for blinding diseases<br />
Research Fellowship<br />
Research Fellowships support leading<br />
health and medical researchers in full-time<br />
research. The award is given to the highest<br />
ranked applicant in NHMRC’s Research<br />
Fellowship scheme.<br />
Professor<br />
Stephen<br />
Nicholls<br />
South Australian<br />
Health and Medical<br />
Research Institute<br />
Developing<br />
innovative pathways<br />
for the prevention<br />
of lifelong<br />
cardiovascular risk<br />
14<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
Award Recipient Institution Research project<br />
CAREER DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIPS<br />
Career Development Fellowships support Australia’s early to mid-career health and medical researchers.<br />
It helps investigators establish themselves as independent, self-directed researchers. The award is given to<br />
the highest ranked applicant in each of the biomedical, clinical, industry and population health pillars of the<br />
Career Development Fellowship scheme.<br />
Biomedical<br />
Career Development<br />
Fellowship – Level 1<br />
Dr Joseph<br />
Powell<br />
The University of<br />
Queensland<br />
Control of genome<br />
regulation<br />
and its role in<br />
human disease<br />
Biomedical<br />
Career Development<br />
Fellowship – Level 2<br />
Clinical<br />
Career Development<br />
Fellowship – Level 1<br />
Associate<br />
Professor<br />
Jean Yang<br />
Associate<br />
Professor<br />
Bruce<br />
Campbell<br />
The University of<br />
Sydney<br />
The University of<br />
Melbourne<br />
Statistical<br />
bioinformatics for<br />
network based<br />
prognostic and<br />
precision therapy in<br />
complex disease<br />
Optimizing stroke<br />
therapy - advanced<br />
brain imaging<br />
and reperfusion<br />
therapies<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Industry<br />
Career Development<br />
Fellowship – Level 2<br />
Dr Kim<br />
Delbaere<br />
Neuroscience<br />
Research Australia<br />
Using technology<br />
towards effective<br />
self-management<br />
of fall risk in<br />
older adults<br />
Population Health<br />
Career Development<br />
Fellowship – Level 1<br />
Associate<br />
Professor<br />
Anne<br />
Tiedemann<br />
University of<br />
Sydney<br />
Prevention of<br />
falls to promote<br />
healthy ageing:<br />
new approaches<br />
and enhanced<br />
implementation<br />
Population Health<br />
Career Development<br />
Fellowship – Level 2<br />
Associate<br />
Professor<br />
Felice Jacka<br />
Deakin University<br />
Diet and mental<br />
health: translating<br />
new knowledge<br />
into innovative<br />
prevention and<br />
treatment strategies<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
15
16<br />
Improving children’s health through physical activity<br />
Associate Professor Chris Lonsdale – Australian Catholic University<br />
Physical inactivity is a leading cause of disease in Australia.<br />
Associate Professor Lonsdale and his team have set out<br />
to tackle this problem through a research project aiming<br />
to increase children’s activity and improve their health.<br />
The project will explore the links between physical activity<br />
and childhood development, and the results could be used<br />
to develop a framework for promoting physical activity for<br />
children across Australia.<br />
Associate Professor Chris Lonsdale is leading a collaborative<br />
team of researchers to deliver a research program that aims to<br />
promote children’s physical activity and improve their health.<br />
Associate Professor Lonsdale said the partnership research<br />
project aims to examine how a program promoting physical<br />
activity can affect children’s development outcomes.<br />
“This collaborative study, known as iPLAY, will examine<br />
whether a teacher adopting a program aimed at promoting<br />
physical activity can affect children’s fitness, wellbeing and<br />
academic performance.<br />
“This research will expand upon an existing research<br />
to will deliver a professional development intervention<br />
targeting primary school teachers in New South Wales,”<br />
Professor Lonsdale explained.<br />
Mr Ross Morrison, Leader of the School Sport Unit at New<br />
South Wales Department of Education and Communities,<br />
which is a project partner, said the study strives to enhance<br />
teacher practice and confidence when leading school sport<br />
and physical activity programs.<br />
This $1.3 million partnership grant was announced<br />
by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Health<br />
Minister Sussan Ley on 3 March 2016 as part of 96<br />
NHMRC grants for new research worth<br />
$129.4 million.<br />
Minister Ley said grants would support Australia’s<br />
preeminent researchers and focused on a range of<br />
topics that were critical to Australian health.<br />
“This promise supports Australia’s commitment<br />
to fostering the best and brightest in health and<br />
medical research,” she said.<br />
“This kind of research plays an important role in<br />
making Australians healthier and improving their<br />
quality of living,” Ms Ley said.<br />
NHMRC CEO Professor Anne Kelso noted the<br />
importance of the grants.<br />
“We have a highly productive and internationally<br />
competitive research community, and the recipients<br />
of these grants will pursue exciting and innovative<br />
research for the benefit of human health.<br />
“The mix of both outstanding new talent and<br />
experienced and internationally recognised<br />
researchers shows the breadth and depth of medical<br />
research in Australia,” Professor Kelso concluded.<br />
“This is a key issue for primary teachers who typically have<br />
little specialist training in this area,”<br />
Mr Morrison remarked.<br />
iPLAY will be delivered using online teacher professional<br />
learning system in a pilot study to 20 schools in Western<br />
Sydney. The program will then be rolled out to promote<br />
children’s physical activity in up to 200 schools across New<br />
South Wales over the next five years.<br />
Mr Morrison said the valuable outcomes of the research will<br />
be used to inform strategic direction and to promote<br />
high-quality teaching practice in schools and other<br />
learning environments.<br />
16<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
CASE STUDY<br />
“This research is<br />
designed to improve<br />
students’ fundamental<br />
movement skills, and<br />
increase opportunities<br />
to engage in moderateto-vigorous<br />
physical<br />
activity.”<br />
“This study will provide the Department with data<br />
regarding the effectiveness of targeted professional<br />
learning on students’ fitness, as a result of increases in<br />
physical activity,” Mr Morrison said.<br />
“The team is committed to undertaking research that<br />
will influence the health and wellbeing of children.<br />
We are striving to provide the highest quality data that<br />
can inform policy and practice,” Associate Professor<br />
Lonsdale concluded.<br />
Associate Professor Lonsdale is working in collaboration<br />
with researchers from the University of Newcastle,<br />
Deakin University and the University of British Columbia,<br />
Canada. The project will be delivered in partnership with<br />
the New South Wales Department of Education and<br />
Communities, NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
17
PART 1 Overview<br />
10 OF THE BEST NHMRC<br />
RESEARCH<br />
PROJECTS<br />
Ten of the Best Research Projects 2015<br />
describes ten Australian health and medical<br />
research projects chosen from among the<br />
thousands of medical research projects<br />
funded by the NHMRC. It is an opportunity<br />
to showcase some of that research and<br />
to honour the outstanding researchers<br />
who conceived, planned and delivered it.<br />
These are projects completed in the previous<br />
year that have achieved results of particular<br />
significance for the improvement of human<br />
health – whether through advancement of<br />
knowledge or the prevention, detection or<br />
treatment of disease.<br />
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR<br />
JASON ARMFIELD<br />
UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE<br />
EARLY CAREER FELLOWSHIP<br />
$336,561<br />
2009–13<br />
Photo: Russell Millard Photography<br />
DISCOVERING THE ORIGINS OF DENTAL ANXIETY<br />
Associate Professor Jason Armfield set out to explain<br />
the origins of dental fear and to understand why fear<br />
of the dentist is a serious psychological problem for<br />
many Australians. He developed a ‘dental anxiety scale’<br />
that will help to identify and treat the condition across<br />
the world, leading to more people visiting the dentist and<br />
better population level oral health.<br />
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR<br />
HELEN COOPER<br />
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND<br />
PROJECT GRANT<br />
$322,524<br />
2011–13<br />
Photo: Tony Phillips<br />
DELIVERING AUSTRALIA FROM NEURODEGENERATION<br />
Associate Professor Helen Cooper’s research<br />
aims to understand the molecular mechanisms<br />
controlling the birth of new neurons in the adult<br />
brain. In the long-term, it is hoped that these insights<br />
will help to design therapeutic approaches to treat<br />
neurodegenative diseases.<br />
18<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR<br />
LEAH COSGROVE<br />
CSIRO (FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL<br />
SCIENCES)<br />
DEVELOPMENT GRANT<br />
$542,260<br />
2011–13<br />
Photo: Russell Millard Photography<br />
SANGUINE ADVANCES IN DETECTING COLORECTAL CANCER<br />
Associate Professor Leah Cosgrove and her team have<br />
developed a simple blood test to diagnose colorectal<br />
cancer. A reliable, non-invasive blood test could augment<br />
the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, either<br />
as an adjunct primary screen for those unable to do the<br />
stool test, or in triaging positive subjects to colonoscopy.<br />
This could help drive a significant reduction in colorectal<br />
cancer deaths in Australia.<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
PROFESSOR DAVID CRAIK<br />
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND<br />
PROJECT GRANT<br />
$511,299<br />
2011–13<br />
Photo: Tony Phillips<br />
THE SCORPION KING: LIGHTING THE WAY TO DEFEATING<br />
BRAIN CANCER<br />
Professor David Craik and his team set out to make synthetic<br />
derivatives of a naturally occurring peptide, chlorotoxin, from<br />
the venom of a scorpion to use for brain tumour imaging.<br />
The work was based on a discovery by collaborator, Dr Jim<br />
Olson, that through attaching a dye to chlorotoxin it could<br />
be used to ‘light up’ tumours. This allows surgeons to pick<br />
up small amounts of cancerous tissue during surgery,<br />
reducing the risk of the tumour reoccurring.<br />
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR<br />
GORDON DOIG<br />
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY<br />
PROJECT GRANT<br />
$845,052<br />
2010–13<br />
Photo: Grant Turner - MediaKoo<br />
PROTEIN: THE KEY TO IMPROVED KIDNEY FUNCTIONALITY<br />
Associate Professor Gordon Doig and his team showed<br />
that critically ill patients who received better nutrition were<br />
less likely to develop kidney injury. These findings represent<br />
an important first step towards global practice change<br />
and offers the potential to reduce the need for surgery,<br />
dialysis and transplantation.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
19
PROFESSOR PETER GIBSON<br />
MONASH UNIVERSITY<br />
PROJECT GRANT<br />
$661,496<br />
2011–13<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Photo: James Braund<br />
GLUTEN FOR PUNISHMENT:<br />
CHALLENGING NON-COELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY<br />
Professor Peter Gibson and his team set out to<br />
determine whether gluten causes problems in people<br />
who do not suffer from coeliac disease. The team<br />
found that short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs<br />
(Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides,<br />
Monosaccharides and Polyols), not gluten, might be<br />
triggering symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain.<br />
The results have put some scientifically valid findings in<br />
this controversial area.<br />
PROFESSOR ROBERT M. GRAHAM<br />
VICTOR CHANG CARDIAC<br />
INSTITUTE<br />
PROJECT GRANT<br />
$536,732<br />
2011–13<br />
Photo: Grant Turner - MediaKoo<br />
MENDING A BROKEN HEART:<br />
REPAIRING INJURED HEART CELLS<br />
Professor Robert Graham and his team embarked on<br />
their research to understand how the heart develops<br />
after birth and why heart muscle cells lose their ability<br />
to divide and make new cells. Their research markedly<br />
shifted the goal posts and showed that heart muscle<br />
cells actually retain an ability to divide until adolescence.<br />
This discovery holds great promise for new approaches<br />
to managing a range of heart conditions.<br />
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PROFESSOR LOUISA JORM<br />
WESTERN SYDNEY<br />
UNIVERSITY<br />
AND UNIVERSITY OF<br />
NEW SOUTH WALES<br />
PROJECT GRANT<br />
$484,697<br />
2009–14<br />
Photo: Grant Turner - MediaKoo<br />
INDIGENOUS HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING THE HEALTH GAP<br />
Across many health indicators, Indigenous Australians<br />
remain disadvantaged compared with non-Indigenous<br />
Australians. Professor Louisa Jorm linked and scrutinised<br />
the vast data held by modern healthcare systems to<br />
understand the factors influencing disadvantage for<br />
Indigenous Australians. This important research will<br />
translate into better disease prevention and patient care<br />
for Indigenous Australians, as well as more effective health<br />
care spending.<br />
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR<br />
JANE PILLOW<br />
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN<br />
AUSTRALIA<br />
PROJECT GRANT<br />
$395,696<br />
2011–13<br />
PART 1 Overview<br />
Photo: Alana Blowfield<br />
BREATHING EASY: SUPPORTING LUNG DEVELOPMENT OF<br />
PREMATURE BABIES<br />
Associate Professor Jane Pillow and her team sought to<br />
understand the respiratory problems of premature babies<br />
to help the sickest and smallest babies develop their lungs.<br />
This research has contributed a great deal to improving<br />
both the quality of healthcare available to premature babies<br />
at birth as well as their long-term health prospects.<br />
PROFESSOR STEPHEN TONG<br />
MONASH UNIVERSITY<br />
PROJECT GRANT<br />
$228,770<br />
2011–13<br />
Photo: James Braund<br />
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY TREATMENT: A SAFER WAY<br />
Professor Stephen Tong and the team of investigators<br />
are revolutionising the treatment of ectopic pregnancy,<br />
meaning most women presenting with the condition could<br />
be treated medically, rather than surgically. Not only will<br />
this make treating ectopic pregnancies safer, easier and<br />
more effective, but it may save many lives across<br />
the developing world where surgery is unavailable or<br />
not possible.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
21
Halima, Year 3
PART 2<br />
PERFORMANCE REPORT<br />
Chief Executive Officer’s review 2<br />
About us 6<br />
NHMRC’s executive 7<br />
Research funding expenditure 9<br />
NHMRC funding snapshot 10<br />
Promoting excellence through the NHMRC Awards 11<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
23
NHMRC’s Corporate Plan <strong>2015–2016</strong> sets out the agency’s purposes, planned activities and performance for<br />
the period 2015–16 to 2018–19, and addresses capability, environment and risk oversight and management<br />
as required by the PGPA Act.<br />
NHMRC’s annual performance statements are prepared in accordance with the PGPA Act and are measured<br />
against the targets set out in the Corporate Plan.<br />
The scope and reach of NHMRC’s activities are broad, with the agency spanning a wide range of health<br />
topics in the various aspects of its work – from funding research to guideline development and advice.<br />
The overall purposes of NHMRC, supporting the agency’s mission of ‘working to build a healthy Australia’,<br />
can be summarised as follows.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
• Investment to fund high quality health and medical research and build research capability<br />
• Translation to support the translation of health and medical research into better health outcomes<br />
• Integrity to promote the highest ethical standards in health and medical research.<br />
Figure 3 NHMRC strategy for health and medical research<br />
WORKING TO BUILD A HEALTHY AUSTRALIA<br />
LEAD SUPPORT ENGAGE RESPOND<br />
Investment<br />
Create knowledge and build research capability<br />
by supporting the highest quality health and<br />
medical research and the best researchers<br />
Translation<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
into clinical practice, policy and health systems and the<br />
effective commercialisation of research discoveries<br />
Strategic priorities<br />
Key activities<br />
Integrity<br />
Maintain a strong integrity framework for research and guideline<br />
development, underpinning rigorous research and relevant and<br />
accurate guidelines and promoting community trust<br />
Healthier Australians<br />
Better clinical care<br />
Improved health care system<br />
Economic benefit through innovation and improved productivity<br />
24<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
OUTCOMES AND PROGRAM STRUCTURE<br />
Through NHMRC Portfolio Budget Statement Program 1.1, the Australian Government invests in health and<br />
medical research that is undertaken within a well-established ethical framework, to address national health<br />
priorities and improve the health of all Australians.<br />
The Program objectives for NHMRC are to:<br />
• support high quality health and medical research<br />
• boost dementia research<br />
• facilitate simplified and consistent health and medical research<br />
• support the translation of health and medical research<br />
• promote the highest ethical standards in health and medical research.<br />
The agency Portfolio Budget Statement 2015–16 outlines the NHMRC budgeted expenses and resources as<br />
shown in the table below.<br />
Table 2<br />
Portfolio Budget Statement – NHMRC expenses and resources<br />
Expenses for Outcome 1<br />
Outcome 1: Improved health and medical knowledge,<br />
including through funding research, translating research<br />
findings into evidence-based clinical practice, administering<br />
legislation governing research, issuing guidelines and advice for<br />
ethics in health and the promotion of public health.<br />
Budget*<br />
2015–16<br />
$’000<br />
(a)<br />
Actual<br />
Expenses<br />
2015–16<br />
$’000<br />
(b)<br />
Variation<br />
2015–16<br />
$’000<br />
(a)-(b)<br />
Programme 1.1: Health and Medical Research<br />
Administered expenses<br />
Ordinary <strong>Annual</strong> Services (Appropriation Act No. 1) 840,583 840,583 -<br />
To the Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) (859,026) (836,043) (22,983)<br />
Special accounts<br />
Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) 845,780 815,215 30,565<br />
Departmental expenses<br />
Departmental appropriation 1 40,255 39,123 1,132<br />
Expenses not requiring appropriation in the Budget year 2 2,300 2,347 (47)<br />
Total for Programme 1.1 869,892 861,225 8,667<br />
Total expenses for Outcome 1 - - -<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
2014-15 2015–16<br />
Average Staffing Level (number) 197 187 10<br />
* Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2015–16<br />
1 Departmental Appropriation combines Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Act Nos. 1, 3 and 5) and Retained Revenue<br />
Receipts under section 74 of the PGPA Act 2013.<br />
2 Expenses not requiring appropriation in the Budget year is made up of depreciation expense, amortisation expense,<br />
makegood expense and audit fees.<br />
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25
RESULTS SUMMARY<br />
This snapshot outlines NHMRC’s performance against targets outlined in the Corporate Plan and the<br />
Portfolio Budget Statements for 2015–16.<br />
INVESTMENT<br />
Goal 1: Support high quality health and medical research<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 1<br />
Target 2<br />
Allocate 50 per cent of total Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) funding annually to<br />
NHMRC’s Project Grant scheme<br />
<strong>Report</strong> annually on funding by broad research area, National Health Priority Areas and Australian<br />
Government priorities<br />
Achieved<br />
Achieved<br />
Target 3 Examine the role of philanthropic funding Work ongoing<br />
Target 4 Run at least one Targeted Call for Research annually Work ongoing<br />
Target 5 Periodic review of established funding schemes Achieved<br />
Target 6 Completed reviews are presented to Research Committee for consideration Achieved<br />
Outcome 1: NHMRC continued to support high quality health and medical research throughout<br />
2015–16.<br />
Goal 2: Support the health and medical research workforce and build researcher capacity<br />
Target 1<br />
<strong>Report</strong> annually on the proportion of total MREA funding committed to key people support schemes<br />
by research ‘pillar’<br />
Achieved<br />
Target 2 Support the work of NHMRC’s Women in Health Science Committee Work ongoing<br />
Target 3 <strong>Report</strong> annually on the percentage of women as chief investigators Achieved<br />
Outcome 2: NHMRC continues to meet its commitment to support the health and medical<br />
research workforce.<br />
Goal 3: Boost dementia research<br />
Target 1 Establish a National Institute for Dementia Research Achieved<br />
Target 2 Support the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research Achieved<br />
Target 3 Work with the Australian Research Council to build dementia research capacity Achieved<br />
Target 4 Support large scale research in priority areas for dementia research Achieved<br />
Outcome 3: The Boosting Dementia Initiative is delivering on its commitment to enhance research<br />
on dementia and to translate the results into policy and practice.<br />
Goal 4: Support collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to solving health problems<br />
Target 1 Promote and review management of multidisciplinary funding proposals Work ongoing<br />
Target 2 Undertake a collaborative, multidisciplinary tropical health research program Work ongoing<br />
Target 3 Develop an international engagement strategy to guide decisions on new collaborations Achieved<br />
Target 4 Finalise collaborative research funding with key international organisations Achieved<br />
Outcome 4: NHMRC supports collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to solving health<br />
problems through a number of different measures.<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
INVESTMENT<br />
Goal 5: Participate in developing national strategies for research infrastructure investment<br />
Target 1<br />
Target 2<br />
Develop policies for national research infrastructure investment that will reduce duplication and<br />
encourage collaboration<br />
Award eligible independent medical research institutes approximately 20 cents per dollar of the<br />
total yearly value of grants held<br />
Work ongoing<br />
Outcome 5: NHMRC continues to develop policies and invest in national research infrastructure.<br />
Goal 6: Support research that will provide better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait<br />
Islander peoples<br />
Achieved<br />
Target 1 Commit at least five per cent of funding to Indigenous health research Achieved<br />
Target 2 <strong>Report</strong> on the percentage of grants that address Indigenous health challenges Achieved<br />
Target 3 Support NHMRC’s Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus Work ongoing<br />
Target 4 Conduct a one-day forum to identify evidence-practice gaps Achieved<br />
Outcome 6: NHMRC continued to achieve its commitment of supporting research that will<br />
provide better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.<br />
Goal 7: Promote access to and use of ‘big data’ to improve health<br />
Target 1 Collaborate with relevant Australian and international groups regarding the use of ‘big data’ Work ongoing<br />
Target 2<br />
Continue to encourage data-sharing practices to maximise the benefits derived from NHMRCfunded<br />
research<br />
Work ongoing<br />
Target 3 Refine guidance for researchers to consider data and metadata management in their research Work ongoing<br />
Target 4 Release NHMRC’s Principles for Accessing and Using Publicly Funded Data for Health Research Achieved<br />
Outcome 7: NHMRC has continued to work with national and international agencies to promote<br />
the use and sharing of data.<br />
Goal 8: Improve the grant application and peer review processes<br />
Target 1 Review peer review process to enhance the efficiency of the peer review system Work ongoing<br />
Target 2 Work towards an improved and consistent application process and streamlined reporting system Work ongoing<br />
Outcome 8: NHMRC continued to enhance its grant application and peer review processes in<br />
order to reduce the burden on the research sector.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
27
TRANSLATION<br />
Goal 1: Support translational research<br />
Target 1 Support translation-related research activities through a range of funding schemes Achieved<br />
Target 2 Implement a collaborative initiative in tropical health research and translation for Northern Australia Work ongoing<br />
Target 3 Establish the Health Translation Advisory Committee and work program informed by Council Achieved<br />
Target 4 Support priority-driven research Achieved<br />
Outcome 1: NHMRC has achieved its goal of supporting translational research, including research<br />
focused on the National Health Priority Areas, the Australian Government Science and<br />
Research Priority in Health and other major health issues.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Goal 2: Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
Target 1 Fund Partnerships for Better Health projects and centres Work ongoing<br />
Target 2 Promote the role of Advanced Health Research and Translation Centres Work ongoing<br />
Target 3 Continue to address evidence-practice gaps Work ongoing<br />
Target 4 Work with the Commonwealth, states and territories to identify issues of mutual concern Work ongoing<br />
Target 5<br />
Work with Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to develop research preparedness<br />
in response to infectious disease threats to health<br />
Work ongoing<br />
Target 6 Publish an updated Statement on Consumer and Community Participation in Health and Medical Research Work ongoing<br />
Target 7 Establish the Health Translation Advisory Committee Achieved<br />
Target 8 Host the Fourth Research Translation Symposium Achieved<br />
Target 9 Host a stakeholder workshop on the Advanced Health Research and Translation Centres initiative Achieved<br />
Target 10 Accept key research priorities identified and presented by NHMRC’s National Institute for Dementia<br />
Research<br />
Target 11 Commence a review of the Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol<br />
Target 12 Finalise review on the health effects of water fluoridation<br />
Target 13 Update the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare<br />
Target 14 Provide research evidence and advice to the Government as needed<br />
Target 15 Fifty per cent citation rate of journal articles resulting from NHMRC funded research<br />
Achieved<br />
Work ongoing<br />
Work ongoing<br />
Work ongoing<br />
Outcome 2: NHMRC has continued to support the translation of health and medical research into<br />
clinical practice, policy and health systems.<br />
Achieved<br />
Achieved<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
TRANSLATION<br />
Goal 3: Develop public and environmental health and clinical advice<br />
Target 1 Approve high quality clinical guidelines prepared by third parties Achieved<br />
Target 2 Develop guidelines that address clinical, public and environmental health topics Achieved<br />
Target 3 <strong>Report</strong> on the quality of Australian clinical practice guidelines Work ongoing<br />
Target 4 Progress a new guideline development standard and methodology Work ongoing<br />
Outcome 3: NHMRC continues to maintain its leadership role in the development and dissemination<br />
of public and environmental health and clinical advice.<br />
Goal 4: Remove barriers to commercialisation and innovation in health<br />
Target 1 <strong>Report</strong> on the number of grants awarded through the Development Grants scheme Achieved<br />
Target 2 Strengthen rules for competitive grant programs Achieved<br />
Target 3 Identify opportunities for education of researchers in skills related to commercialisation Work ongoing<br />
Target 4 Present a Marshall and Warren award for highly innovative Project Grants Achieved<br />
Target 5 Establish the Health Innovation Advisory Committee Achieved<br />
Target 6 <strong>Report</strong> on the proportion of the MREA budget committed to research translation Achieved<br />
Target 7 <strong>Report</strong> on the percentage of Project Grants with an innovation category score of five or more Achieved<br />
Outcome 4: NHMRC continues to revise policies and processes to make it easier for researchers to<br />
move flexibly between industry and academia.<br />
Goal 5: Expediting clinical trials reforms<br />
Target 1 Streamline ethical review and research governance processes for clinical trials Achieved<br />
Target 2 Improve processes for clinical trials Work ongoing<br />
Outcome 5: In 2015–16, NHMRC has continued to work towards simplified and streamlined ethics<br />
review, research governance approval and clinical trial oversight processes.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
29
INTEGRITY<br />
Goal 1: Retain high ethical standards in health and medical research<br />
Target 1 Promote adherence to agreed standards in ethics and the conduct of research Work ongoing<br />
Target 2 Work towards national adoption of the National Approach to Single Ethical Review Work ongoing<br />
Target 3 Aim for 100 per cent of institutions to maintain certification requirements Achieved<br />
Outcome 1: NHMRC continues to promote high ethical standards in health and medical research<br />
and health care and build trust in research.<br />
Goal 2: Strengthen process for managing research misconduct<br />
Target 1 Prevent research misconduct and investigate complaints Work ongoing<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 2 Lead revision of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007 Work ongoing<br />
Target 3 Undertake public consultation on a draft of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research Work ongoing<br />
Target 4 Revise the NHMRC Policy on Misconduct Related to NHMRC-funded Research Work ongoing<br />
Outcome 2: NHMRC has made substantial progress toward supporting high ethical standards in<br />
health and medical research through strengthening the process for managing research<br />
misconduct.<br />
Goal 3: Continue review of research ethics standards and guidelines<br />
Target 1 Ensure statements, codes and guidelines remain up-to-date and reflect best practice Work ongoing<br />
Target 2 Review Section 3 of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human research Work ongoing<br />
Target 3<br />
Review Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology in Clinical Practice and<br />
Research<br />
Work ongoing<br />
Target 4 Complete the Ethical Guidelines for Organ Transplantation from Deceased Donors Achieved<br />
Target 5<br />
Undertake public consultation on the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research<br />
Ethics Guidelines<br />
Work ongoing<br />
Outcome 3: Significant progress has been achieved with the review of research ethics standards<br />
and guidelines, many of which are associated with highly sensitive and complex issues.<br />
Goal 4: Administer the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 and the Prohibition of Human<br />
Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002<br />
Target 1 Stakeholders demonstrate continued understanding of regulatory requirements Work ongoing<br />
Target 2 Implement new processes to decrease the burden of red tape on businesses Work ongoing<br />
Outcome 4: During 2015–16 the Embryo Research Licensing Committee has fulfilled its functions<br />
and, through NHMRC, continued to administer the legislation.<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
INVESTMENT<br />
Create knowledge and build research capability by supporting the highest quality health and medical<br />
research and the best researchers.<br />
Figure 4<br />
NHMRC strategy – investment<br />
WORKING TO BUILD A HEALTHY AUSTRALIA<br />
WORKING TO BUILD A HEALTHY AUSTRALIA<br />
LEAD SUPPORT ENGAGE RESPOND<br />
LEAD SUPPORT ENGAGE RESPOND<br />
Investment<br />
Translation<br />
Integrity<br />
Investment<br />
Translation<br />
Integrity<br />
Create knowledge and build research capability<br />
by supporting the highest quality health and<br />
medical research and the best researchers<br />
Create knowledge and build research capability<br />
by supporting the highest quality health and<br />
medical research and the best researchers<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
into clinical practice, policy and health systems and the<br />
effective commercialisation of research discoveries<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
into clinical practice, policy and health systems and the<br />
effective commercialisation of research discoveries<br />
Maintain a strong integrity framework for research and guideline<br />
development, underpinning rigorous research and relevant and<br />
accurate guidelines and promoting community trust<br />
Healthier Australians<br />
Better clinical care<br />
Improved health care system<br />
Economic benefit through innovation and improved productivity<br />
Maintain a strong integrity framework for research and guideline<br />
development, underpinning rigorous research and relevant and<br />
accurate guidelines and promoting community trust<br />
Strategic priorities<br />
Key activities<br />
Strategic priorities<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Key activities<br />
Healthier Australians<br />
Better clinical care<br />
Improved health care system<br />
Economic benefit through innovation and improved productivity<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
31
GOAL 1: SUPPORT HIGH QUALITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH<br />
Fund research into Australian health that:<br />
• is of the highest quality and conducted by the best researchers<br />
Activity 1.1 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
• includes research that addresses the National Health Priority Areas (NPHAs),<br />
the Australian Government Science and Research Priority in Health and other<br />
major health issues<br />
• covers the full breadth of health and medical research<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Support high quality health and medical research<br />
The Australian Government, through NHMRC, will continue to invest in Australia’s<br />
health and medical research sector. Through the Medical Research Endowment<br />
Account NHMRC will award grants through a number of funding schemes to<br />
support research in all areas of health.<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Program 1.1:<br />
Health and Medical<br />
Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
Target 1: Allocate 50 per cent of total MREA funding annually to the NHMRC<br />
Project Grant scheme<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Allocate 50 per cent of total Medical Research Endowment Account<br />
(MREA) funding annually to the NHMRC Project Grant scheme.<br />
Fifty per cent of total MREA funding to the NHMRC Project Grant<br />
scheme.<br />
Achieved<br />
A total expenditure of 51 per cent of the MREA ($421.7 million) was allocated to the NHMRC Project Grant<br />
scheme in 2015–16.<br />
Target 2: <strong>Report</strong> annually on funding by broad research area, National Health<br />
Priority Areas and Australian Government priorities<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
<strong>Report</strong> annually on funding by broad research area, NHPAs and the<br />
Australian Government Science and Research Priority in Health, to ensure<br />
that funding is appropriately allocated to key areas.<br />
Achieved<br />
NHMRC funds investigator-initiated grants across the broad research areas, National Health Priority Areas<br />
(NHPAs) 2 and the Australian Government Science and Research Priorities. 3 In 2016, NHMRC developed a<br />
framework for funding across these strategic priorities.<br />
All funding outcomes, including a breakdown of broad research area, the NHPAs, and Australian Government<br />
priorities, are published on the NHMRC website and in its Research Funding Facts Book.<br />
2 Australian Government National Health Priority Areas: http://www.aihw.gov.au/national-health-priority-areas/<br />
3 Australian Government Science and Research Priorities: http://science.gov.au/scienceGov/<br />
ScienceAndResearchPriorities/Pages/default.aspx<br />
32<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
Table 3<br />
Expenditure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health<br />
FY 2011–12 FY 2012–13 FY 2013–14 FY 2014–15 FY 2015–16<br />
Aboriginal and<br />
Torres Strait<br />
Islander Health<br />
$47,883,276 $42,009,003 $46,689,238 $54,706,548 $53,417,684<br />
Table 4<br />
Expenditure by National Health Priority Area<br />
National Health<br />
Priority Area<br />
FY 2011–12 FY 2012–13 FY 2013–14 FY 2014–15 FY 2015–16<br />
Arthritis and<br />
Osteoporosis<br />
$28,049,367 $23,723,013 $23,819,936 $22,805,602 $19,625,599<br />
Asthma $20,073,267 $19,966,601 $23,653,360 $24,200,707 $17,614,089<br />
Cancer $191,051,498 $174,072,941 $195,767,726 $196,257,955 $176,697,206<br />
Cardiovascular<br />
Disease<br />
$122,333,082 $109,546,171 $125,366,988 $129,245,874 $107,622,089<br />
Dementia $30,819,070 $24,821,251 $33,002,347 $33,484,149 $41,322,637<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Diabetes $77,843,907 $65,966,347 $72,324,158 $72,317,311 $64,553,517<br />
Injury $50,429,923 $45,816,062 $55,438,402 $62,825,752 $53,746,194<br />
Mental Health $70,843,603 $66,285,741 $82,668,244 $91,398,940 $75,867,421<br />
Obesity $40,787,328 $37,766,681 $44,716,472 $40,999,883 $31,243,322<br />
Figure 5<br />
Expenditure by National Health Priority Area<br />
250,000,000<br />
200,000,000<br />
EXPENDITURE $<br />
150,000,000<br />
100,000,000<br />
50,000,000<br />
0<br />
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 FY 2015-16<br />
FINANCIAL YEAR<br />
Arthritis and Osteoporosis<br />
Asthma<br />
Cancer<br />
Cardiovascular Disease<br />
Dementia<br />
Diabetes<br />
Injury<br />
Mental Health<br />
Obesity<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
33
Table 5<br />
Expenditure by Science and Research Priority<br />
Science and<br />
Research Priority<br />
1. Food<br />
1.2 Knowledge of the social,<br />
economic and other<br />
barriers to achieving<br />
access to healthy<br />
Australian foods.<br />
FY 2011–12 FY 2012–13 FY 2013–14 FY 2014–15 FY 2015–16<br />
$3,038,415 $2,414,673 $2,085,370 $2,215,938 $2,187,039<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
9. Health<br />
9.1 Better models of health<br />
care and services that<br />
improve outcomes,<br />
reduce disparities for<br />
disadvantaged and<br />
vulnerable groups,<br />
increase efficiency and<br />
provide greater value for<br />
a given expenditure.<br />
9.2 Improved prediction,<br />
identification,<br />
tracking, prevention<br />
and management of<br />
emerging local and<br />
regional health threats.<br />
$37,525,785 $34,444,669 $45,432,611 $53,750,891 $53,396,289<br />
$80,270,232 $77,824,751 $83,307,523 $86,893,756 $86,240,758<br />
9.3 Better health outcomes<br />
for Indigenous people,<br />
with strategies for both<br />
urban and regional<br />
communities.<br />
9.4 Effective technologies<br />
for individuals to manage<br />
their own health care, for<br />
example, using mobile<br />
apps, remote monitoring<br />
and online access to<br />
therapies.<br />
$47,883,276 $42,009,003 $46,689,238 $54,706,548 $53,417,684<br />
$7,472,719 $9,911,976 $14,563,755 $16,719,176 $14,835,531<br />
34<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
Figure 6 Expenditure by Science and Research Priority<br />
EXPENDITURE $<br />
100,000,000<br />
90,000,000<br />
80,000,000<br />
70,000,000<br />
60,000,000<br />
50,000,000<br />
40,000,000<br />
30,000,000<br />
20,000,000<br />
10,000,000<br />
0<br />
FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 FY 2015-16<br />
FINANCIAL YEAR<br />
Priority 1.2 Priority 9.2 Priority 9.4<br />
Priority 9.1 Priority 9.3<br />
Table 6 Expenditure by Broad Research Area<br />
Broad Research Area 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015<br />
Basic Science $346,297,600 $361,778,641 $332,188,810 $357,456,294 $372,389,561<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Clinical Medicine and<br />
Science $252,728,597 $263,176,723 $254,342,363 $281,076,574 $301,357,037<br />
Health Services<br />
Research $35,418,969 $37,173,789 $37,417,172 $48,069,789 $57,643,842<br />
Public Health $104,962,281 $112,263,863 $108,425,978 $118,870,307 $121,252,521<br />
Not Applicable $38,899,725 $52,286,911 $42,446,705 $38,790,039 $39,029,589<br />
Figure 7<br />
Expenditure by Broad Research Area<br />
400,000,000<br />
350,000,000<br />
300,000,000<br />
EXPENDITURE $<br />
250,000,000<br />
200,000,000<br />
150,000,000<br />
100,000,000<br />
50,000,000<br />
0<br />
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015<br />
CALENDAR YEAR<br />
Basic Science<br />
Clinical Medicine and Science<br />
Health Services Research<br />
Not Applicable<br />
Public Health<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
35
Target 3: Examine the role of philanthropic funding<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Examine the role that philanthropic funding plays in supporting health<br />
and medical research and how NHMRC could promote leveraging of<br />
alternative funding sources.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
To date, NHMRC’s involvement with the philanthropic sector has focused on co-funding research projects<br />
and people support awards. NHMRC also provides advice to inform research funding decisions by<br />
non‐government organisations (NGOs). Information on the many ways in which NHMRC can work with<br />
partners is available on our website at www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants-funding/partnering-nhmrc.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Additional options to promote leveraging of alternative funding sources are being investigated. NHMRC is<br />
seeking advice from the Principal Committees regarding opportunities for engagement with the<br />
philanthropic sector.<br />
Target 4: Call for applications addressing a defined research topic; run at least<br />
one Targeted Call for Research annually<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Call for applications addressing a defined research topic to stimulate or<br />
greatly advance knowledge in a particular area of health and medical<br />
science for the benefit of the health of Australians. To support this<br />
initiative, NHMRC will aim to run at least one Targeted Call for Research<br />
annually.<br />
Funding provided for high quality research into Australian health problems.<br />
NHMRC will call for applications addressing a defined research topic to<br />
stimulate or greatly advance knowledge in a particular area of health and<br />
medical science for the benefit of the health of Australians.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
Centres of Research Excellence<br />
In 2015–16, the Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) scheme called for applications in four research<br />
streams. The outcomes of these funding rounds are outlined in the table below.<br />
Table 7<br />
Funding for Centres of Research Excellence<br />
Centres of Research Excellence stream Funded Amount<br />
Clinical Research 5 $12,149,997<br />
Health Services Research 5 $12,198,638<br />
Population Health Research 5 $12,478,085<br />
Infectious Disease Emergency Response Research 1 $4,996,416<br />
Total 16 $41,823,136<br />
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<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
Targeted Calls for Research<br />
The outcomes of Targeted Calls for Research (TCR) funding rounds are outlined in the table below.<br />
Table 8<br />
Funding for Targeted Calls for Research<br />
Targeted Calls for Research Funded Amount<br />
Preparing Australia for the Genomics Revolution 1 $25,000,000<br />
Wind Farms and Human Health 2 $3,301,586<br />
Preventing Obesity in 18–24 Year Olds 5 $3,494,036<br />
Total 8 $31,795,622<br />
In 2015–16, the NHMRC revised its framework for TCRs and developed a priority- and impact-driven set of<br />
principles for consideration of a TCR. The new TCR framework will provide NHMRC with a mechanism to<br />
respond to emerging research needs and prioritise potential calls according to relative need and impact.<br />
Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases<br />
In 2015–16, NHMRC participated in a Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases request for applications on the<br />
prevention and management of chronic lung disease in low and middle income countries and in Indigenous<br />
communities in Australia and Canada. The outcomes of this round will be announced in late 2016. NHMRC is<br />
participating in the next Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases call which will focus on mental health. The call<br />
will open in late 2016.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 5: Periodic review of established funding schemes<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Undertake reviews of established funding programs to determine<br />
strengths and identify where improvements can be made.<br />
Periodic review of established funding schemes to determine strengths<br />
and identify where improvements can be made.<br />
Achieved<br />
Structural Review of NHMRC’s Grant Program<br />
In January 2016, NHMRC announced the commencement of an over-arching review of the structure of the<br />
NHMRC grant program. This review was prompted by concerns from the research sector about the impact<br />
of the intense competition caused by the rapid growth in grant application numbers and the rising costs<br />
of research, particularly the unsustainable burden placed on applicants and the thousands of expert peer<br />
reviewers who evaluate applications for NHMRC each year.<br />
The review is examining whether the current suite of grant schemes can be streamlined to relieve these<br />
pressures and optimise the significant investment in health and medical research to achieve the best<br />
possible health outcomes for Australians. An Expert Advisory Group was established to advise NHMRC’s<br />
CEO on the review. It assisted in the development of a consultation paper to seek the views of the research<br />
sector about possible alternative grant program structures. It is anticipated that the first stage of review will<br />
be finalised by December 2016, with advice provided to the CEO about whether and, if so, how to change<br />
the structure of NHMRC’s grant program.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
37
Partnership Projects Review<br />
The NHMRC Partnerships for Better Health – Partnership Projects working committee was established from<br />
23 March 2015 to 31 December 2015 to undertake a review of current Partnership Projects policies and<br />
provide advice to the NHMRC CEO.<br />
Key outcomes of the review included:<br />
• updating scheme documentation to provide more detail on translational and evaluative research<br />
• recruiting panel members with expertise in translation<br />
• exploring opportunities to increase awareness of the scheme<br />
• providing better support to young researchers identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 6: Completed reviews are presented to Research Committee for<br />
consideration<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Present reviews of established funding programs to Research Committee<br />
for consideration and develop a plan for consultation and implementation.<br />
Completed reviews are presented to Research Committee for<br />
consideration, and implemented according to established timelines.<br />
Achieved<br />
NHMRC conducts post-implementation reviews (PIRs) of funding programs following Ministerial approval<br />
of grant outcomes, as part of continual improvement efforts. Where recommendations arising from PIRs<br />
involve significant changes to funding program policy, the Research Committee is consulted.<br />
In 2016, RC’s advice was sought on the eligibility requirements for the Research Fellowship (RF) scheme.<br />
RC advised the CEO on issues including the requirement for professorial applicants to apply at the two<br />
senior levels of the scheme and on the implications of this change for current Fellows holding consecutive<br />
Fellowships at the same level of seniority. Following RC’s advice, the requirement for professorial applicants<br />
to apply at the highest levels of the scheme will be removed from the scheme’s Funding Rules for 2017.<br />
Outcome 1: Support high quality health and medical research<br />
NHMRC invested over $800 million in high quality health and medical research in 2015. Approximately three<br />
quarters of this was for investigator-research and approximately one quarter for strategic priorities that align<br />
with the NHPAs and Australian Government priorities (as reflected in NHMRC’s Corporate Plan 2015-2016).<br />
In addition to supporting health and medical research, NHMRC’s investment strategy is designed to develop<br />
outstanding health and medical research capacity in Australia. Grants and fellowships offered by NHMRC are<br />
highly competitive and successful applicants are identified through rigorous independent peer review.<br />
NHMRC recognises the importance of international collaboration in research. In 2015–16, NHMRC joined<br />
with international partners to fund collaborative research, including with the European Union, the Californian<br />
Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (Type 2 Diabetes) and the<br />
National Natural Science Foundation of China (Type 2 Diabetes).<br />
Targeted research priorities for NHMRC included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, preparing<br />
Australia for the genomics revolution and the prevention of obesity in young adults. In future,<br />
NHMRC’s strategic framework for research investment will facilitate research funding across national<br />
priorities. NHMRC’s structural review of its grant program will ensure that the organisation’s funding<br />
schemes are both efficient and sustainable.<br />
38<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
GOAL 2: SUPPORT THE HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH WORKFORCE AND<br />
BUILD RESEARCHER CAPACITY<br />
Work with others to support the research workforce and build researcher<br />
capacity in fields relevant to health and medical research.<br />
Activity 1.2 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Target 1: <strong>Report</strong> annually on the proportion of total MREA funding committed to<br />
key people support schemes by research ‘pillar’<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
<strong>Report</strong> annually on the proportion of total MREA funding committed to<br />
key people support schemes by research ‘pillar’, to support this activity<br />
and monitor levels of funding.<br />
Achieved<br />
Following ministerial announcement, data on each funding scheme is published on NHMRC’s website.<br />
This data includes a breakdown of funding by research pillar, gender and support for Aboriginal and Torres<br />
Strait Islander health research.<br />
Table 9<br />
Grant Type<br />
People support outcomes by broad research area<br />
Commitment<br />
Number of<br />
Grants<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Basic Sciences<br />
Postgraduate Scholarships $702,541 8<br />
Early Career Fellowships $14,147,754 42<br />
Career Development Fellowships $13,617,188 31<br />
Research Fellowships $27,133,885 37<br />
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships $16,388,801 28<br />
Practitioner Fellowships $467,961 1<br />
Translating Research into Practice Fellowships – –<br />
Clinical Medicine and Science<br />
Postgraduate Scholarships $4,221,885 43<br />
Early Career Fellowships $11,796,786 38<br />
Career Development Fellowships $4,243,934 10<br />
Research Fellowships $13,274,270 17<br />
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships $17,778,021 31<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
39
Table 9 continued<br />
Grant Type<br />
Commitment<br />
Number of<br />
Grants<br />
Practitioner Fellowships $6,363,144 13<br />
Translating Research into Practice Fellowships $876,515 5<br />
Health Services Research<br />
Postgraduate Scholarships $202,552 2<br />
Early Career Fellowships $2,449,368 7<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Career Development Fellowships – –<br />
Research Fellowships – –<br />
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships $4,428,435 8<br />
Practitioner Fellowships<br />
Translating Research into Practice Fellowships $1,051,818 6<br />
Public Health<br />
Postgraduate Scholarships $1,507,325 16<br />
Early Career Fellowships $7,429,212 24<br />
Career Development Fellowships $6,054,070 14<br />
Research Fellowships $11,682,995 16<br />
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships $5,074,331 9<br />
Practitioner Fellowships $467,961 1<br />
Translating Research into Practice Fellowships $350,606 2<br />
Table 10<br />
People support outcomes by gender<br />
Grant Type Female Male<br />
Commitment<br />
Number<br />
of Grants<br />
Commitment<br />
Number<br />
of Grants<br />
Postgraduate Scholarships $4,440,626 47 $2,193,678 22<br />
Early Career Fellowships $21,497,202 68 $14,325,918 43<br />
Career Development Fellowships $13,109,064 30 $10,806,128 25<br />
Research Fellowships $19,645,460 28 $32,445,690 42<br />
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research<br />
Development Fellowships<br />
$26,264,777 46 $17,404,809 30<br />
Practitioner Fellowships $1,590,684 3 $5,708,381 12<br />
Translating Research into Practice<br />
Fellowships<br />
$2,103,636 12 $175,303 1<br />
40<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
Table 11<br />
People support outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research<br />
Grant Type<br />
ATSI Research<br />
Commitment<br />
Number of<br />
Grants<br />
Postgraduate Scholarships $337,589 3<br />
Early Career Fellowships $2,697,081 9<br />
Career Development Fellowships $1,888,864 5<br />
Research Fellowships $1,998,605 3<br />
NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships $1,205,846 2<br />
Practitioner Fellowships – –<br />
Translating Research into Practice Fellowships $175,303 1<br />
Target 2: Support the work of NHMRC’s Women in Health Science Committee<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Support the work of the NHMRC Women in Health Science Committee,<br />
including working with institutions to ensure they meet the requirements<br />
of the revised NHMRC Administering Institutions Policy in regard to<br />
gender equity.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
In 2015–16, NHMRC continued to support the work of the Women in Health Science Working Committee,<br />
which aims to gain a better understanding of the issues that face women researchers in health and medical<br />
research in their career progression and retention. This assists NHMRC to lead and support change by<br />
ensuring fair and inclusive funding processes and identifying mechanisms that could be implemented to<br />
overcome barriers to success for women in research.<br />
NHMRC’s Administering Institution (AI) policy includes seven key principles that oblige Institutions that<br />
receive NHMRC grants to establish policies to support the progression and retention of women in health<br />
and medical research. During the reporting period, NHMRC invited AIs to submit their policies for review<br />
against these principles. At the time of reporting, 77 of 81 AIs had submitted their policies for review.<br />
Target 3: <strong>Report</strong> annually on the percentage of women as Chief Investigators<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
<strong>Report</strong> annually on the percentage of women as Chief Investigators on<br />
Project Grants, Program Grants and Research Fellowships.<br />
Achieved<br />
NHMRC has published on its website the Research Funding Facts Book, which reports on the percentage of<br />
women as Chief Investigators (CIs) across all of NHMRC’s funding schemes for the previous calendar year.<br />
The following table shows the percentage of women as chief investigators for the 2015–16 period.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
41
Table 12<br />
Percentage of women as Chief Investigators<br />
Grant Type All CI CIA<br />
Number<br />
of CIs<br />
Number of<br />
Females Percentage All CIA<br />
Number of<br />
Females<br />
Percentage<br />
Project Grants 2030 668 32.9% 516 158 30.6%<br />
Program Grants 49 8 16.3% 9 1 11.1%<br />
Research Fellowships 70 28 40.0% 70 28 40.0%<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Outcome 2: Support the health and medical research workforce and build<br />
researcher capacity<br />
NHMRC dedicated approximately 15 per cent of the MREA to funding individuals through its various<br />
fellowship and scholarship schemes. For the 2015 funding round, similar numbers of women investigators<br />
were funded through the fellowship schemes (128) compared to the previous year (121), with an increase<br />
in funded rate from 22.7 per cent to 26 per cent in the Research Fellowships scheme. For standard Project<br />
Grants there was a slight decrease in the funded rate of women as Chief Investigator A.<br />
NHMRC continues to meet its commitment to build capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander<br />
researchers. The Postgraduate Scholarship, Early Career Fellowship and Career Development Fellowship<br />
schemes funded a total of five from nine applications received from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander<br />
researchers, similar to the previous year.<br />
NHMRC recognises that health and medical research is multidisciplinary and that there is an increasing<br />
need for fluidity between academia and industry. To promote these activities, NHMRC encourages Career<br />
Development Fellowship applications from bioinformaticians / biostatisticians and those wanting to gain<br />
experience in industry. Six bioinformaticians / biostatisticians and one industry fellow were funded in 2015.<br />
42<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
GOAL 3: BOOST DEMENTIA RESEARCH<br />
Boost dementia research:<br />
• Enhance research on dementia and its translation into policy and practice<br />
• Coordinate and translate national dementia research.<br />
Activity 1.3 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Boosting Dementia Research<br />
Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia and no cure exists.<br />
The Australian Government, through NHMRC, will tackle the dementia burden<br />
via a series of initiatives to: boost Australia’s dementia research capacity;<br />
prioritise funding for vital new dementia research projects; and translate<br />
research into new treatments and better care for people with dementia.<br />
Operating within the NHMRC governance arrangements, the new NHMRC<br />
National Institute for Dementia Research will lead this effort, drawing together<br />
existing activity and developing a strategic research and translation agenda<br />
through identifying national research and translation priorities.<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
Target 1: Establish the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research<br />
Corporate Plan Establish the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR). Achieved<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The NNIDR was established in July 2015, to target, coordinate and translate the strategic expansion of<br />
dementia research in Australia. The NNIDR will collaborate with Australia’s best researchers while also<br />
drawing on the expertise of consumers, health professionals, industry and policy makers to translate<br />
evidence into policy and practice.<br />
In 2015–16, the NNIDR has identified research strengths and opportunities and has undertaken nation-wide<br />
consultation and engagement with the dementia community.<br />
Target 2: Support the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research<br />
Corporate Plan Support the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research. Achieved<br />
NHMRC is providing $9 million funding over four years to the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia<br />
Research for research into the prevention and treatment of dementia, in accordance with the Australian<br />
Government’s 2013 election commitment. This funding commenced in August 2014 and the Centre has<br />
made significant progress in addressing its research priorities.<br />
Target 3: Work with the Australian Research Council to build dementia research<br />
capacity<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work with the Australian Research Council (ARC) to build dementia<br />
research capacity.<br />
Achieved<br />
In October 2015, Minister for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley, and Minister for Education and Training,<br />
the Hon Senator Simon Birmingham, announced more than $43 million for 76 NHMRC–ARC dementia<br />
research development fellowships.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
43
Target 4: Support large scale research in priority areas for dementia research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statements<br />
Support large scale research in priority areas for dementia research.<br />
Funding provided for large scale research projects in priority areas for<br />
dementia.<br />
Undertake additional grant round to support priority research projects.<br />
Achieved<br />
In August 2015, Minister for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley, announced $35.6 million in funding for six<br />
dementia research team grants. This included a large dementia clinical trial for people aged 55 to 75 years<br />
to test an online tool to reduce the risk of dementia, and projects aimed to uncover early warning signs of<br />
Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer’s disease dementias.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
This significant investment will focus Australian research teams on finding new ways of preventing and<br />
treating the disease and innovative models of care for people with dementia.<br />
The teams were funded across five research areas that align with the priorities of people with dementia<br />
and their carers: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and improving the quality of life for people living<br />
with dementia.<br />
Outcome 3: Boost dementia research<br />
The Boosting Dementia Initiative is delivering on its commitment to enhance research on dementia and<br />
to translate the results into policy and practice. Since its establishment in 2015, the NNIDR has seen<br />
the strengthening of collaboration and strategic focus in the dementia research sector. In its first year of<br />
operation the Institute developed a strategic roadmap for dementia research and translation, established its<br />
membership network and held its first annual Australian Dementia Forum. The forum was a highlight of the<br />
year, bringing together dementia researchers from across Australia.<br />
During the year, funding of $43 million was committed for 76 NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research<br />
Development Fellowships, $35.6 million for six Dementia Research Team Grants, and $2.6 million in<br />
grants for researchers to participate in the European Union Joint Program – Neurodegenerative Disease<br />
(JPco‐fuND). Funding was also provided for the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research.<br />
44<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong>
GOAL 4: SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES TO<br />
SOLVING HEALTH PROBLEMS<br />
Support collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to solving<br />
health problems, including supporting Australia’s participation in<br />
international research.<br />
Activity 1.4 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Support high quality health and medical research<br />
Commencing in 2015–16, funding will be provided for the NHMRC to<br />
support a new collaborative Program in Northern Australia. The Program,<br />
which will be undertaken in collaboration with Austrade, will focus on the<br />
research of tropical disease and the effective translation of this research<br />
into health policy and practice.<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
Target 1: Promote and review management of multidisciplinary funding proposals<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Promote and review management of multidisciplinary funding proposals,<br />
ensuring that appropriate systems are in place to incorporate and assess<br />
contributions from disciplines outside the health and medical field,<br />
including physics, engineering and mathematics.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
There has been an increasing trend toward multidisciplinary applications. NHMRC accepts all applications<br />
addressing any health question, from basic science to health economics, and any multidisciplinary research<br />
questions that bring together these varied and cross-cutting disciplines. The Project Grant scheme is one<br />
of NHMRC’s key mechanisms to fund multidisciplinary research. Convening multidisciplinary grant review<br />
panels ensures that the applications are reviewed by panel members who have the appropriate expertise.<br />
An example is the genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics and computational biology panel.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The Northern Australia Tropical Disease Collaborative Research Program is another example of NHMRC’s<br />
commitment to funding multidisciplinary research to address health system challenges. It funds high quality,<br />
multidisciplinary research into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tropical disease. It aims to build<br />
strong collaborations and capacity in the health and medical research workforce, and promote the effective<br />
translation of this research into health policy and practice.<br />
Target 2: Undertake a collaborative, multidisciplinary tropical health research<br />
program<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work with Austrade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade<br />
(DFAT) to ensure a coordinated approach to NHMRC’s call for applications<br />
from consortia of research institutions to undertake a collaborative,<br />
multidisciplinary tropical health research program by December 2015,<br />
in order to implement an initiative in tropical health research and<br />
translation for Northern Australia.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC convened a workshop of key stakeholders on 24 November 2015 to discuss implementation plans<br />
for the Northern Australia Tropical Disease Collaborative Research Program, including alignment with existing<br />
Australian Government tropical health programs.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
45
The aim of the workshop was to identify:<br />
• strengths and challenges in tropical health research in Northern Australia<br />
• significant gaps, opportunities and health policy priorities in Northern Australian tropical disease research<br />
• the scope of the new program.<br />
The workshop helped to ensure the program complements existing measures and targets gaps and<br />
priorities in tropical disease research.<br />
NHMRC established a separate arrangement with the DFAT for a combined application and assessment<br />
process to enable applicants to apply for separate funding from the department under the Tropical Disease<br />
Research Regional Collaboration Initiative.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The program opened for applications on 24 February 2016 and closed on 6 April 2016. As at 30 June 2016,<br />
applications had undergone peer review to determine funding recommendations.<br />
Target 3: Develop an international engagement strategy to guide decisions on<br />
new collaborations<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Develop an international engagement strategy to guide decisions on new<br />
collaborations with the draft strategy to be finalised by January 2016.<br />
Achieved<br />
During 2015–16, NHMRC developed an international engagement strategy for prioritising new and existing<br />
activities with its international partners.<br />
The NHMRC International Engagement Strategy 2016–2019 outlines NHMRC’s approach to working<br />
with international partners over the next three years, with the four key principles for international<br />
engagement being:<br />
• strategic alignment<br />
• potential for scientific impact<br />
• potential for scientific diplomacy<br />
• resource implications.<br />
NHMRC will use this strategy to guide engagement in activities that align with Australian Government policy,<br />
the NHMRC Act and NHMRC’s Corporate Plan.<br />
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Target 4: Finalise collaborative research funding with key<br />
international organisations<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Finalise collaborative research funding with at least two international<br />
organisations by 2016 to address global health issues of relevance to our<br />
region.<br />
Achieved<br />
NHMRC and the Indian Council of Medical Research signed a memorandum of understanding on research<br />
collaboration in February 2016. NHMRC is in discussion with the Indian Council about activities to advance<br />
the development of research cooperation in health and medical research between India and Australia.<br />
NHMRC and the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development of Vietnam signed a<br />
memorandum of understanding on general cooperation in December 2015. NHMRC is in discussion with<br />
the foundation about activities to promote and encourage research and development collaboration amongst<br />
researchers from Vietnam and Australia. NHMRC and the Foundation plan to hold a joint symposium to<br />
discuss research and funding opportunities.<br />
Outcome 4: Support collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to solving health<br />
problems<br />
NHMRC supports collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to solving health problems through a number of<br />
different measures.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The Northern Australia Tropical Disease Collaborative Research Program is one example of NHMRC’s funding<br />
of collaborative, multidisciplinary research to address health system challenges.<br />
NHMRC accepts applications in all areas related to health and medicine, from basic science to health<br />
economics. NHMRC’s flagship Project Grants scheme is a key vehicle to fund such applications and a large<br />
number of multidisciplinary panels are established to enable this, particularly as there has been an increasing<br />
trend towards multidisciplinary applications.<br />
NHMRC also supports research collaboration internationally through joint initiatives with international<br />
partners. In 2015–16, two new agreements were signed with partner agencies in Asia to address global<br />
health issues of relevance to region.<br />
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GOAL 5: PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPING NATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR RESEARCH<br />
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT<br />
Participate in developing national strategies for research infrastructure<br />
investment, including collaborative, priority-driven approaches.<br />
Activity 1.5 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Target 1: Develop policies for national research infrastructure investment that will<br />
reduce duplication and encourage collaboration<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue discussions with the Department of Health, the Department of<br />
Education and Training and the Department of Industry and Science to<br />
develop policies for national research infrastructure investment that will<br />
reduce duplication and encourage collaboration.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
The NHMRC CEO is an ex-officio member of the National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Expert Working<br />
Group. This group is supporting the Chief Scientist for Australia in the development of a roadmap to identify<br />
Australia’s priority research infrastructure needs over the next five to 10 years.<br />
Target 2: Award eligible Independent Medical Research Institutes approximately<br />
20 cents per dollar of the total yearly value of grants held<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Aim to award eligible independent Medical Research Institutes (iMRIs)<br />
approximately 20 cents per dollar of the total yearly value of grants held<br />
by each iMRI in order to continue supporting health and medical research<br />
infrastructure.<br />
Achieved<br />
NHMRC provides funding annually for infrastructure costs to NHMRC-approved administering institutions<br />
that are independent Medical Research Institutes. No application is required for Independent Research<br />
Institute Infrastructure Support Scheme (IRIISS) funding; grants are allocated to eligible administering<br />
institutions that hold competitively awarded NHMRC research grants in a particular funding year.<br />
NHMRC awarded 19 cents per dollar of the total yearly value of grants held by the Medical<br />
Research Institutes.<br />
Outcome 5: Participate in developing national strategies for research<br />
infrastructure investment<br />
NHMRC continues to participate in discussions with other Government departments in developing policies<br />
for national research infrastructure investment that will reduce duplication and encourage collaboration.<br />
These discussions included the support provided to independent Medical Research Institutes for the indirect<br />
costs of research.<br />
The CEO of NHMRC is an ex-officio member of the National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Expert<br />
Working Group. The Roadmap will be used to support future investment decisions that enable Australian<br />
researchers to access world class major national research infrastructure.<br />
In 2015–16 NHMRC awarded over $30.5 million in IRIISS funding across 25 independent medical research<br />
institutes to support their indirect costs of research.<br />
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GOAL 6: SUPPORT RESEARCH THAT WILL PROVIDE BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES<br />
FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES<br />
Support research that will provide better health outcomes for Aboriginal<br />
and Torres Strait Islander peoples.<br />
Activity 1.6 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Target 1: Commit at least five per cent of funding to Indigenous health research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statements<br />
Commit at least five per cent of the annual MREA allocation to Aboriginal<br />
and Torres Strait Islander health research and researchers.<br />
Five per cent of annual research budget awarded to Indigenous health<br />
research.<br />
Achieved<br />
NHMRC is committed to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, spending at<br />
least five per cent of funding under the Medical Research Endowment Fund on Aboriginal and Torres Strait<br />
Islander health each year.<br />
In 2015–16, this target was achieved with six and a half per cent, approximately $53.4 million, of MREA<br />
expenditure on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 2: <strong>Report</strong> on the percentage of grants that address Indigenous health<br />
challenges<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
<strong>Report</strong> annually on the percentage of grants awarded each year that<br />
address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health challenges and<br />
that include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers as a Chief<br />
Investigator.<br />
Achieved<br />
For the 2015–16 reporting period, four per cent of awarded grants had an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander<br />
researcher as a Chief Investigator.<br />
Target 3: Support the NHMRC Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Support the NHMRC Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus (PCIC) and<br />
seek its advice on strategies.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
The current PCIC was established in 2015 and met twice in 2015–16. Membership is drawn from NHMRC<br />
Council and committees, and includes three early career researchers. The PCIC’s work plan for the current<br />
triennium includes a focus on:<br />
• research translation in Indigenous health<br />
• Targeted Calls for Research<br />
• the tripartite agreement between NHMRC, Health Research Council of New Zealand, and Canadian<br />
Institutes of Health Research (this agreement has the goal of improving the health of Indigenous<br />
peoples in these three countries)<br />
• building the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research workforce<br />
• developing Road Map III, which will drive the next stage of NHMRC’s strategy to improve Aboriginal and<br />
Torres Strait Islander health through research.<br />
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Target 4: Conduct a one-day forum to identify evidence-practice gaps<br />
Corporate Plan Conduct a one-day forum to identify evidence-practice gaps. Achieved<br />
The NHMRC Translating Research into Policy and Practice forum was held on 17 May 2016 in Canberra,<br />
with participants from a number of organisations, including the National Aboriginal Community Controlled<br />
Health Organisation, the Lowitja Institute, the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and<br />
Midwives, the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association, the Australasian Cochrane Centre, the Department<br />
of Health, and various Centres of Research Excellence.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The aim of the forum was to identify evidence practice gaps and evidence policy gaps in Aboriginal and<br />
Torres Strait Islander health. The stages of the life course (maternal and child health, children, youth,<br />
adults and older people) were used to identify specific gaps in policy and practice for Aboriginal and Torres<br />
Strait Islander people.<br />
Outcome 6: Support research that will provide better health outcomes for<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples<br />
NHMRC continued to achieve its commitment of allocating at least five per cent of the MREA to Aboriginal<br />
and Torres Strait Islander health research, allocating six and a half per cent in 2015–16. An example of the<br />
importance of funding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research can be seen in NHMRC’s<br />
Ten of the Best NHMRC Research Projects 2015, published in June 2016. This annual publication recognises<br />
NHMRC-funded research projects completed in the previous year that have achieved results of particular<br />
significance for the improvement of human health. The Indigenous Health Outcomes Patient Evaluation<br />
project scrutinised the vast data held by modern healthcare systems to understand the factors influencing<br />
disadvantage for Indigenous Australians. This research will translate into better disease prevention and<br />
patient care for Indigenous Australians, as well as more effective health care spending.<br />
In 2015–16, the PCIC provided advice to NHMRC on key issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait<br />
Islander health research, including the development of Road Map III. This road map will drive the next stage<br />
of NHMRC’s strategy to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through research. This important<br />
work will continue in the next reporting period.<br />
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GOAL 7: PROMOTE ACCESS TO AND USE OF ‘BIG DATA’ TO IMPROVE HEALTH<br />
Promote access to and use of ‘big data’ to improve health.<br />
Activity 1.7 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Target 1: Collaborate with relevant Australian and international groups regarding<br />
the use of ‘big data’<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue to contribute to the discussion regarding the use of ‘big data’<br />
by engaging in collaborative meetings/workshops with relevant Australian<br />
and international groups (e.g. the Global Alliance for Genomics and<br />
Health).<br />
NHMRC is committed to maximising the benefits from NHMRC-funded research, including by ensuring<br />
greater access to research data. In 2015–16, NHMRC signed a memorandum of understanding with the<br />
Australian National Data Service to work in collaboration to encourage re-use of data through consistent<br />
metadata standards to promote sharing of data generated through NHMRC-funded research.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
Discipline-specific national and international standards are in place, or under development, to ensure that<br />
shared data is of high quality. NHMRC has contributed to developing and implementing the following<br />
frameworks and standards:<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
• Global Alliance for Genomics and Health – Framework for Responsible Sharing of Genomic and<br />
Health-Related Data<br />
• International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) – Global sharing of ICGC data<br />
• Wellcome Trust – Sharing research data to improve public health: full joint statement by funders of<br />
health research.<br />
NHMRC is also working with the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Diseases Preparedness, led by<br />
Wellcome Trust, to develop a data sharing plan for public health emergencies.<br />
Target 2: Continue to encourage data-sharing practices to maximise the benefits<br />
derived from NHMRC-funded research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue to encourage data sharing practices to maximise the benefits<br />
derived from NHMRC-funded research.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC has an important responsibility to ensure researchers and members of the community can access<br />
the outputs of research. This means making data publicly accessible. NHMRC encourages researchers to<br />
disseminate and share their research data through publicly accessible databases or repositories.<br />
NHMRC has developed its Data Sharing Statement to encourage data sharing and providing access to<br />
data and other research outputs arising from NHMRC-supported research. The statement is promoted to<br />
researchers through meetings, conferences and NHMRC’s website.<br />
All researchers applying for funding are encouraged by NHMRC to have an ORCID (open research and<br />
contributor ID) identifier, which is a unique ID to identify researchers, link, integrate and access data.<br />
In February 2016, NHMRC became a member of the new Australian ORCID Consortium, which will support<br />
maximising the benefits of ORCID within Australia.<br />
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Target 3: Refine guidance for researchers to consider data and metadata<br />
management in their research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue to refine guidance for researchers to consider data and<br />
metadata management when planning and conducting research by<br />
regularly reviewing relevant guidelines.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC requires that any publication arising from NHMRC supported research must be deposited into<br />
an open access institutional repository and/or made available in another open access format within a<br />
12-month period from the date of publication. NHMRC also requires that metadata of their publications be<br />
made available immediately upon publication.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
NHMRC continues to encourage researchers to share their data as broadly as possible through the NHMRC<br />
Data Sharing Statement.<br />
Target 4: Release the NHMRC Principles for accessing and using publicly funded<br />
data for health research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Finalise and release the NHMRC Principles for accessing and using<br />
publicly funded data for health research.<br />
Achieved<br />
The Principles for Accessing and Using Publicly Funded Data for Health Research provide information and<br />
guidance for researchers and organisations when researchers seek permission from organisations to access<br />
and use data for their research.<br />
These principles were finalised and issued by the CEO in January 2016. Australian Government data<br />
custodians and the research sector were advised of this release, with advice on how to implement<br />
the principles.<br />
Outcome 7: Promote access to and use of ‘big data’ to improve health<br />
NHMRC has continued to work with national and international agencies to promote the use<br />
and sharing of data.<br />
Internationally, this has included working with the Wellcome Trust, Global Alliance for Genomics and Health<br />
and the International Cancer Genome Consortium. Nationally, NHMRC is working with the Australian<br />
National Data Service, Universities Australia, Council of Australian University Libraries, Australasian Open<br />
Access Support Group, and the Australian Research Council to develop an open access goals and principles<br />
document for Australia. NHMRC is also updating its open access policies and has joined the Australian<br />
ORCID Consortium, working with the research sector to make research more accessible.<br />
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GOAL 8: IMPROVE THE GRANT APPLICATION AND PEER REVIEW PROCESSES<br />
Continually improve the grant application and peer review processes and<br />
reduce red tape for researchers.<br />
Simplified and Consistent Health and Medical Research<br />
NHMRC will review the effectiveness of changes made to the Research<br />
Grants Management System and the introduction of video conferencing<br />
for some grant review panels to ensure an improved and consistent<br />
application process as well as a streamlined reporting system.<br />
Activity 1.8 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
Target 1: Review peer review process to enhance the efficiency of the peer<br />
review system<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue to review aspects of the peer review process to maximise the<br />
excellence and efficiency of the peer review system and to manage the<br />
burden on peer reviewers.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
A new peer review model was trialled on the Development Grants funding scheme in the reporting period,<br />
with the purpose of reducing peer reviewer burden. The new model significantly increased the number<br />
of assessments per application to increase the reproducibility of scoring profiles, reduce assessor errors,<br />
provide wider expertise coverage and reduce the impact of divergent scoring. A key outcome of the trial<br />
was a substantial reduction in the time that each expert spent contributing to peer review. By implementing<br />
discussion of applications at the grant review panel meeting ‘by exception’, the meeting time was reduced<br />
from 3 days to 3–4 hours. This enabled the meetings to occur via videoconference, which conferred further<br />
advantages including increased flexibility for panellists.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 2: Work towards an improved and consistent application process and<br />
streamlined reporting system<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work towards an improved and consistent application process and<br />
streamlined reporting system, including:<br />
• commence implementation of a new application front end to the<br />
Research Grants Management System (RGMS)<br />
• successfully implementing video conferencing for panel meetings<br />
where appropriate, with the first successful Go Live Grant Review<br />
Panel (GRP) to be held by October 2015<br />
• trialling a streamlined peer review process for key funding schemes by<br />
June 2016.<br />
Commence implementation of self-service reporting capability to make<br />
NHMRC grant data more accessible.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
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During the reporting period, NHMRC:<br />
• began to implement a new application front end to the Research Grants Management System. This will<br />
provide a more consistent approach and interface for researchers submitting grant applications<br />
• drafted an expression of interest, expected to be released in July 2016, to engage a suitable vendor and<br />
begin to implement a cloud-based, self-service data-reporting tool. The design phase is completed and<br />
initial implementation with a sub-set of NHMRC data will commence in July 2016. Full implementation is<br />
due in June 2017<br />
• successfully implemented video conferencing for panel meetings where appropriate. This will result in<br />
reduced travel time and expenses for panel members.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Outcome 8: Improve the grant application and peer review processes<br />
NHMRC continued to enhance its grant application and peer review processes in order to reduce the burden<br />
on the research sector, enabling researchers to spend more time producing high-quality research to benefit<br />
human health.<br />
A trial of a new peer review model in the Development Grants scheme resulted in a substantial reduction in<br />
the time required of the expert peer review panel members. The implementation of video-conferencing for<br />
review panels, where appropriate, also reduces the need for travel by the thousands of peer reviewers who<br />
are located throughout Australia and overseas.<br />
NHMRC also began implementing a more user-friendly front end of the Research Grants Management<br />
System, which enables researchers to apply for, track and administer NHMRC grants online, as well as<br />
participate in peer review.<br />
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TRANSLATION<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research into clinical practice, policy and health systems and<br />
the effective commercialisation of research discoveries.<br />
WORKING TO BUILD A HEALTHY AUSTRALIA<br />
Figure 8<br />
NHMRC strategy - translation<br />
LEAD SUPPORT ENGAGE RESPOND<br />
Investment<br />
Translation<br />
Integrity<br />
WORKING TO BUILD A HEALTHY AUSTRALIA<br />
LEAD SUPPORT ENGAGE RESPOND<br />
Investment<br />
Translation<br />
Integrity<br />
Create knowledge and build research capability<br />
by supporting the highest quality health and<br />
medical research and the best researchers<br />
Create knowledge and build research capability<br />
by supporting the highest quality health and<br />
medical research and the best researchers<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
into clinical clinical practice, practice, policy and health policy systems and the health systems and the<br />
of research discoveries<br />
effective commercialisation of research discoveries<br />
Maintain a strong integrity framework for research and guideline<br />
development, underpinning rigorous research and relevant and<br />
accurate guidelines and promoting community trust<br />
Maintain a strong integrity framework for research and guideline<br />
development, underpinning rigorous research and relevant and<br />
accurate guidelines and promoting community trust<br />
Healthier Australians<br />
Better clinical care<br />
Improved health care system<br />
Economic benefit through innovation and improved productivity<br />
Strategic priorities<br />
Key activities<br />
Strategic priorities<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Key activities<br />
Healthier Australians<br />
Better clinical care<br />
Improved health care system<br />
Economic benefit through innovation and improved productivity<br />
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GOAL 1: SUPPORT TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH<br />
Support translational research, including research focused on the<br />
National Health Priority Areas, the Australian Government Science and<br />
Research Priority in Health and other major health issues.<br />
Activity 2.1 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Target 1: Support translation-related research activities through a range of<br />
funding schemes<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Support translation-related research activities through a range of funding<br />
schemes.<br />
Achieved<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
NHMRC funding that supports research translation is outlined in the following table.<br />
Table 13 NHMRC commitments by research focus<br />
Grant purpose<br />
Amount<br />
Build Capacity $280,934,020<br />
Create Knowledge $393,280,485<br />
Translate Research $191,474,992<br />
Total $865,689,498<br />
The Cochrane Collaboration<br />
The Australian Government, through NHMRC, continued to fund Australia’s national licence to access the<br />
Cochrane Library in 2015–16. This allows access to the Cochrane Library for all Australian residents through a<br />
Wiley subscription. The Cochrane Library is an online resource that features over 6,000 published systematic<br />
reviews of evidence for healthcare interventions and protocols for Cochrane Reviews. Australians are<br />
among its highest per capita users in the world. Funding was also provided to 11 Cochrane entities located<br />
in Australia, including the Australasian Cochrane Centre. The funding of $1.6 million in 2015–16 enabled<br />
these entities to continue their review work in specialist fields such as public health, consumers and<br />
communication, breast cancer and acute respiratory infections.<br />
Target 2: Implement a collaborative initiative in tropical health research and<br />
translation for Northern Australia<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work with Austrade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade<br />
to implement a collaborative initiative in tropical health research and<br />
translation for Northern Australia, developing a coordinated approach to<br />
the measure, with at least three meetings involving these stakeholders by<br />
December 2015.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
On 24 November 2015, NHMRC convened a workshop to discuss implementation plans for the Northern<br />
Australia Tropical Disease Collaborative Research Program, bringing together representatives from a<br />
number of organisations, including Austrade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).<br />
Discussions included how best to align with existing Australian Government tropical health programs.<br />
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NHMRC also established a separate arrangement with DFAT for a combined application and<br />
assessment process to enable applicants to apply for separate funding from DFAT under the program,<br />
increasing opportunities for funding.<br />
NHMRC continues to meet with DFAT and other agencies delivering related elements of the Developing<br />
Northern Australia initiatives.<br />
Target 3: Establish the Health Translation Advisory Committee and work program<br />
informed by Council<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Establish the Health Translation Advisory Committee (HTAC) and work<br />
program informed by Council.<br />
Achieved<br />
The Health Translation Advisory Committee (HTAC) was established on 29 June 2015. The committee advises<br />
the CEO and Council of NHMRC on opportunities to improve health outcomes in areas including clinical<br />
care, public, population and environmental health, communicable diseases and prevention of illness through<br />
effective translation of research into health care and clinical practice.<br />
The committee has developed its work plan. Its focus is on improving the clinical trials environment in<br />
Australia, NHMRC’s data strategy, measuring the impact of NHMRC-funded research, and promoting<br />
implementation research and action as part of a NHMRC research translation strategy. Importantly, HTAC is<br />
providing specific advice on NHMRC’s research translation activities in Indigenous health.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 4: Support priority-driven research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Support priority driven research through:<br />
• finalising the peer review of applications to the targeted call for<br />
research in obesity by December 2015<br />
• calling for applications for a Centre of Research Excellence in<br />
infectious disease by December 2015<br />
• finalising arrangements with Singapore’s Agency for Science,<br />
Technology and Research (A*STAR) in respect of a call for applications<br />
addressing obesity and metabolic disease by December 2015<br />
• calling for applications from consortia of research institutions to<br />
undertake a multidisciplinary tropical health research program by<br />
December 2015<br />
• undertaking at least one dementia-focused grant round with outcomes<br />
announced by December 2016.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
Targeted Call for Research – Obesity<br />
Peer review for the Targeted Call for Research into Engaging and Retaining Young Adults in Interventions<br />
to Improve Eating Behaviours and Health Outcomes (Preventing Obesity in 18–24 year olds TCR) was<br />
completed in December 2015. As at 30 June 2016, these grants had not been announced.<br />
Centre of Research Excellence – Infectious diseases<br />
The intent of the CRE in Infectious Disease Emergency Response Research is to provide support for a single<br />
team of researchers to establish a national research capacity that responds to major infectious disease<br />
threats. Peer review for this program was completed in March 2016. As at 30 June 2016, these grants had<br />
not been announced.<br />
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Obesity and metabolic disease<br />
NHMRC and A*STAR are continuing discussion regarding a joint research call on obesity and metabolic<br />
diseases. This will promote and encourage research and development activities between researchers from<br />
Singapore and Australia.<br />
Tropical health research program<br />
NHMRC called for applications from teams to undertake innovative, high quality research into the prevention,<br />
diagnosis and treatment of tropical diseases through the Northern Australia Tropical Disease Collaborative<br />
Research Program. The Program opened for applications on 24 February 2016 and closed on 6 April 2016.<br />
As at 30 June 2016, these applications had undergone peer review to determine funding recommendations.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Dementia-focused research<br />
NHMRC has allocated funding to support a small number of Australian-based researchers who are<br />
participating as external collaborators on international consortia under the European Union Joint Program<br />
– Neurodegenerative Disease (JPND) Call for Proposals: European research projects on neurodegenerative<br />
diseases: risk and protective factors, longitudinal cohort approaches and advanced experimental models<br />
(JPco-fuND).<br />
In September 2015, the Minister for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, announced $2.6 million in funding for<br />
two grants as part of the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research Grants Priority Round 1<br />
– JPco‐fuND.<br />
Outcome 1: Support translational research<br />
NHMRC has achieved its goal of supporting translational research, including research focused on the<br />
National Health Priority Areas, the Australian Government Science and Research Priority in Health and<br />
other major health issues by funding the range of schemes listed above, as well as by establishing the<br />
HTAC. These actions ensure bridging of the gap between the knowledge created through research and the<br />
translation of that knowledge into policy and practice.<br />
NHMRC ensures the recognition of achievements in research translation is captured in aspects of its<br />
scheme’s assessment criteria such as in the Program Grants selection criteria, and the Partnership Projects<br />
category descriptors.<br />
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GOAL 2: SUPPORT THE TRANSLATION OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH<br />
Provide national leadership in promoting translation of knowledge<br />
created through research into clinical practice, health policy, health<br />
services and systems and public health and expand Australia’s<br />
capabilities in research translation.<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
Activity 2.2 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio Budget Statement—<br />
NHMRC will continue to support its Research Translation Faculty, which<br />
has been established to assist in the development of evidence-based<br />
advice to Government and the public. The Faculty, which is comprised<br />
of around 2,900 NHMRC-supported senior researchers, has identified<br />
major gaps where strong research evidence exists, but is not being<br />
used in health care policy and practice. In 2015–16, NHMRC will work<br />
on action to address these gaps. In 2015–16, NHMRC will also host its<br />
fourth Research Translation Faculty Symposium with the aim of helping<br />
to build research translation understanding and capability amongst<br />
Australia’s research community.<br />
In 2015–16, to update current Government advice and in response to<br />
community concerns about fluoridation, NHMRC will release for public<br />
consultation a draft information paper on the health effects of water<br />
fluoridation. Draft guidance on parenting messages to promote children’s<br />
emotional and social development, and well-being will also be open for<br />
public comment.<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 1: Fund Partnerships for Better Health projects and centres<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work with states and territories, non-government organisations and the<br />
private sector to fund Partnerships for Better Health projects and centres.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC and its partner organisations have established two partnership centres, one focusing on cognitive<br />
and related functional decline in older people, and a second focusing on systems perspectives on preventing<br />
lifestyle-related chronic health problems. Both are in their fourth year of operation. Applications for a<br />
third centre focusing on health system sustainability were under review as at 30 June 2016, with an<br />
announcement expected towards the end of 2016.<br />
NHMRC continued to operate the Partnership Projects scheme, awarding grants to create new opportunities<br />
for researchers, service providers and policy makers to work together.<br />
Target 2: Promote the role of Advanced Health Research and Translation Centres<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue to promote the important role of Advanced Health Research<br />
and Translation Centres (AHRTCs) in the provision of research-based and<br />
evidence-based health care, and provide opportunities for recognition<br />
of additional Centres. Engage with the sector to develop the initiative<br />
further, including via a stakeholder workshop with existing and<br />
potential AHRTCs.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
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In March 2015, NHMRC recognised four centres that excel in research and the translation of evidence into<br />
excellent patient care, and demonstrate a strong research and translation focus in the education of health<br />
professionals at an international level.<br />
A successful centre workshop was held on 5 November 2015. Feedback from this has assisted in the<br />
development of a second call for submission for organisations to achieve recognition as an AHRTC, which is<br />
planned for release in the second half of 2016.<br />
NHMRC provided the four existing centres with an opportunity to apply for Translational Research Project<br />
for Improved Health Care grants of up to $100,000 to support tightly focused translational research projects.<br />
Outcomes from the funding round are expected in the second half of 2016.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 3: Continue to address evidence-practice gaps<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue to address evidence-practice gaps by taking opportunities to<br />
progress elements of the Research Translation Faculty’s Cases for Action.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
In 2014–15, the Research Translation Faculty developed Cases for Action, with a range of ideas for<br />
improving health policy and practice. All Cases for Action have been publicly released on NHMRC’s website.<br />
NHMRC has continued to work with relevant organisations to support consideration of these ideas.<br />
Target 4: Work with the Commonwealth, states and territories to identify issues of<br />
mutual concern<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work with the Commonwealth and states and territories to identify and<br />
progress advice on issues of mutual concern.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC held two meetings of the Informal Research and Translation Network, which were well attended by<br />
the representatives of Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The outcomes of these meetings<br />
were the promotion of collaboration and engagement across jurisdictions.<br />
Target 5: Work with AHPPC to develop research preparedness in response to<br />
infectious disease threats to health<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work with Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to<br />
develop research preparedness in response to infectious disease threats<br />
to health.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
Throughout the reporting period, NHMRC continued to work with the AHPPC to integrate research into<br />
policies that aim to develop preparedness to respond to new and emerging health threats in our region and<br />
internationally. This collaborative approach includes developing a process to set research priorities.<br />
NHMRC also conducted a funding round for a Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Infectious Disease<br />
Emergency Response Research. The aim of the CRE is to establish a national network of leading<br />
Australian researchers that will deliver a coordinated and evidence-based response to infectious diseases.<br />
The outcomes of this funding will be announced in July 2016.<br />
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Target 6: Publish an updated Statement on Consumer and Community<br />
Participation in Health and Medical Research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Publish an updated Statement on Consumer and Community Participation<br />
in Health and Medical Research.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC understands that engaging with consumers and the community is essential to successfully<br />
perform its functions. The Statement on Consumer and Community Participation in Health and Medical<br />
Research aims to support consumer and community participation across all types and levels of health and<br />
medical research.<br />
Public consultation on a revised Statement was conducted in mid-2014 and a total of 35 responses were<br />
received. The statement was updated in response to this feedback and reviewed by NHMRC’s Community<br />
and Consumer Advisory Group.<br />
The revised statement will next be considered by the NHMRC Council, with public release planned for<br />
late 2016.<br />
Target 7: Establish the Health Translation Advisory Committee<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Establish the Health Translation Advisory Committee (HTAC) and work<br />
program informed by Council.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Established by the Minister for Health in June 2015, the HTAC met three times throughout the year to<br />
provide advice to the CEO and Council. Its focus was on improving the clinical trials environment in Australia,<br />
NHMRC’s data strategy, measuring the impact of NHMRC-funded research, and promoting implementation<br />
research as part of a NHMRC research translation strategy. Importantly, HTAC will be providing specific<br />
advice on the NHMRC’s research translation activities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.<br />
Target 8: Host the Fourth Research Translation Symposium<br />
Corporate Plan Host the Fourth Research Translation Symposium. Achieved<br />
Held in Sydney on 27–28 October 2015, the fourth annual NHMRC Research Translation Symposium was<br />
attended by 316 delegates.<br />
With a theme of Policy and Research: Working together to improve the health of Australians, the symposium<br />
was held jointly with the Centre for Informing Policy in Health with Evidence from Research. The goal of the<br />
symposium was to create more effective working relationships between health and medical researchers and<br />
policy makers. The symposium explored key themes of knowledge exchange, and better engagement and<br />
integration of policy makers with researchers.<br />
Target 9: Host a stakeholder workshop on the Advanced Health Research and<br />
Translation Centres initiative<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Host a stakeholder workshop to facilitate discussion and feedback on the<br />
Advanced Health Research and Translation Centres (AHRTC) initiative.<br />
Achieved<br />
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NHMRC held a workshop on 5 November 2015 in which representatives from each of the four centres<br />
shared examples of the highlights and successes of their centres. Participants then considered an options<br />
paper to help further develop the AHRTC initiative, and took part in small group discussions on the strengths<br />
and weaknesses of the first call for recognition as an AHRTC.<br />
Outcomes from this workshop have informed the development of a second call for submissions for<br />
organisations to achieve recognition as an AHRTC.<br />
Target 10: Accept key research priorities identified and presented by NHMRC<br />
National Institute for Dementia Research<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Accept key research priorities identified and presented by NHMRC<br />
National Institute for Dementia Research (NNIDR).<br />
Identify priorities for dementia research and translation. Priorities<br />
identified by NNIDR and accepted by NHMRC in 2015–16.<br />
Achieved<br />
The NNIDR has been further refining priorities through the development of a strategic roadmap for research<br />
and translation. In 2015–16, NNIDR established five priorities for dementia research and translation following<br />
extensive national consultation involving consumers, researchers, medical practitioners, aged care providers<br />
and public sector representatives. The priorities are:<br />
• prevention<br />
• assessment and diagnosis<br />
• intervention and treatment<br />
• living with dementia<br />
• care.<br />
Research and translation priorities supported by NHMRC funding will produce short and long term outcomes<br />
for people with dementia and their families and carers across these domains.<br />
Target 11: Commence a review of the Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health<br />
Risks from Drinking Alcohol<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Commence a review of the Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks<br />
from Drinking Alcohol.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC, in conjunction with the Department of Health, has undertaken to review the evidence underpinning<br />
the Australian Guidelines to reduce the health risks from drinking Alcohol (2009). Public consultation on the<br />
draft guideline is expected to occur in early 2017.<br />
Target 12: Finalise review on the health effects of water fluoridation<br />
Corporate Plan Finalise review on the health effects of water fluoridation. Work<br />
ongoing<br />
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In early 2016, the NHMRC completed its evidence review of the dental and health effects of water<br />
fluoridation. The outcomes of this review were then analysed using the Grading of Recommendations<br />
Assessment Development and Evaluation approach, and a draft information paper developed. This will<br />
undergo public consultation later in 2016.<br />
The NHMRC Council will consider the outcomes of the review and the Information Paper in 2017, and advise<br />
on whether or not the NHMRC Public Statement on the Efficacy and Safety of Water Fluoridation (2007)<br />
requires updating.<br />
Target 13: Update the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of<br />
Infection in Healthcare<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work with ACSQHC to update the Australian Guidelines for the<br />
Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare<br />
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) and NHMRC signed a<br />
memorandum of understanding in early 2016 to update the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and<br />
Control of Infection in Healthcare, which were last revised in 2010.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
In January 2016, NHMRC in consultation with ACSQHC established an Infection Control Guidelines<br />
Advisory Committee to provide guidance and advice on this project. The committee was selected to ensure<br />
appropriate expertise in the key areas of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and microbiology,<br />
healthcare associated infection, paediatrics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and consumer<br />
representation. The initial task of this committee is to advise on priorities for evidence reviews to underpin<br />
the revision.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
NHMRC expect the 2010 guidelines to be updated by late 2018.<br />
Target 14: Provide research evidence and advice to the Government as needed<br />
Corporate Plan Provide research evidence and advice to the Government as needed. Achieved<br />
Throughout the reporting period NHMRC provided a number of ministerial briefs and submissions to the<br />
Government, as well as providing input to external organisations, such as Department of Health.<br />
Table 14<br />
Advice provided to Government<br />
Advice<br />
Number<br />
Ministerial Briefs prepared by NHMRC 34<br />
Ministerial submissions 44<br />
Ministerial and departmental correspondence 144<br />
NHMRC input to external entities 263<br />
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Target 15: Greater than 50 per cent citation rate of journal articles resulting from<br />
NHMRC funded research<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Greater than 50 per cent citation rate of journal articles resulting from<br />
NHMRC funded research<br />
Achieved<br />
NHMRC’s bibliometric report, Measuring Up, examines how often NHMRC funded research papers are<br />
cited by other researchers. The 2016 report provides an indication of how Australian publications rank within<br />
the world’s health and medical research. It revealed that NHMRC continued to perform well compared to<br />
international benchmarks. The citation performance of NHMRC-supported publications was 68 per cent<br />
above the world average.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The latest Measuring Up report will be published in late 2016.<br />
Outcome 2: Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
NHMRC has continued to support the translation of health and medical research into clinical practice, policy<br />
and health systems. This includes continued collaborations with decision-makers, managers, clinicians and<br />
researchers through our Partnership Centres and Partnership Projects grant schemes, and the new<br />
Advanced Health Research and Translation Centre initiative.<br />
NHMRC has also worked closely with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, including<br />
working to develop research preparedness in response to infection disease threats. The importance of<br />
effective working relationships between policy makers and health and medical researchers was explored at<br />
NHMRC’s Fourth Research Translation Symposium in October 2015.<br />
This year, NHMRC progressed the updating of the Statement on Consumer and Community Participation in<br />
Health and Medical Research, which is planned for release in late 2016. The NHMRC National Institute for<br />
Dementia Research has worked closely with consumers, clinicians, aged care providers and public sector<br />
representatives in establishing priorities for dementia research and translation. During the year, funding of<br />
$43 million was committed for 76 NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships and<br />
$35.6 million for six Dementia Research Team Grants. The linkages being developed through the activities<br />
of the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research are enabling a more integrated approach to the<br />
translation of these research findings.<br />
NHMRC, supported by expert advice from its Health Translation Advisory Committee, provides research<br />
evidence and advice to Government, as well as to the public. This year, NHMRC completed an evidence<br />
review of the dental and health effects of water fluoridation and worked collaboratively with the ACSQHC to<br />
begin updating the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare.<br />
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GOAL 3: DEVELOP PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND<br />
CLINICAL ADVICE<br />
Maintain a leadership role in the development of public and environmental<br />
health and clinical advice designed to prevent illness, improve health,<br />
enhance clinical care and support the states and territories in achieving<br />
consistent standards.<br />
Activity 2.3 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
NHMRC recognises the importance of reliable and timely evidence<br />
for clinicians, consumers and policy makers. In 2015–16, NHMRC will<br />
continue to approve high quality guidelines prepared by third parties and<br />
maintain its leadership role in guideline development through a program of<br />
work to incorporate greater use of technology in guideline development.<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
Target 1: Approve high quality clinical guidelines prepared by third parties<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Release third party guidelines approved by Council that meet the<br />
procedures and requirements for meeting the 2011 NHMRC standard for<br />
clinical practice guidelines.<br />
Approve high quality clinical guidelines prepared by third parties.<br />
Third party guidelines approved by Council and CEO of NHMRC meet<br />
quality standards.<br />
Achieved<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
In 2015–16, five clinical practice guidelines developed by third parties were considered by Council and<br />
approved by the CEO.<br />
Table 15<br />
Clinical practice guidelines approved by NHMRC<br />
Guideline Responsible organisation Description<br />
Patient Blood Management<br />
Guidelines Module 6:<br />
Neonatal and paediatrics<br />
(recommendations)<br />
Clinical practice guidelines<br />
and principles of care for<br />
people with dementia<br />
(recommendations)<br />
National Blood Authority<br />
National Health and<br />
Medical Research Council<br />
Partnership Centre for<br />
Dealing with Cognitive and<br />
Related Functional Decline<br />
in Older People<br />
Module 6 is intended to assist and guide<br />
health-care professionals in making clinical<br />
decisions about blood management in<br />
neonatal and paediatric patients.<br />
The guidelines will provide health<br />
professionals and carers in primary<br />
care, aged care and hospital settings<br />
with access to recommendations<br />
reflecting current evidence on dementia<br />
care to better respond to the needs<br />
and preferences of the person living<br />
with dementia.<br />
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Guideline Responsible organisation Description<br />
Clinical practice<br />
guidelines: PSA Testing<br />
and Early Management of<br />
Test‐Detected Prostate<br />
Cancer (recommendations)<br />
Prostate Cancer Foundation<br />
Australia and Cancer<br />
Council Australia<br />
These guidelines provide health<br />
professionals access to evidence-based<br />
recommendations for using the prostate<br />
specific antigen (PSA) blood test to assess<br />
prostate cancer risk and manage testdetected<br />
patients. The recommendations<br />
also cover matters such as retesting,<br />
active surveillance, watchful waiting and<br />
biopsy.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
National Evidence<br />
Based Guideline on<br />
Secondary Prevention of<br />
Cardiovascular Disease<br />
in Type 2 Diabetes<br />
(recommendations)<br />
The Australian<br />
Immunisation Handbook,<br />
10th edition<br />
(minor amendments<br />
approved).<br />
Baker IDI Heart and<br />
Diabetes Institute<br />
Australian Technical Advisory<br />
Group on Immunisation<br />
This guideline addresses the management<br />
of adults with type 2 diabetes, in<br />
relation to the prevention of recurrence<br />
of cardiovascular events. The focus is<br />
on individuals already known to have<br />
symptomatic cardiovascular disease<br />
(e.g. prior myocardial infarction or stroke).<br />
The Australian Immunisation<br />
Handbook provides clinical advice for<br />
health professionals on the safest and<br />
most effective use of vaccines in their<br />
practice.<br />
A third party guideline approved by the CEO has been developed in accordance with the requirements<br />
of the NHMRC’s Procedures and requirements for meeting the 2011 NHMRC standard for clinical<br />
practice guidelines. From 1 October 2015, NHMRC approval of third party guidelines has been granted<br />
to guideline recommendations only. (This includes evidence-based recommendations, consensus-based<br />
recommendations and practice points.) This is an important first step in NHMRC’s guideline improvement<br />
agenda and is designed to ensure that NHMRC approval remains relevant to guidelines that are regularly<br />
revised and updated, and to support innovative approaches to publication.<br />
All NHMRC-approved guidelines are available through the national Clinical Practice Guidelines Portal<br />
(www.clinicalguidelines.gov.au).<br />
Target 2: Develop guidelines that address clinical, public and environmental<br />
health topics<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Develop and approve guidelines or health advice that addresses priority<br />
clinical, public and environmental health topics.<br />
Achieved<br />
In 2015–16, NHMRC began to develop health advice and guidelines on two topics.<br />
Water fluoridation<br />
NHMRC reviewed the evidence underpinning health advice on public water fluoridation, producing a draft<br />
information paper summarising these results. The information paper will provide a summary of the evidence<br />
on the health effects of water fluoridation, as well as an overview of the process by which the evidence was<br />
identified, critically appraised and interpreted by the Fluoride Reference Group.<br />
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Public consultation will be undertaken in the second half of 2016. Following public consultation,<br />
NHMRC’s advice on this issue will be considered.<br />
Infection prevention and control<br />
In 2016, NHMRC commenced work with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care<br />
(ACSQHC) to update the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare<br />
(2010). This review will update the recommendations within the guideline to reflect the latest evidence and<br />
practices (where appropriate).<br />
The Infection Control Guidelines Advisory Committee was established to ensure appropriate expertise<br />
throughout the review.<br />
NHMRC expects the update to be completed by late 2018.<br />
Target 3: <strong>Report</strong> on the quality of Australian clinical practice guidelines<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
<strong>Report</strong> on the quality of Australian clinical practice guidelines through the<br />
national clinical practice guideline portal and dataset reports.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
The Clinical Practice Guidelines Portal is a single-access entry point to Australian clinical practice guidelines<br />
and provides links to current Australian guidelines developed by governments, professional colleges,<br />
specialty societies and non-government agencies. In December 2015, NHMRC launched a revised portal<br />
website with improved functions. The selection criteria for the inclusion of clinical practice guidelines on the<br />
portal have been updated to bring the portal up to date with similar international resources and ensure high<br />
quality guidelines continue to be available. The updated inclusion criteria apply to clinical practice guidelines<br />
with publication dates from 2015 onwards.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 4: Progress a new guideline development standard and methodology<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Progress a new guideline development standard and methodology,<br />
including greater use of contemporary information technology platforms<br />
in collaboration with national and international agencies.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
During 2015–16, NHMRC worked with clinical practice guideline developers and the Synthesis and<br />
Translation of Research Evidence (SToRE) Advisory Group to prepare draft standards for guidelines.<br />
Consultation on the draft Standards for Guidelines was open to stakeholders from November 2015 to<br />
January 2016. The new Standards for Guidelines were prepared in order to update Australia’s Guideline<br />
Standards and bring them into line with similar standards internationally. The new standards will be the basis<br />
for NHMRC approval processes for guidelines into the future. In the next reporting period, NHMRC will<br />
proceed to develop a new handbook for guideline developers. The handbook will be a comprehensive online<br />
resource that will provide advice and guidance on how to develop a guideline to meet the new standards.<br />
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Outcome 3: Develop public and environmental health and clinical advice<br />
NHMRC continues to maintain its leadership role in the development and dissemination of public and<br />
environmental health and clinical advice. In 2015–16, NHMRC began to update evidence-based health<br />
advice and guidelines on water fluoridation and infection prevention and control. The approval program for<br />
clinical practice guidelines developed by third party organisations which meet our standards also continues<br />
to be effective. Five evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by third party organisations were<br />
considered by Council and approved by the CEO. These guidelines can be accessed through the NHMRC’s<br />
Clinical Practice Guidelines Portal, a single-access entry point to Australian clinical practice guidelines.<br />
The portal itself was renewed, with improved functions.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
As part of its leadership role, NHMRC worked with clinical practice guideline developers to develop and<br />
release for public comment draft Standards for Guidelines. NHMRC also embarked on developing an<br />
online handbook to provide practical advice for guideline developers. This important work will be continue<br />
into 2016–17.<br />
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GOAL 4: REMOVE BARRIERS TO COMMERCIALISATION AND INNOVATION<br />
IN HEALTH<br />
Work with others to remove barriers to commercialisation and innovation<br />
in health and enhance NHMRC funding schemes and strategic projects to<br />
forge stronger links with industry.<br />
Activity 2.4 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Target 1: <strong>Report</strong> on the number of grants awarded through the Development<br />
Grants scheme<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
<strong>Report</strong> annually on the number of grants awarded each year through the<br />
Development Grants scheme and on the number of industry-focused<br />
Career Development fellowships awarded each year.<br />
Achieved<br />
Following ministerial announcement the number of grants awarded for each Career Development Fellowship<br />
(CDF) stream, including industry, is published on NHMRC’s website.<br />
Table 16<br />
Grants awarded for each Career Development Fellowship stream<br />
Career Development Fellowships stream Funded Amount<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CDF 2 $838,360<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Clinical CDF 9 $3,743,472<br />
Industry CDF 2 $927,304<br />
Population Health CDF 11 $4,877,812<br />
RD Wright Biomedical CDF 31 $13,578,244<br />
Total 55 $23,965,192<br />
Target 2: Strengthen rules for competitive grant programs<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Strengthen rules for competitive grant programs to appropriately<br />
recognise industry relevant expertise or research by revising the NHMRC<br />
Funding Rules and related program documentation by November 2015,<br />
supporting implementation of the ‘Boosting the Commercial Returns from<br />
Research’ strategy.<br />
Achieved<br />
In 2015–16, the NHMRC Funding Rules were revised to promote the importance of recognising<br />
industry‐relevant experience. Section 6.1 - Recognising Applicants’ Industry-Relevant Expertise was added<br />
to the funding rules to promote and recognise industry experience and expertise.<br />
During the reporting period, NHMRC developed more information for applicants and peer reviewers<br />
on aspects of industry-relevant experience that should be included in an application, or considered in<br />
the assessment of an application. This also included updating briefing material for panel members,<br />
highlighting the need for panel members to appropriately recognise industry-relevant experience when<br />
assessing an application.<br />
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Target 3: Identify opportunities for education of researchers in skills related to<br />
commercialisation<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work with others to identify opportunities for education of researchers in<br />
skills related to commercialisation.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
The NHMRC will continue to work with the Health Innovation Advisory Committee on strategies to improve<br />
commercial literacy in the research sector.<br />
Target 4: Present a Marshall and Warren award for highly innovative Project<br />
Grants<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue to confer a Marshall and Warren award annually for highly<br />
innovative Project Grants, in support of building an innovative<br />
health industry.<br />
Achieved<br />
The Marshall and Warren Award is given to the applicant with the most highly innovative and potentially<br />
transformative Project Grant application. In 2015, the award was presented to Professor Peter Thompson from<br />
the University of Western Australia at the NHMRC Research Excellence Awards dinner. Professor Thompson<br />
and his team will follow up on the promising results of a clinical trial to confirm whether a low cost drug<br />
can reduce incidents that may damage the heart muscle in patients with stable coronary heart disease.<br />
This follow‐up study will involve around 5,000 participants, up from around 500 in the earlier trial.<br />
The award is named after Nobel Laureates Professors Barry Marshall and Robin Warren, who were awarded<br />
the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and<br />
its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.<br />
Target 5: Establish the Health Innovation Advisory Committee<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Establish the Health Innovation Advisory Committee and its work plan on<br />
advice from Council.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
The Minister for Health established the Health Innovation Advisory Committee (HIAC) on 29 June 2015.<br />
The HIAC, which met three times in the reporting period, aims to develop strategies to improve commercial<br />
literacy in the research sector and promote better collaboration between the health and medical research<br />
and commercial sectors. It will also consider and advise on ways to further the development and uptake of<br />
innovative technologies and practices to improve human health, including the health of Aboriginal and Torres<br />
Strait Islander peoples.<br />
Target 6: <strong>Report</strong> on the proportion of the MREA budget committed to research<br />
translation<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
<strong>Report</strong> on the proportion of the total annual MREA budget committed to<br />
research translation focused funding programs.<br />
Achieved<br />
As detailed in the NHMRC Corporate Plan 2015-2016, NHMRC will support the translation of health and<br />
medical research into clinical practice, policy and health systems and the effective commercialisation of<br />
research discoveries. A full breakdown of funding commitments to research translation is available at Target<br />
1: Support translation-related research activities through a range of funding schemes.<br />
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Table 17<br />
NHMRC commitments to research translation focussed funding programs<br />
Grant purpose<br />
Amount<br />
Build Capacity $280,934,020<br />
Create Knowledge $393,280,485<br />
Translate Research $191,474,992<br />
Total $865,689,498<br />
Target 7: <strong>Report</strong> on the percentage of Project Grants with an innovation category<br />
score of five or more<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
<strong>Report</strong> annually on the percentage of Project Grants awarded each year<br />
with a ‘significance and/or innovation’ category score of five or more, to<br />
highlight the proportion of grants that foster innovation.<br />
Achieved<br />
Throughout the reporting period a total of 99 per cent of Project Grants were awarded a ‘significance and/or<br />
innovation’ category score of five or more (out of a maximum of seven).<br />
Outcome 4: Remove barriers to commercialisation and innovation in health<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The Health Innovation Advisory Committee (HIAC) developed its work plan and assisted NHMRC to revise<br />
policies and processes to make it easier for researchers to move flexibly between industry and academia.<br />
HIACs outcomes over 2015–16 include providing advice to the CEO on:<br />
• the development of a Guide to Evaluating Industry-Relevant Experience to give context to industry/<br />
commercial experiences and achievements so that peer reviewers are better equipped to evaluate<br />
track record<br />
• strengthening assessment criteria to better recognise and assess industry-related research<br />
achievements and experience<br />
• including a Recognising Applicants’ Industry-Relevant Expertise section in the 2016 NHMRC<br />
Funding Rules.<br />
Through HIAC, NHMRC has developed relationships with other organisations working to remove barriers to<br />
commercialisation, including Innovation Australia and the Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals Industry<br />
Growth Centre, MTP Connect. HIAC continues to advise the CEO on how to improve commercial literacy<br />
and education opportunities for the research sector.<br />
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71
GOAL 5: EXPEDITING CLINICAL TRIALS REFORMS<br />
Implement the Government’s initiatives of Expediting Clinical Trials<br />
Reforms and Simplified and Consistent Health and Medical Research,<br />
including increasing the capability of the academic clinical trial workforce<br />
through the development of education and training programs and a fully<br />
functional clinical trials web portal<br />
Activity 2.5 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The Australian Government will continue to explore a nationally consistent<br />
approach to the upfront site approval of clinical trials. This approach will<br />
reduce complexity and accelerate the clinical trials review process in both<br />
the public and private health sectors. In 2015–16, the NHMRC will publish<br />
a nationally consistent good practice model for research governance of<br />
clinical trials, which will be supported by the development of an improved<br />
ethics application form.<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
Target 1: Streamline ethical review and research governance processes for<br />
clinical trials<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Streamline ethical review and research governance processes for<br />
clinical trials.<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
• Streamline ethical review and research governance processes for<br />
clinical trials.<br />
• Implement the Government’s initiatives of Simplified and Consistent<br />
Health and Medical Research and Accelerating Clinical Trials Reforms.<br />
Achieved<br />
In July 2015, as part of the initiative to have quicker and more efficient research governance authorisation,<br />
NHMRC launched the Good Practice Process for Site Assessment and Authorisation Phases of Clinical<br />
Trial Research Governance. The process was developed and finalised, following extensive stakeholder<br />
consultation, by the NHMRC’s Research Governance Working Group. This group has broad representation<br />
from clinical trial sites, clinical trial sponsors and state and territory health departments.<br />
The process aims to streamline the site assessment and site authorisation of clinical trials by:<br />
• outlining a set of principles and critical success factors for site assessment and authorisation<br />
• detailing a set of planning and preparation activities that can make a site more responsive to<br />
commencing clinical trials<br />
• proposing a streamlined workflow for site assessment and authorisation.<br />
As at 30 June 2016, NHMRC was piloting the process in 16 clinical trial sites across seven states<br />
and territories.<br />
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Target 2: Improve processes for clinical trials<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Continue to:<br />
• develop and launch an improved ethics application form<br />
• conduct pilot studies to collect data on a good practice research<br />
governance process for clinical trials<br />
• develop a market driven approach to demonstrate quality, safety,<br />
transparency and efficiency of clinical trials<br />
• work with stakeholders to develop contemporary guidance around<br />
safety monitoring and reporting requirements for clinical trials<br />
• work to develop a fully functional clinical trials web portal.<br />
During 2015–16, the NHMRC continued working to streamline processes for clinical trials by:<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
• developing the ethics application form, with beta-testing ongoing as at 30 June 2016 (the form will be<br />
launched in October 2016)<br />
• completing the first phase of pilot studies to collect data on a good practice research governance<br />
process for clinical trials<br />
• developing the Clinical Trials Ready initiative, which will be supported by an expert advisory committee<br />
• developing a draft revision of the Australian Health Ethics Committee position statement on safety<br />
monitoring and reporting requirements for clinical trials (the revision will be completed by October 2016).<br />
NHMRC also began developing a fully functional clinical trials web portal. On International Clinical Trials<br />
Day (20 May 2016), the Minister for Health announced enhancements to the site, including the addition of<br />
subscription notification functionality.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Outcome 5: Expediting clinical trials reforms<br />
In 2015–16, NHMRC has continued to work towards simplified and streamlined ethics review,<br />
research governance approval and clinical trial oversight processes. A number of key achievements have<br />
occurred during this time.<br />
The Good Practice Process for Site Assessment and Authorisation Phases of Clinical Trial Research<br />
Governance for streamlined site assessment and authorisation of clinical trials realised significant success.<br />
Evidence from the piloting of the process in 16 sites has demonstrated that, on average, more than 100<br />
days can be saved in the time taken for clinical trial commencement. While there was a small resource<br />
cost, this time saving can help to make Australia more competitive as a destination in which to conduct<br />
clinical trials.<br />
In order to support streamlined research governance authorisation, NHMRC has also been working to<br />
develop a streamlined ethics application. This form, the human research ethics application (HREA), has been<br />
developed using a contemporary IT platform which generates a bespoke application whose questions are<br />
relevant only to the type of research that is being conducted. The HREA is currently in a beta test phase. It is<br />
anticipated that, following incorporation of comments on the form, it will be launched in October 2016.<br />
NHMRC has also simplified the process for safety monitoring and reporting of clinical trials by developing,<br />
in conjunction with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, revised guidance for reporting on clinical trials that<br />
involve medicines and medical devices. This will be published in October 2016.<br />
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73
INTEGRITY<br />
Maintain a strong integrity framework for research and guideline development, underpinning rigorous<br />
research and relevant and accurate guidelines WORKING and promoting TO BUILD community A HEALTHY trust. AUSTRALIA<br />
Figure 9<br />
LEAD SUPPORT ENGAGE RESPOND<br />
NHMRC strategy – integrity<br />
Investment<br />
Create knowledge and build research capability<br />
by supporting the highest quality health and<br />
medical research and the best researchers<br />
WORKING TO BUILD A HEALTHY AUSTRALIA<br />
LEAD SUPPORT ENGAGE RESPOND<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Translation<br />
Integrity<br />
Investment<br />
Translation<br />
Integrity<br />
Create knowledge and build research capability<br />
by supporting the highest quality health and<br />
medical research and the best researchers<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
into clinical practice, policy and health systems and the<br />
effective commercialisation of research discoveries<br />
Support the translation of health and medical research<br />
into clinical practice, policy and health systems and the<br />
effective commercialisation of research discoveries<br />
a strong integrity framework for research and guideline<br />
Maintain a strong integrity framework for research and guideline<br />
development, underpinning rigorous research and relevant and<br />
development, accurate guidelines underpinning and promoting community rigorous trust research and relevant and<br />
accurate guidelines and promoting community trust<br />
Healthier Australians<br />
Better clinical care<br />
Improved health care system<br />
Economic benefit through innovation and improved productivity<br />
Healthier Australians<br />
Better clinical care<br />
Improved health care system<br />
Economic benefit through innovation and improved productivity<br />
Strategic priorities<br />
Key activities<br />
Strategic priorities<br />
Key activities<br />
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GOAL 1: RETAIN HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS IN HEALTH AND<br />
MEDICAL RESEARCH<br />
Retain high ethical standards in health and medical research and health<br />
care and promote trust in research.<br />
NHMRC will continue to encourage the uptake of the national approach to<br />
single ethical review within universities and private hospitals.<br />
Activity 3.1 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research Program<br />
Objectives<br />
Target 1: Promote adherence to agreed standards in ethics and the conduct<br />
of research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Work in close partnership with other organisations, including the<br />
Australian Research Council, universities and the research community,<br />
to promote adherence to agreed standards in ethics and the conduct<br />
of research.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC is continually engaged with the research community and key organisations supporting this<br />
community, providing advice, participating in conferences and workshops, seeking input on revisions to<br />
guidelines and working collaboratively to develop and review standards and support their implementation.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 2: Work towards national adoption of the National Approach to Single<br />
Ethical Review<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Work towards national adoption of the National Approach to Single Ethical<br />
Review (formerly known as HoMER).<br />
• National adoption of the National Approach to Single Ethical Review<br />
initiative (formerly known as HoMER).<br />
• Monitor the number of human research ethics committees that<br />
participate in the National Certifications Scheme Institutional<br />
Processes.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC is reviewing the National Certification Scheme to ensure it continues to meet community<br />
expectations and that as many institutions as possible can use it. This will help to increase adoption of the<br />
National Approach to Single Ethical Review of Multi-Centre Research.<br />
The NHMRC established the national approach, formally known as the Harmonisation of Multi-Centre Ethical<br />
Review (HoMER), in order to recognise a single ethical and scientific review of multi-centre human research<br />
within and/or across Australian jurisdictions.<br />
In Australian research institutions, human research ethics committees (HRECs) review research proposals<br />
involving human participants and assess their conformity with the requirements of the National Statement<br />
on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and other requirements before approving them.<br />
Throughout the reporting period, NHMRC developed and published the Human Research Ethics Portal<br />
(HREP) and a variety of tools and guidance material to support the national approach. These include the<br />
National Certification Scheme, standardised participant information and consent forms, committee template<br />
letters, and information on the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the process,<br />
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including guidance on research governance and monitoring of human research. The tools and guidance<br />
material apply to all human research and can be adopted and implemented by institutions in the publicly<br />
funded health sector, universities and private hospitals and research institutions.<br />
The NHMRC’s National Certification Scheme supports a single ethical review for multi-centre research.<br />
The certification is recognised in all states and territories. Institutions with certified ethical review processes<br />
may accept research proposals from any jurisdiction and any institution. NHMRC continues to monitor the<br />
number of HRECs that participate in the National Certification Scheme. At this time, there are 45 certified<br />
institutions, representing 49 committees.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 3: Aim for 100 per cent of institutions to maintain certification<br />
requirements<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio<br />
Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Aim for 100 per cent of institutions to maintain certification requirements,<br />
determined by monitoring the number of Human Research Ethics<br />
Committees participating in the NHMRC National Certification Scheme.<br />
100 per cent of institutions maintaining certification requirements.<br />
Achieved<br />
In 2015–16, a review of the National Certification Scheme, a cornerstone of the National Approach to Single<br />
Ethical Review (the National Approach), was undertaken. Preliminary findings from the consultation indicate<br />
that there is strong support for continuation of the scheme. NHMRC will consider the findings of the<br />
consultation and implement any improvements to the National Certification Scheme in 2016–17.<br />
All currently certified institutions are being assessed against the initial certification criteria, prior to<br />
extension of their certification period. This will help to ensure that these institutions continue to meet the<br />
expected standards.<br />
For the 2014 reporting period, 100 per cent of institutions whose ethics review processes were certified as<br />
part of the National Certification Scheme declared that they met certification requirements.<br />
Outcome 1: Retain high ethical standards in health and medical research<br />
In 2015–16, a review of the National Certification Scheme was undertaken. NHMRC will consider the<br />
findings of the consultation and implement any improvements to the National Certification Scheme<br />
in 2016–17.<br />
Though the National Approach can be utilised for all human research, public hospitals comprise the majority<br />
of entities that are certified. In order to become truly national, NHMRC will work with universities to<br />
determine barriers to the uptake of the National Approach. In addition, NHMRC will continue to work with all<br />
stakeholders to improve the acceptance of single ethics review conducted in private and Catholic hospitals<br />
and institutions.<br />
Currently, 100 per cent of institutions certified by NHMRC are maintaining certification requirements.<br />
Monitoring of this status will be completed by December 2016.<br />
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GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE PROCESS FOR MANAGING RESEARCH<br />
MISCONDUCT<br />
Strengthen the process for managing research misconduct and raise<br />
awareness of issues of ethics and integrity in the research sector.<br />
Activity 3.2 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
NHMRC promotes high quality ethical standards in research by ensuring<br />
that key human research guidelines, the National Statement on Ethical<br />
Conduct in Human Research 2007 (the National Statement), and codes,<br />
such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research<br />
2007 (the Code) remain up-to-date and reflect best practice in the area.<br />
In 2015–16, the rolling review of the National Statement will focus on a<br />
review of Section 3 (Ethical considerations specific to research methods<br />
or fields) and will include a review of current advice on research involving<br />
human genetics and clinical trials. The Code will also be reviewed in<br />
conjunction with the university and research sectors.<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Target 1: Prevent research misconduct and investigate complaints<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
Work with administering institutions to prevent research misconduct and<br />
investigate complaints.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC) is jointly supported by NHMRC and the Australian<br />
Research Council (ARC). The committee provides a review system of institutional processes to respond<br />
to allegations of research misconduct. This system is intended to ensure that institutions investigate such<br />
allegations and observe proper process in doing so. The committee contributes to quality assurance and<br />
public confidence regarding the integrity of Australia’s research effort. Specifically, the committee:<br />
• reviews the process by which a nominated institution has managed an allegation of research misconduct<br />
• provides findings and, where relevant, recommendations to the ARC and/or NHMRC<br />
• publishes de-identified information on its activities at least annually.<br />
The committee considers whether the institution’s response to the allegation of research misconduct was<br />
consistent with the framework outlined in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and<br />
with the institution’s policies and procedures for investigating allegations of research misconduct.<br />
In late 2013, the ARC and NHMRC reappointed all committee members for a further three years (2014–2017).<br />
Target 2: Lead revision of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of<br />
Research, 2007<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Lead revision of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct<br />
of Research, 2007 to provide stronger guidance and encourage<br />
harmonisation of research integrity processes across the sector.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
NHMRC, in partnership with the Australian Research Council and Universities Australia is currently reviewing<br />
the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007. The review aims to promote the<br />
prevention of research misconduct and support institutions in effectively managing complaints about<br />
research integrity. When cases of research misconduct arise, a framework for NHMRC’s response to such<br />
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77
incidents is set out in the NHMRC policy on misconduct related to NHMRC funding. This is supported by the<br />
funding agreement NHMRC has with administering institutions.<br />
The code is being reviewed to ensure it remains practical and relevant to research practice. The review<br />
process involves three key steps: targeted consultation; public consultation; and approval and release of the<br />
final revised code.<br />
The redrafted code will be supported by better practice guides, which will contain detailed guidance for<br />
organisations on implementation. The review is being assisted by the Code Review Committee and the<br />
Better Practice Guides Working Group. In 2015–16, an external contractor developed the first better practice<br />
guide, which is about managing allegations of breaches of the code.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 3: Undertake public consultation on a draft of the Australian Code for the<br />
Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Undertake public consultation on a draft of the Australian Code for the<br />
Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
Targeted consultation on a revised draft of the code was undertaken in August 2015, with around<br />
100 organisations invited to provide feedback. The review received 48 submissions from universities,<br />
government agencies and research bodies, medical research institutes and other representative<br />
organisations. Feedback from this process, as well as advice received from the Code Review Committee,<br />
led to a significant re-drafting of the code into a principles-based document.<br />
The draft code is more streamlined and comprises eight principles of responsible research conduct and<br />
31 responsibilities for institutions and researchers. It is expected to be released for public consultation<br />
during August–September 2016, together with the Better Practice Guide on Managing Allegations of<br />
Breaches to the Code.<br />
Target 4: Revise the NHMRC policy on misconduct related to<br />
NHMRC-funded research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Revise and release the NHMRC policy on misconduct related to<br />
NHMRC‐funded research.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
In August 2015, NHMRC conducted targeted consultation on its draft policy on misconduct related to<br />
NHMRC funding. To enable the NHMRC to incorporate the feedback received, and to consult further on key<br />
changes, it is anticipated that a fully revised policy will not be released until the second half of 2016. In the<br />
interim, to ensure that the reporting and management of allegations of research misconduct are managed<br />
appropriately, organisations will continue to be covered under the current 2010 policy on misconduct,<br />
which has had a limited update to ensure its relevancy.<br />
To ensure interim coverage for the reporting and management of allegations of research misconduct,<br />
the existing NHMRC Policy on Actions to be Taken in Response to Research Misconduct Involving NHMRC<br />
Funding, 2010 has been updated.<br />
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Outcome 2: Strengthen the process for managing research misconduct<br />
Development of guidelines about research integrity matters and consideration of specific cases of research<br />
misconduct are complex in nature. These areas frequently involve highly sensitive issues and require<br />
engagement and consultation with a large number of key stakeholders, including government agencies,<br />
research organisations and researchers, to ensure that policies and advice are soundly-based and receive<br />
support from the research sector.<br />
Given these complexities, the NHMRC has made substantial progress toward supporting high ethical<br />
standards in health and medical research.<br />
The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2007 has undergone significant revision<br />
based on advice from two expert committees and extensive consultation with research organisations.<br />
The principles-based document and supporting better practice guides will more clearly identify the standards<br />
expected of Australian research, and will provide more practical guidance that will promote compliance due<br />
to increased flexibility in implementation.<br />
Substantial progress was made during 2015–16 on the ongoing revision of NHMRC’s policy on misconduct<br />
related to NHMRC-funded research. Interim updates to the existing policy provided an effective framework<br />
for the reporting and management of allegations of research misconduct while feedback from targeted<br />
consultation with the research sector continues to be considered and incorporated into a fully revised policy.<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
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GOAL 3: CONTINUE REVIEW OF RESEARCH ETHICS STANDARDS AND<br />
GUIDELINES<br />
Continue review of research ethics standards and guidelines.<br />
NHMRC will also revise Part B of the Ethical Guidelines on the use of<br />
Assisted Reproductive Technology in Clinical Practice and Research June<br />
2007 and commence a review of two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander<br />
research ethics guidelines. Work will continue on developing the ethical<br />
guidelines for organ transplantation from deceased donors.<br />
Activity 3.3 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Target 1: Ensure statements, codes and guidelines remain up-to-date and reflect<br />
best practice<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Ensure statements, codes and guidelines remain up-to-date and reflect<br />
best practice.<br />
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
A strategy and project plan for review of selected provisions, chapters or sections of the National Statement<br />
on Ethical Conduct in Human Research will be developed in the third calendar quarter of 2016 to inform<br />
the ‘rolling review’ of the document in 2017 and beyond. This review will begin after public consultation on<br />
Section 3 of the National Statement has been completed.<br />
Policy on Care and Use of Non-Human Primates for Scientific Purposes<br />
In 2015–16, a comprehensive review of the Policy on the Care and Use of Non-Human Primates for Scientific<br />
Purposes (2003) was completed to ensure the humane and ethical use of non-human primates in research.<br />
This is highly sensitive and raises special ethical and welfare issues.<br />
The review was overseen by NHMRC’s Animal Welfare Committee, with advice from an expert NHMRC<br />
working committee. Public consultation on the draft Principles and Guidelines for the Care and use of<br />
Non-Human Primates for Scientific Purposes was undertaken in March to May 2015. Release of the final<br />
guideline is expected in the second half of 2016.<br />
Target 2: Review Section 3 of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in<br />
Human Research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Complete review of Section 3 of the National Statement on Ethical<br />
Conduct in Human Research, 2007.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
Consistent with the triennial work plan, NHMRC will undertake public consultation on Section 3 of the<br />
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007 in late 2016. The review of this section is<br />
expected to be completed in early 2017.<br />
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Target 3: Review Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Assisted Reproductive<br />
Technology in Clinical Practice and Research<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Complete review of Ethical guidelines on the Use of Assisted<br />
Reproductive Technology in clinical practice and research, June 2007.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Working Committee is reviewing Part B of the Ethical<br />
Guidelines on the Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology in clinical practice and research, overseen by the<br />
Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC).<br />
In 2015–16, after consolidating and incorporating feedback from an initial consultation in 2014, the working<br />
committee released the draft ethical guidelines for public consultation. Over 180 submissions were received.<br />
Once the review has been completed, submissions, where permission has been granted, will be publicly<br />
available from NHMRC’s website. The review will be released following consideration by the AHEC and the<br />
Council of NHMRC.<br />
Target 4: Complete the Ethical Guidelines for Organ Transplantation from<br />
Deceased Donors<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Complete the Ethical Guidelines for Organ Transplantation from<br />
Deceased Donors.<br />
Achieved<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
In 2015–16, NHMRC’s Australian Health Ethics Committee developed ethical guidelines for organ<br />
transplantation eligibility and allocation in partnership with the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) and the<br />
Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ). The guidelines set the framework for ethical<br />
practice in relation to organ transplantation from deceased donors.<br />
This partnership brought together NHMRC’s expertise in developing ethical guidelines, TSANZ’s clinical<br />
input and expertise and OTA’s governance and organ donation policy expertise. An Expert Advisory Group<br />
was established to provide advice to the Australian Health Ethics Committee on the development of<br />
the guidelines.<br />
Public consultation on the draft guidelines was undertaken from January to March 2015, and the final<br />
document was released on 11 April 2016.<br />
Target 5: Undertake public consultation on the development of Aboriginal and<br />
Torres Strait Islander Research Ethics Guidelines<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Undertake public consultation on the development of Aboriginal and<br />
Torres Strait Islander Research Ethics Guidelines.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
The Indigenous Research Ethics Guidelines (IREG) Review Working Committee is undertaking the review of<br />
Values and Ethics: Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (2003) and<br />
Keeping Research on Track: A guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about health research<br />
ethics (2005).<br />
The IREG committee and NHMRC have developed a revised draft, which combines the values and ethics<br />
document and the Keeping Research on Track document. Public consultation is anticipated to commence in<br />
the second half of 2016.<br />
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Outcome 3: Continue review of research ethics standards and guidelines<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
Significant progress has been achieved with the review of research ethics standards and guidelines, many of<br />
which are associated with highly sensitive and complex issues. This is particularly the case for the ethical<br />
guidelines for assisted reproductive technology in clinical practice, and for research involving Aboriginal and<br />
Torres Strait Islander peoples. Review of these guidelines has been managed to ensure that all relevant<br />
issues are being considered in a comprehensive and sensitive manner. The inclusion of case studies in<br />
several ethical guidelines has been strongly supported by stakeholders as an effective mechanism to clarify<br />
complex issues. The completion of the ethical guidelines for organ transplantation from deceased donors<br />
within the project timeframes was the outcome of a successful collaboration between NHMRC and the<br />
Organ and Tissue Authority. Ensuring the provision of up-to-date principles and best practice guidance<br />
in both human and animal research is being achieved through the ongoing revision of Section 3 of the<br />
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, and the development of guidance for research<br />
involving non-human primates. The review of these guidelines will effectively address the needs identified by<br />
the sectors.<br />
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GOAL 4: ADMINISTER THE RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN EMBRYOS ACT 2002<br />
AND THE PROHIBITION OF HUMAN CLONING FOR REPRODUCTION ACT 2002<br />
Administer the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 and the<br />
Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002.<br />
NHMRC will continue to administer the Research Involving Human<br />
Embryos Act 2002 (RIHE Act) and the Prohibition of Human Cloning for<br />
Reproduction Act 2002 (PHCR Act). These Acts prohibit certain practices,<br />
including human cloning for reproduction, and restrict other practices<br />
relating to reproductive technology and research.<br />
Activity 3.4 NHMRC<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement—<br />
Program 1.1: Health and<br />
Medical Research<br />
Program Objectives<br />
Target 1: Stakeholders demonstrate continued understanding of regulatory<br />
requirements<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Portfolio Budget<br />
Statement<br />
Aim for stakeholders to demonstrate continued understanding of<br />
regulatory requirements as measured by NHMRC assessment of activity<br />
reports and inspection outcomes.<br />
• Use risk-based approaches to target compliance activities<br />
related to RIHE Act and PHCR Act and monitor performance and<br />
regulatory outcomes.<br />
• Stakeholders demonstrate increased understanding of regulatory<br />
requirements as measured by NHMRC assessment of activity reports<br />
and inspection outcomes.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
PART 2 Performance <strong>Report</strong><br />
The NHMRC has responsibility for monitoring compliance and investigating potential non-compliance with<br />
the RIHE Act and the PHCR Act.<br />
The six-monthly reports received from licence holders in September and March demonstrate compliance<br />
with regulatory requirements. Monitoring inspections of five licences and final inspections of three licences<br />
undertaken during the reporting period indicated that the licence holders understood and complied with the<br />
conditions of their licences.<br />
NHMRC will continue to monitor compliance with these Acts.<br />
Target 2: Implement new processes to decrease the burden of red tape on businesses<br />
Corporate Plan<br />
Implement new processes to decrease the burden of red tape on<br />
businesses.<br />
Work<br />
ongoing<br />
In 2015–16, the Embryo Research Licensing Committee approved new processes that allow licence<br />
holders to implement some changes to their protocols and documents without requiring prior approval<br />
from the committee. This will reduce the time between identifying and implementing required changes.<br />
The committee will monitor the effect of these processes and make amendments as required.<br />
Outcome 4: Administer the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 and the<br />
Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002<br />
During 2015–16 the Embryo Research Licensing Committee has fulfilled its functions, and through NHMRC,<br />
continued to administer the legislation. Stakeholders indicated that they are satisfied with NHMRC’s advice<br />
and responsiveness.<br />
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Michael, Year 1
PART 3<br />
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT<br />
Legislative Framework 86<br />
Corporate Governance 87<br />
External Scrutiny 93<br />
Compliance and Assurance 94<br />
Research Integrity 98<br />
Accountability 99<br />
Correction of material errors in previous <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 105<br />
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NHMRC’s robust corporate governance and compliance framework provide rigour and discipline<br />
to the way in which NHMRC delivers its work. It ensures transparent, ethical and accountable<br />
decision‐making, and helps manage risk and stakeholder relations.<br />
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
The National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 (NHMRC Act) defines NHMRC as the Chief<br />
Executive Officer (CEO), the Council, committees and employees (who comprise the Office of NHMRC).<br />
The CEO, Council and Principal Committees are appointed by the responsible Minister.<br />
The Minister provides guidance on NHMRC’s strategic priorities. The CEO is responsible to the Minister<br />
under the Public Service Act 1999, the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and the<br />
NHMRC Act.<br />
The CEO’s functions are prescribed by section 7 of the NHMRC Act as:<br />
• inquire into, and issue guidelines and advise the community on matters relating to:<br />
––<br />
the improvement of health<br />
––<br />
the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease<br />
––<br />
the provision of health care<br />
––<br />
public health research and medical research<br />
––<br />
ethical issues relating to health.<br />
• advise and make recommendations to the Australian Government, the states and the territories on the<br />
matters referred to above<br />
• make recommendations to the Minister about expenditure on:<br />
––<br />
public health research and training<br />
––<br />
medical research and training.<br />
NHMRC is an independent statutory authority. It has statutory obligations under the Prohibition of Human<br />
Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002.<br />
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE<br />
Governance bodies form a key part of NHMRC’s assurance processes. These include the Council of NHMRC<br />
and the following Principal Committees:<br />
• Research Committee (RC)<br />
• Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC)<br />
• Health Innovation Advisory Committee (HIAC)<br />
• Health Translation Advisory Committee (HTAC).<br />
These committees enable NHMRC to work collaboratively with the research community to ensure desired<br />
results are achieved. In addition to statutory obligations under the NHMRC Act, NHMRC is accountable<br />
to Commonwealth bodies including the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Australian Public Service<br />
Commission, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the Australian Commission for Law<br />
Enforcement Integrity and the Australian National Audit Office.<br />
The CEO is advised and supported by the Council of NHMRC and assisted by a number of Principal<br />
Committees. The CEO, the Council and the Principal Committees are appointed by the Minister for Health.<br />
NHMRC operates on a triennium basis, with the Council and Principal Committees re-appointed every three<br />
years. The last triennium concluded in June 2015, and a new Council and new Principal Committees have<br />
been appointed for the current triennium, which will run until June 2018.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
Figure 10<br />
NHMRC governance structure<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />
Chair of Council/Council<br />
Research Committee<br />
Australian Health Ethics Committee<br />
Health Innovation Advisory Committee<br />
Office of the NHMRC<br />
Health Translation Advisory Committee<br />
Embryo Research Licensing Committee<br />
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THE COUNCIL OF NHMRC<br />
The Council of NHMRC is established under section 20 of the NHMRC Act. It provides advice to the CEO<br />
and performs any other functions conferred by the Minister or legislation. The Council advises the CEO on<br />
a wide range of matters relating to public health research and medical research, public health and clinical<br />
practice, ethics in health and in research involving humans and animals, research integrity, and workforce<br />
training and development.<br />
The functions of the Council are to:<br />
• provide advice to the CEO in relation to the performance of his or her function<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
• perform any other function conferred on the Council in writing by the Minister after consulting with<br />
the CEO<br />
• perform any other function conferred on the Council by the NHMRC Act, the regulations or any<br />
other law.<br />
The Council met three times throughout the reporting period:<br />
First Council meeting for the 2015–18 triennium (205th Session) – 22–23 September 2015<br />
Members identified key strategic issues as well as the key challenges facing the Council over the<br />
coming triennium.<br />
Second Council meeting – 1 December 2015 (206th Session)<br />
Items for discussion included the Structural Review of NHMRC’s Grant Program and MREA<br />
funding recommendations.<br />
Third Council meeting – 10 March 2016 (207th Session)<br />
The items for discussion included:<br />
• annual corporate plan<br />
• strategic framework for the identification and prioritisation of targeted calls for research<br />
• NHMRC International Engagement Strategy<br />
• approval of the draft Patient Blood Management Guidelines: Module 6 – Neonatal and Paediatrics<br />
• approval of Managing Individual Exposure to Lead in Australia – A Guide for Health Practitioners<br />
• approval of the Ethical Guidelines for Organ Transplantation from Deceased Donors.<br />
Membership of the Council<br />
Council members are appointed under section 41 (1) of the NHMRC Act for a triennium (three years).<br />
A new Council was appointed for the 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2018 triennium.<br />
The Council of NHMRC consists of:<br />
• the Chair<br />
• the Chairs of the Principal Committees<br />
• the Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Government<br />
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• the Chief Medical Officer or the Chief Health Officer for each state and territory<br />
• an expert in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health needs<br />
• a person with expertise in consumer issues<br />
• at least six, but no more than 11, members with relevant expertise as outlined in the NHMRC Act.<br />
The biographies of Council members are in Appendix 2.<br />
PRINCIPAL COMMITTEES<br />
NHMRC Principal Committees are established under section 35 of the NHMRC Act. Each Principal<br />
Committee reports to the Council.<br />
For the reporting period 2015–16, NHMRC has the following five Principal Committees:<br />
• Research Committee (required under the NHMRC Act)<br />
• Australian Health Ethics Committee (required under the NHMRC Act)<br />
• Embryo Research Licensing Committee (required under the Research Involving Human<br />
Embryos Act 2002)<br />
• Health Translation Advisory Committee<br />
• Health Innovation Advisory Committee.<br />
The terms of reference for the Principal Committees were gazetted by the Minister for Health on<br />
29 June 2015.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
Research Committee<br />
The Research Committee (RC) covers the spectrum of health and medical research, including public health.<br />
It recommends the award of grants on the basis of scientific quality as judged by peer review across health,<br />
medical and public health research. It also advises on research support through a variety of mechanisms,<br />
including support for individual research projects, broad programs of research, training awards and<br />
fellowships and special research units.<br />
The functions of RC, as set out in section 35 (2) of the NHMRC Act, are:<br />
• to advise and make recommendation to the Council on the application of the Medical Research<br />
Endowment Account (MREA)<br />
• to monitor the use of assistance provided from the MREA<br />
• to advise the Council on matters relating to medical research and public health research, including the<br />
quality and scope of such research in Australia<br />
• such other functions as the Minister from time to time determines in writing after consulting with<br />
the CEO<br />
• any other function conferred on the Committee by the NHMRC Act, the regulation or any other law.<br />
During 2015–16, RC’s major activities included:<br />
• providing advice to the Council on funding expenditure<br />
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• advising the CEO on strategic matters including:<br />
––<br />
developing a framework for investing in priority areas<br />
––<br />
the NHMRC International Engagement Strategy<br />
––<br />
Structural Review of NHMRC’s Grant Program<br />
––<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health<br />
––<br />
women in health science.<br />
A full list of Research Committee members is available at Appendix 3.<br />
Australian Health Ethics Committee<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
The composition of the Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) is specified in the NHMRC Act.<br />
Members draw on expertise in philosophy, the ethics of medical research, public health and social science<br />
research, clinical medical practice and nursing, disability, law, religion and health consumer issues.<br />
Under section 36(2) of the NHMRC Act, AHEC’s membership must include individuals who, collectively,<br />
have membership of all the other Principal Committees.<br />
The functions of the AHEC, as set out in section 35(3) of the NHMRC Act, are:<br />
• to advise the Council on the ethical issues relating to health<br />
• to develop and give the Council human research guidelines under subsection 10(2) of the NHMRC Act<br />
• any other function conferred on the Committee in writing by the Minister after consulting the CEO<br />
• any other functions conferred on the Committee by the NHMRC Act, the regulations or any other law.<br />
During 2015–16, AHEC’s major activities included:<br />
• review of Section 3 of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, 2007<br />
(National Statement)<br />
• development of the draft ethical guidelines for animal-to-human xenotransplantation trials, with public<br />
consultation on the draft Chapter 3.6 of the National Statement conducted for the period 27 April 2016<br />
to 8 June 2016<br />
• review of ethical guidelines for research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples<br />
• review of Part B of the Ethical Guidelines for the Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology in Clinical<br />
Practice and Research, 2007, with public consultation on the draft revised guidelines conducted for the<br />
period 23 July 2015 to 17 September 2015<br />
• finalisation of the Ethical Guidelines for Organ Transplantation From Deceased Donors following public<br />
consultation in early 2015, with release of the guidelines on 11 April 2016.<br />
A full list of AHEC members is available at Appendix 4.<br />
Embryo Research Licensing Committee<br />
The NHMRC Embryo Research Licensing Committee (ERLC) administers the Prohibition of Human Cloning<br />
for Reproduction Act 2002 (PHCR Act) and the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 (RIHE Act).<br />
These acts regulate research activities that use human embryos created by assisted reproductive technology<br />
or other means. There are strong penalties for noncompliance. The Acts also prohibit human cloning for<br />
reproductive purposes.<br />
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The ERLC assesses applications for licences to conduct research involving human embryos. Licences can<br />
only be issued if the proposed research complies with the legislation. The Committee is also responsible<br />
for monitoring compliance with the legislation and licence conditions. If necessary, the Committee can take<br />
enforcement action, including cancelling or suspending licences.<br />
During 2015–16, the committee met three times. It considered 48 applications to vary existing licences.<br />
Of these 43 variations were approved and five variations are under consideration. Three licences expired<br />
during the reporting period. Seven licences were current at 30 June 2016.<br />
Every six months ERLC is required by section 19 of the RIHE Act to table a report in Parliament describing<br />
its activities. The report includes information about licences issued under the RIHE Act. The report for<br />
1 March 2015 to 31 August 2015 was tabled on 30 March 2016. The report for 1 September 2015 to<br />
29 February 2016 will be tabled after the end of the caretaker period. All reports are available from the<br />
NHMRC website.<br />
Monitoring and enforcing compliance with the PHCR Act and the RIHE Act<br />
NHMRC is committed to ensuring that individuals and licence-holder organisations comply with the RIHE<br />
and PHCR Acts. Under the legislation, the Chair of the ERLC appoints inspectors who conduct a range<br />
of monitoring and compliance activities. During 2015–16 these inspectors conducted nine inspections to<br />
ensure compliance with licence conditions and provided information to prospective licence holders and other<br />
stakeholders about compliance with the legislation.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
Table 18 Inspections undertaken by the ERLC under the RIHE Act and PHCR Act 2015–16:<br />
Licence holder Licence Number Inspection type Inspection date<br />
Monash IVF 309722 Monitoring 19 November 2015<br />
Genea Ltd 309712 Final 3 December 2015<br />
Genea Ltd 309713 Final 3 December 2015<br />
Genea Ltd 309714 Final 3 December 2015<br />
Genea Ltd 309703 Monitoring 19 May 2016<br />
Genea Ltd 309710 Monitoring 19 May 2016<br />
Genea Ltd 309718 Monitoring 19 May 2016<br />
Genea Ltd Site 19 May 2016<br />
Melbourne IVF Pty Ltd 309723 Monitoring 26 May 2016<br />
A full list of ERLC members is available at Appendix 5.<br />
Health Translation Advisory Committee<br />
The Health Translation Advisory Committee (HTAC) advises the CEO and Council of NHMRC on opportunities<br />
to improve health outcomes in areas including clinical care, public, population and environmental health,<br />
communicable diseases and prevention of illness through effective translation of research into health care<br />
and clinical practice. These include:<br />
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• major challenges, current issues and trends in health and health care, including those specific to<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples<br />
• priorities and strategies to address these challenges<br />
• strategies to promote research translation into practice and policy<br />
• promoting dissemination and implementation of research findings and NHMRC-issued guidelines<br />
• any other matter referred to it by the CEO.<br />
During the 2015–18 triennium the HTAC is providing advice on:<br />
• NHMRC’s role in improving the clinical trials environment in Australia<br />
• NHMRC’s data strategy<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
• measuring the impact of NHMRC-funded research<br />
• promoting implementation research as part of a NHMRC research translation strategy<br />
• importantly, specific advice on NHMRC’s research translation activities in Indigenous health.<br />
A full list of HTAC members is available at Appendix 6.<br />
Health Innovation Advisory Committee<br />
The Health Innovation Advisory Committee (HIAC) advises the CEO and the Council on current and emerging<br />
issues related to the development, commercialisation and uptake of innovative technologies and practices<br />
arising from health and medical research. These include:<br />
• strategies to foster the development and uptake of innovative technologies and practices to improve<br />
human health, including the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples<br />
• strategies to promote collaboration between the health and medical research and commercial sectors<br />
• creating a culture of commercialisation for the translation of research into health outcomes<br />
• any other matter referred by the CEO.<br />
During the 2015–18 triennium, HIAC is focussing on developing strategies to improve commercial literacy<br />
in the research sector and promote better collaboration between the health and medical research and<br />
commercial sectors. It will also consider and advise on ways to further the development and uptake of<br />
innovative technologies and practices to improve human health, including the health of Aboriginal and Torres<br />
Strait Islander peoples.<br />
A full list of HIAC members is available at Appendix 7.<br />
NHMRC MEMBERSHIP ON MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES<br />
The NHMRC CEO has been appointed by the relevant Minister to the following Ministerial<br />
Advisory Committees:<br />
• Australian Medical Research Advisory Board<br />
• National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Expert Working Group<br />
• Engagement and Impact Steering Committee.<br />
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EXTERNAL SCRUTINY<br />
JUDICIAL DECISIONS AND DECISIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS<br />
One matter went to the Australian Human Rights Commission. This matter was not settled by conciliation<br />
and thus terminated. A subsequent application was lodged in the Federal Circuit Court. The matter was<br />
settled. It was managed by Comcover.<br />
One matter was commenced in the ACT Magistrates Court. This matter was settled. It was managed<br />
by Comcover.<br />
MINISTERIAL REFERRAL TO THE CEO, COUNCIL OR A PRINCIPAL COMMITTEE<br />
No matters under section 5D of the NHMRC Act were referred to the CEO, Council or a Principal Committee<br />
by the portfolio Minister during 2015–16.<br />
MINISTERIAL DIRECTION TO THE CEO, COUNCIL OR A PRINCIPAL COMMITTEE<br />
No matters under section 5E of the NHMRC Act were referred to the CEO, Council or a Principal Committee<br />
by the portfolio Minister during 2015–16.<br />
REGULATORY RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE CEO<br />
The CEO made no regulatory recommendations under section 9 of the NHMRC Act during 2015–16.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
INTERIM REGULATORY RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE CEO<br />
The CEO made no interim regulatory recommendations under section 14 of the NHMRC Act during 2015–16.<br />
PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE REVIEW<br />
There were no inquiries into NHMRC by a parliamentary committee in 2015–16.<br />
REVIEW OF DECISIONS<br />
No matters relating to NHMRC went before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in 2015–16.<br />
One FOI decision made by NHMRC was reviewed and affirmed by the Acting Australian Information<br />
Commissioner in August 2015. One FOI decision was under review by the Acting Australian Information<br />
Commissioner as at 30 June 2016.<br />
COMMONWEALTH OMBUDSMAN<br />
One complaint was made to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. The ombudsman advised no investigation<br />
was required.<br />
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE<br />
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) conducts performance audits of the efficiency and effectiveness<br />
of NHMRC’s operations and financial audits of its financial statements. NHMRC was not selected for<br />
participation in external performance audits during 2015–16.<br />
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COMPLIANCE AND ASSURANCE<br />
AUDIT<br />
The NHMRC Audit Committee has been established under the Public Governance, Performance and<br />
Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
The Audit Committee provides independent assurance and advice to the CEO on NHMRC’s risk, control and<br />
compliance framework and on its external accountability responsibilities. The Audit Committee charter<br />
specifies that the committee will review, monitor and advise the CEO on risk management. This is included<br />
in the committee’s annual work plan.<br />
Membership of the Audit Committee comprises an independent Chair, a Certified Practising Accountant,<br />
a member of the NHMRC Council or a Principal Committee, a member with relevant knowledge of the<br />
health and medical research sector, and the General Manager of the Office of NHMRC.<br />
Members of the NHMRC Audit Committee are:<br />
• Ms Gayle Ginnane (Independent Chair)<br />
• Mr Geoff Knuckey (CPA/Qualified Accountant)<br />
• Dr Jeannette Young (member of NHMRC Council)<br />
• Prof Matthew Gillespie (member with relevant knowledge of the health and medical research sector)<br />
• Mr Tony Kingdon (NHMRC General Manager).<br />
Participating observers include representatives from the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and<br />
the internal auditor (McGrathNicol), as well as the Chief Finance Officer, Internal Audit Officer and the<br />
Executive Director of the Evidence, Advice and Governance Branch. The Audit Committee met on four<br />
occasions in 2015–16.<br />
The 2015–16 <strong>Annual</strong> Internal Audit Work Plan approved by the Audit Committee included performance,<br />
compliance and assurance audits designed to augment and complete the internal audit themes initiated<br />
during the previous year to manage whole-of-agency key risks. Audit focus areas included:<br />
• management of declaration of interest<br />
• frameworks for the development and approval of guidelines by external and internal developers<br />
• Information Technology (IT) security and access controls.<br />
RISK MANAGEMENT<br />
In support of its mission and strategic objectives, NHMRC is committed to managing its risks both<br />
strategically and systematically.<br />
The NHMRC Risk Management Policy and Framework 2016–17 (RMF) provides the foundations and<br />
organisational arrangements for designing, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and continually improving<br />
risk management throughout NHMRC. The RMF was developed in accordance with the international<br />
standard on risk management AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management Principles and Guidelines and is<br />
consistent with the requirements of the PGPA Act.<br />
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In accordance with the RMF:<br />
• the CEO, General Manager and executive directors are accountable for the effective implementation of<br />
the RMF and have responsibility for fostering a culture of positive engagement with and management of<br />
risk across the agency<br />
• all directors are required to integrate the RMF into activities for which they are accountable<br />
• all employees are required to maintain awareness of the risks that relate to their work and to support<br />
and contribute actively to the management of these risks<br />
• NHMRC Audit Committee is to advise the CEO on risk management and all matters that could present<br />
unacceptable risk for the agency.<br />
Managing risk during 2015–16<br />
NHMRC maintains a Strategic Risk Register (SRR) which identifies risks facing and potentially preventing<br />
NHMRC from achieving its strategic objectives. For each risk identified, the SRR details the potential sources<br />
of the risk, the current controls mitigating the risk and the residual severity of the risk given the controls. The<br />
SRR also identifies further mitigation strategies to implement if the current controls become ineffective and<br />
the severity of the risk increases. During 2015–16 the SRR was monitored and discussed monthly by the<br />
General Manager and Executive Directors.<br />
In February 2016, NHMRC participated in Comcover’s annual risk management benchmarking survey. This<br />
annual practice provides NHMRC with an opportunity to review and benchmark its RMF, practices and<br />
processes against those of comparable agencies. NHMRC set its target risk maturity at ‘integrated’, which<br />
was achieved. The average maturity level of all survey participants in 2016 was also ‘integrated’.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
FRAUD PREVENTION<br />
In accordance with the NHMRC Fraud Control Framework 2015–17 and the NHMRC Fraud Control Plan<br />
2015–17, NHMRC has a number of processes in place to help detect fraud, including post-award compliance<br />
monitoring, data-mining analysis, post-transaction reviews, and internal and external audits.<br />
As the NHMRC Accountable Authority, the CEO has a non-delegable duty under section 16 of the PGPA<br />
Act to establish and maintain systems relating to risk and control. It is also a requirement of the Public<br />
Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (PGPA Rule) that the CEO take all reasonable<br />
measures to prevent, detect and deal with fraud.<br />
To assist the CEO to meet these obligations, a senior executive has been appointed as the NHMRC Fraud<br />
Control Officer. The Fraud Control Officer is a referral point for all allegations of fraud, and is responsible<br />
for maintaining a fraud incident register and undertaking a preliminary assessment to determine whether<br />
reported behaviour is potentially fraudulent in nature.<br />
Through its funding agreements with administering institutions, NHMRC requires compliance with the<br />
Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2007, which supports and encourages reporting<br />
allegations of research misconduct across the Australian health and medical research sector.<br />
NHMRC systematically reviews its internal control systems, including the Research Grants Management<br />
System (RGMS), and processes to identify gaps and strengthen internal controls.<br />
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In October 2015, in accordance with section 10 of the PGPA Rule, the Commonwealth Fraud Control Policy<br />
and the Department of Finance Resource management guide No. 201, NHMRC reported fraud data to the<br />
Australian Institute of Criminology for 2014–15. For the relevant period, NHMRC reported one internal and<br />
four external incidents of fraud with an estimated value of $823,660.00. NHMRC subsequently recovered<br />
$142,574.82.<br />
Officers of NHMRC are expected to act with integrity and fairness and uphold the values of the Australian<br />
Public Service in their dealings with the Minister and all stakeholders.<br />
PRIVACY<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
All documents held by NHMRC containing personal information are handled in accordance with the<br />
provisions of the Privacy Act 1988, which sets standards for the collection, storage, use and disclosure of,<br />
and access to and correction of, that personal information.<br />
NHMRC updated its Privacy Policy in September 2015. In accordance with clause 1.3 of Australian Privacy<br />
Principle 1, the NHMRC Privacy Policy addresses the open and transparent management of personal<br />
information by identifying the purposes for which NHMRC collects, holds, uses and discloses personal<br />
information. NHMRC provides an environment in which all personal information is handled securely<br />
and efficiently.<br />
No reports were served on NHMRC by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OIAC) under<br />
section 30 of the Privacy Act 1988 in 2015–16. No determinations were served on NHMRC by the OAIC<br />
under section 52 of the Privacy Act 1988 in 2015–16.<br />
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION<br />
Agencies subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) are required to publish information to the<br />
public as part of the Information Publication Scheme (IPS). This requirement is in Part II of the FOI Act and<br />
has replaced the former requirement to publish a section 8 statement in agency annual reports. The NHMRC<br />
website contains the plan for the information it publishes in accordance with the IPS requirements.<br />
Freedom of information requests<br />
NHMRC publishes information to which access has been granted under the FOI Act in its Freedom of<br />
Information Disclosure Log, which is available via the ‘Freedom of Information’ link on the homepage of the<br />
NHMRC website.<br />
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Table 19 Freedom of Information requests 2015–16<br />
FOI applications<br />
Quantity<br />
Matters on hand at 1 July 2015 3<br />
Requests received 14<br />
Requests finalised 13<br />
Outstanding at 30 June 2016 4<br />
Internal reviews<br />
Matters on hand at 1 July 2015 0<br />
Requests received 1<br />
Requests finalised 1<br />
Outstanding at 30 June 2016 0<br />
OAIC matters<br />
Matters on hand at 1 July 2015 1<br />
Requests received 1<br />
Requests finalised 1<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
Outstanding at 30 June 2016 1<br />
Administrative Appeals Tribunal matters<br />
Matters on hand at 30 June 2016 0<br />
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RESEARCH INTEGRITY<br />
NOTIFICATIONS OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT MATTERS<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
In line with NHMRC policy, institutions must notify NHMRC of any research misconduct findings or breaches<br />
of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2007 related to NHMRC funding. NHMRC<br />
carried over notifications relating to six matters from 2014–15 and has received a further four notifications<br />
during 2015–16. It is the responsibility of the relevant institution to investigate allegations of research<br />
misconduct consistent with the code. In response to findings of research misconduct, NHMRC may take<br />
action in relation to the institution or the researcher. Actions may include, for example, recovery of research<br />
funding from an institution or restrictions on a researcher’s applications for funding for a period of time. In<br />
2015–16, NHMRC took action in response to two of the notified matters. Ongoing matters from 2015–16 will<br />
continue to be monitored during 2016–17.<br />
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH INTEGRITY COMMITTEE<br />
2015–16<br />
This is the annual report of the Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC) to the CEO of NHMRC.<br />
ARIC was jointly established by NHMRC and the Australian Research Council (ARC) in 2011 and reports to<br />
both agencies. As a result of the joint NHMRC and ARC appointment, ARIC reports separately to the ARC on<br />
cases that arise in the jurisdiction created under the ARC’s legislation. Information on those activities can be<br />
found in the ARC’s <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>.<br />
ARIC provides a review system of institutional processes to respond to allegations of research misconduct.<br />
This system is intended to ensure that institutions investigate such allegations and observe due process<br />
in doing so, consistent with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2007. The<br />
framework under which ARIC operates applies to both NHMRC and ARC matters and is designed to<br />
contribute to quality assurance and public confidence regarding the integrity of Australia’s research effort.<br />
ARIC is chaired by Mr Ron Brent and the members are Dr Kerry Breen, Ms Julie Hamblin and Emeritus<br />
Professor Sheila Shaver. NHMRC reappointed all ARIC members for a second term under section 39 of the<br />
NHMRC Act for the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016.<br />
During the 2015–16 reporting period, the NHMRC ARIC has been required to review two matters. One<br />
investigation has been completed and ARIC found that the processes used to investigate the allegation of<br />
research misconduct were consistent with the code and no further action was taken.<br />
The second matter is still being investigated.<br />
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ACCOUNTABILITY<br />
PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT<br />
NHMRC performed its procurement activities in accordance with the Commonwealth Financial Framework,<br />
specifically the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs). NHMRC’s Accountable Authority Instructions,<br />
as well as related policy and procedural manuals, support the CPRs and are periodically reviewed for<br />
consistency with the CPRs and the Commonwealth Procurement Framework.<br />
Additionally, NHMRC has worked closely with other agencies resulting in cooperative procurement<br />
and contracting activities. NHMRC will continue, in the whole-of government context, to comply with<br />
coordinated procurement initiatives, which facilitate reduced tendering costs and savings through<br />
economies of scale.<br />
NHMRC builds capacity within the agency by providing procurement and contract management training and<br />
circulating procurement and whole-of-government advice from the Department of Finance.<br />
COMPETITIVE TENDERING AND CONTRACTING<br />
NHMRC publishes information relating to significant procurement activity it expects to undertake in 2015–16<br />
in its annual procurement plan, which is available on the Australian Government’s procurement information<br />
system, AusTender. Details of significant NHMRC contracts and information on expenditure consultancies<br />
are also publicly available through AusTender.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
EXEMPT CONTRACTS<br />
NHMRC has no contracts or standing offers that were exempted from publication on AusTender.<br />
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE ACCESS CLAUSES<br />
NHMRC has not entered into any contracts in 2015–16 that do not provide for the Auditor-General to have<br />
access to the contractor’s premises. NHMRC’s contract templates include standard clauses providing the<br />
Auditor-General with appropriate access to a contractor’s premises.<br />
PROCUREMENT INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES<br />
NHMRC supports small business participation in the Commonwealth Government procurement market.<br />
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Small Enterprise participation statistics are available on the<br />
Department of Finance’s website: www.finance.gov.au/procurement/statistics-on-commonwealthpurchasing-contracts/.<br />
NHMRC recognises the importance of ensuring that small businesses are paid on time. The results of the<br />
Survey of Australian Government Payments to Small Business are available on the Treasury’s website:<br />
www.treasury.gov.au. NHMRC achieved an on-time average of 99% of all payments to small businesses or<br />
individuals in 2015–16.<br />
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NHMRC employs the following initiatives or practices to support SME’s as per paragraph 5.4 of the<br />
Commonwealth Procurement Rules:<br />
• Using the Commonwealth Contracting Suite for low risk procurements valued under $200,000<br />
• Following the Small Business Engagement Principles, such as communicating in clear, simple language<br />
and presenting information in an accessible format<br />
• Using electronic systems or other processes that facilitate on-time payment performance, including the<br />
use of payment cards.<br />
NHMRC supports the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) and if there is an Indigenous business that can<br />
deliver any new domestic contract between $80,000 and $200,000, on a value for money basis, NHMRC<br />
must offer it to them first.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
CONSULTANCY SERVICES<br />
NHMRC uses guidance published by the Department of Finance on Procurement Policy to distinguish<br />
between consultancy and non-consultancy contracts for annual reporting purposes.<br />
NHMRC engages consultants where it lacks specialist expertise or when independent research, review<br />
or assessment is required. Consultants are typically engaged to investigate or diagnose a defined issue or<br />
problem; carry out defined reviews or evaluations; or provide independent advice, information or creative<br />
solutions to assist in the agency’s decision-making.<br />
Prior to engaging consultants, NHMRC takes into account the skills and resources required for the task, the<br />
skills available internally, and the cost-effectiveness of engaging external expertise. The decision to engage<br />
a consultant is made in accordance with the PGPA Act and related regulations, including the CPRs and<br />
relevant internal policies.<br />
During 2015–16, nine new consultancy contracts were entered into involving total actual expenditure of<br />
$319,277.60. In addition, 12 ongoing consultancy contracts were active during 2015–16 year, involving total<br />
actual expenditure of $255,743.73. The total expenditure during 2015–16 was $575,021.33.<br />
Table 20 Consultancy contract expenditure from 2011–12 to 2015–16<br />
2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16<br />
Expenditure against<br />
contracts awarded in<br />
previous years<br />
$607,286.20 $774,778.61 $660,946.15 $1,375,018.70 $575,021.33<br />
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Table 21<br />
Consultancy services let during 2015–16 of $10,000 or more<br />
Consultant Name<br />
Nous Group Pty Ltd<br />
Datacom Systems<br />
(ACT) Pty Ltd<br />
Lime Business<br />
Solutions<br />
Workplace Research<br />
Associates Pty Ltd<br />
Description<br />
Creating a unitary program<br />
for a Dementia Research<br />
Cloud Strategy and Transition<br />
Roadmap<br />
Contract<br />
Price<br />
Selection Process Justification<br />
$284,690.64 Open tender B<br />
$140,898.88 Open tender B<br />
Digital Transition Strategy $77,925.00 Limited tender B<br />
Development of NHMRC<br />
Strategic Workforce Plan<br />
$76,445.60 Limited tender B<br />
Minter Ellison Legal Services $70,000.00 Prequalified tender B<br />
McGrathNicol<br />
Advisory Partnership<br />
AARNet Pty Ltd<br />
King & Wood<br />
Mallesons<br />
JS Halliday<br />
Consulting<br />
Ovum Pty Ltd<br />
Matthew Todd<br />
Gillespie<br />
Internal Audit Services $58,950.00 Open tender A<br />
Technical advice and project<br />
management services<br />
$50,000.00 Limited tender B<br />
Legal Services $60,000.00 Prequalified tender B<br />
HR Consulting Services $31,106.00 Limited tender C<br />
NHMRC Cloud Strategy<br />
Transition Roadmap Review<br />
$21,230.00 Open tender A<br />
Audit Committee Member $19,800.00 Limited tender B<br />
McBeath Pty Ltd Audit Committee Member $19,800.00 Limited tender B<br />
Optum Health and<br />
Technology (Australia)<br />
Pty Ltd<br />
SHDC Workplace<br />
Solutions<br />
Employee Assistance<br />
Program<br />
Provision of specialist<br />
industrial relations advice<br />
$14,630.00 Limited tender B<br />
$10,000.00 Limited tender B<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
ASSET MANAGEMENT<br />
Asset management is not a significant aspect of the strategic business of NHMRC. The agency’s fixed<br />
assets include office fit-out, computer equipment, telephony, furniture and equipment held in Canberra<br />
and Melbourne.<br />
During 2015–16, NHMRC continued to develop software to support and enhance the Research Grants<br />
Management System. Video conferencing functionality was established during 2014–15, which included the<br />
purchase of video conferencing equipment. NHMRC’s strategy for asset management emphasises a wholeof-life<br />
approach to the use of assets and commits the agency to responsible and cost-effective management.<br />
An annual review process minimises holdings of surpluses and underperforming assets.<br />
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ADVERTISING AND MARKET RESEARCH<br />
During 2015–16, NHMRC did not incur any costs relating to market research, polling or direct mail, or<br />
conducting any advertising or marketing campaigns.<br />
COMPLAINTS<br />
NHMRC has a complaints process for people who are dissatisfied with NHMRC decisions or<br />
actions. Generally complaints are resolved within the area of the Office of NHMRC responsible for the<br />
function, with an independent complaints team providing an oversight and escalation role.<br />
In 2015–16, NHMRC received 76 complaints about NHMRC’s funding or grant processes.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
Table 22 Numbers of complaints received by NHMRC 2015–16<br />
Types of complaints<br />
Complaints<br />
received<br />
Matters on<br />
hand<br />
Complaints<br />
finalised<br />
Project Grants funding scheme 27 0 27<br />
Program and Partnership funding schemes 11 0 11<br />
People support funding schemes 38 0 38<br />
Complaints to the Commissioner of Complaints 11 4 7<br />
NHMRC Commissioner of Complaints<br />
Professor Don Chalmers is the NHMRC Commissioner of Complaints. A biography of Professor Chalmers is<br />
available in Appendix 8.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of NHMRC Commissioner of Complaints for <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
The report is provided pursuant to section 68 of the NHMRC Act. It covers the 12 months from 1 July 2015<br />
to 30 June 2016. During this time I investigated and finalised five complaints and decided not to investigate<br />
one complaint as it did not pertain to a reviewable action and was therefore not within my remit to<br />
investigate. Investigations in relation to four new complaints were ongoing at 30 June 2016.<br />
As Commissioner, my role in brief is to investigate complaints relating to a reviewable action as described<br />
in Section 58 of the NHMRC Act. A reviewable action is an action taken by the CEO or delegate relating to<br />
recommendations to the Minister regarding expenditure on public health and medical research and training,<br />
or an action taken by the Research Committee in relation to an application for funding made on or after 24<br />
June 1993. I am required to investigate the procedures for natural justice, fairness, good faith and absence<br />
of conflicts of interest in NHMRC’s processes in reaching a decision. I am not entitled to examine the merits<br />
of the reasoning behind the reviewable action or substitute my view for that of NHMRC, the Research<br />
Committee or peer reviewers.<br />
After finalising the investigation of a complaint, I am obliged under section 66 of the Act to report to the CEO<br />
where I conclude that an action as affected by one or more grounds of complaint listed in section 58. Under<br />
section 67 of the Act, I have the discretion to make a recommendation in relation to the outcome of my<br />
investigation into a complaint about a reviewable action. This could include recommendations to reconsider<br />
actions; rectify, mitigate or alter the effects of an action; or revoke or vary a decision.<br />
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Complaints and their outcomes<br />
Of the nine complaints investigated:<br />
• Four related to low application scores from applications that were not funded or ranked as ‘not for<br />
further consideration’ (NFFC). I concluded that NHMRC had acted in a procedurally fair way and<br />
properly dispensed its duties and responsibilities according to the applicable NHMRC Funding Rules<br />
and Guidelines. I conducted a review of procedures for natural justice, fairness and absence of conflict<br />
of interest in NHMRC procedures, and I concluded that NHMRC was not in error procedurally or<br />
substantively. In one instance, I recommended that NHMRC consider the complaint and my ruling when<br />
reviewing NHMRC procedures.<br />
• One related to a finding of ineligibility in relation to requirements of relevant funding rules. In<br />
investigating this complaint, I conducted a review of procedures for natural justice, fairness and absence<br />
of conflict of interest in NHMRC procedures in reaching the decision of ineligibility. In doing this I<br />
considered all documents provided by the complainants, the applicable NHMRC Scheme and Funding<br />
rules and policy. I concluded that each of the eligibility considerations was applied correctly.<br />
• Four complaints are still under investigation and have not yet been finalised.<br />
Of the five investigations finalised, the most common grounds for complaint from section 58 of the<br />
Act were:<br />
• that the action involved a breach of the rules of natural justice (3)<br />
• that there was no evidence or other material to justify the action (2)<br />
• that an irrelevant consideration was taken into account in relation to the action (5)<br />
• that a relevant consideration was not taken into account in relation to the action (1)<br />
• that the action involved the exercise of a discretionary power in accordance with a rule of policy without<br />
regard to merit of the particular cases (3).<br />
The funding schemes that the complaints related to included:<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
• Centres of Research Excellence<br />
• Research Fellowships<br />
• Project Grants<br />
• Early Career Fellowship<br />
• Program Grants.<br />
PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT<br />
Accommodation<br />
NHMRC continues to minimise its impact on the environment through responsible and efficient<br />
consumption, use and disposal of resources. NHMRC works to:<br />
• improve its environmental performance to meet legislative requirements and maintain NHMRC’s<br />
Environmental Management System to ISO 14001:2004<br />
• build a strong environmental ethos by increasing awareness and commitment by employees and key<br />
stakeholders to meet agreed environmental targets<br />
• integrate environmentally sustainable practices into day-to-day activities performed by<br />
NHMRC employees.<br />
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Environmental Management Policy<br />
NHMRC continues to adhere to its Environmental Management Policy to cover the activities, products and<br />
services of its office-based operations at both the Canberra and Melbourne offices. The policy is based on<br />
international and domestic legislation, policies and standards, including:<br />
• Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999<br />
• AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 – Environmental Management Systems<br />
• Australian Government Energy Efficiency in Government Operations (EEGO) Policy.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
NHMRC’s Environmental Management Policy enables us to incorporate environmental considerations such<br />
as energy and water conservation, as well as waste and resource management, into business activities it<br />
controls or influences within the context of achieving corporate business outcomes.<br />
Energy consumption<br />
NHMRC’s energy consumption is continually monitored and recorded. The following outlines the annual<br />
energy consumption for the Canberra office from 1 May 2015 to 1 May 2016.<br />
Table 23<br />
Tenancy<br />
Tenant light and power<br />
2015–16<br />
Energy (GJ) Area (m 2 ) MJ / m 2 People* MJ / Person**<br />
Canberra – 16 Marcus Clarke St 901.29 5,052 178.40 203.37 4,431.78<br />
*Includes employees from Cancer Australia and the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research.<br />
Melbourne office has been removed from the energy consumption table as it was co-located with the<br />
Department of Health for the majority of the reporting period.<br />
**The EEGO Policy target for Office - Tenant Light and Power is 7500 MJ / Person / Annum<br />
NABERS energy rating<br />
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) is a national rating system that<br />
measures the environmental performance of Australian buildings, tenancies and homes. NABERS measures<br />
the energy efficiency, water usage, waste management and indoor environment quality of a building or<br />
tenancy and its impact on the environment.<br />
In accordance with the current Green Lease Schedule for the Canberra tenancy, NHMRC is required to<br />
achieve a 4.5 star NABERS energy tenancy rating. In November 2015, NHMRC achieved a 5.5 star NABERS<br />
energy tenancy rating.<br />
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CORRECTION OF MATERIAL ERRORS IN PREVIOUS<br />
ANNUAL REPORT<br />
There were no corrections to statements or figures in the <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 2014-2015.<br />
PART 3 operating environment<br />
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Improving respiratory outcomes for preterm babies<br />
Professor Jane Pillow – University of Western Australia<br />
PART 6 operating environment<br />
“This research will provide a new opportunity to<br />
protect the preterm infant from developing chronic<br />
respiratory disease.”<br />
Professor Jane Pillow and her team studied diaphragms<br />
of preterm lambs to understand whether maternal and<br />
environmental factors adversely affect the development<br />
of the diaphragm in an unborn baby. The team discovered<br />
that factors such as antenatal infection and high-dose<br />
maternal steroid treatment weaken the diaphragm, likely<br />
contributing to breathing difficulties after birth in preterm<br />
infants. These discoveries have<br />
opened a new area of focus in improving respiratory<br />
outcomes for preterm infants.<br />
The diaphragm is the major muscle involved in breathing<br />
and a normal function of the diaphragm is essential<br />
to survival. Professor Jane Pillow’s research strives<br />
to understand how the diaphragm develops and how<br />
impaired diaphragm function contributes to breathing<br />
difficulties after birth in preterm infants.<br />
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CASE STUDY<br />
The team studied diaphragms of preterm lambs to<br />
determine how fetal exposure to common events such<br />
as maternal steroids or infection of the womb affects<br />
diaphragm development in an unborn baby.<br />
Through this research, Professor Pillow and her team<br />
discovered that the preterm diaphragm is weaker<br />
than the diaphragm of babies born after a normal and<br />
complete gestation. This may be due to increased<br />
breakdown of the muscle protein and increased<br />
susceptibility to damage from oxygen free radicals.<br />
Respiratory disease<br />
is the leading cause<br />
of mortality in<br />
preterm infants<br />
Professor Pillow explained that the diaphragm is further<br />
impaired when the fetus is exposed to infection in the<br />
womb or high-dose maternal steroids.<br />
“Preterm babies are more likely to be exposed to<br />
infection and other agents that interfere with diaphragm<br />
development, making breathing efforts weaker after birth<br />
and potentially leading to respiratory failure.<br />
“Our studies suggested that the timing of the exposure<br />
to infection in the womb is critical; exposure early in<br />
gestation results in weaker diaphragms than those<br />
exposed closer to term gestation.<br />
“Fetal exposure to maternal steroids, which are often<br />
used to improve the lung development of fetuses that are<br />
likely to be born preterm, may also be harmful to longterm<br />
diaphragm development when administered at high<br />
doses,” Professor Pillow explained.<br />
These findings have the potential to benefit preterm<br />
infants at risk of acute and chronic respiratory disease.<br />
The team has opened a new area for focus in protecting<br />
and treating premature babies at risk of respiratory<br />
failure.<br />
“As the diaphragm is the main muscle driving our ability<br />
to breathe independently, impaired diaphragm function<br />
decreases our ability to breathe without mechanical<br />
assistance. Furthermore, the use of mechanical<br />
ventilation to support the breathing of infants who<br />
cannot sustain independent breathing may further impair<br />
the function of the diaphragm. Thus, adverse exposures<br />
such as womb infections may initiate a vicious cycle<br />
of impaired diaphragm function that may make it very<br />
difficult to wean the infants off mechanical ventilation so<br />
that they can breathe on their own without support.<br />
“Preventing diaphragm dysfunction through ventilatory<br />
or pharmacological treatments will provide a new<br />
opportunity to protect the preterm infant from developing<br />
chronic respiratory disease.<br />
“These findings will be of interest to clinicians and<br />
nurses treating preterm infants, and to the parents<br />
of the infants at risk for this disorder,” Professor<br />
Pillow concluded.<br />
PART 6 operating environment<br />
“We were able to show that this weakness in the<br />
diaphragm after fetal exposure to a womb infection<br />
could be partly reduced by preventing the inflammatory<br />
response through blocking a key component in the<br />
pathway called interleukin,” Professor Pillow said.<br />
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Eve, Year 3/4
4 Part<br />
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT<br />
People 110<br />
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PEOPLE<br />
NHMRC recognises the value of its people and is committed to ensuring a supportive workplace culture that<br />
maximises individual potential for success.<br />
NHMRC actively participates in the Australian Public Service (APS) employee census conducted annually by<br />
the Australian Public Service Commission. Results from the census are used as the standard engagement<br />
measurement tool across the agency and allow benchmarking with small agencies across the APS. Results<br />
for NHMRC from the 2015 APS employee census showed that job engagement, team engagement and<br />
agency engagement were well above the APS-wide results.<br />
PART 4 People Management<br />
EMPLOYEE OVERVIEW<br />
As at 30 June 2016, NHMRC’s workforce consisted of:<br />
• 219 staff<br />
• 69 per cent female; 31 per cent male (female employees made up 74 per cent of the<br />
part-time workforce)<br />
• 81.3 per cent full-time workers; 18.3 per cent part-time workers; 0.4 per cent casual workers<br />
• 190 people employed on an ongoing basis (87 per cent), 28 non-ongoing; 1 casual<br />
• 92 per cent of the workforce was based in Canberra and 8 per cent in Melbourne.<br />
Other notable employee statistics include:<br />
• 1 per cent of employees identified as Indigenous Australians<br />
• 5 per cent of employees identified themselves as having a disability<br />
• 10 per cent of employees are from a non-English-speaking background.<br />
Figure 11 Breakdown by classification level as at 30 June 2016<br />
35%<br />
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL NHMRC STAFF<br />
30%<br />
25%<br />
20%<br />
15%<br />
10%<br />
5%<br />
0%<br />
29.68%<br />
19.18% 18.72%<br />
14.16%<br />
9.13%<br />
5.94%<br />
0.46%<br />
1.83%<br />
0.46% 0.46%<br />
APS2 APS3 APS4 APS5 APS6 EL1 EL2 SES1 SES2 CEO<br />
CLASSIFICATION<br />
110<br />
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Table 24 NHMRC employee overview as at 30 June 2016<br />
Classification<br />
Casual Non-ongoing Ongoing<br />
F M F M F M<br />
Total<br />
CEO 1 1<br />
SES Band 2 1 1<br />
SES Band 1 1 3 4<br />
EL2 1 1 19 10 31<br />
EL1 1 43 21 65<br />
APS6 3 1 30 7 41<br />
APS5 5 4 22 11 42<br />
APS4 6 1 10 3 20<br />
APS3 4 1 6 2 13<br />
APS2 1 1<br />
Total 1 28 190 219<br />
PART 4 People Management<br />
Women made up approximately two-thirds of NHMRC’s workforce (women: 69 per cent, men: 31 per<br />
cent) however the relative percentages of men and women varied by classification level. At the APS levels,<br />
women outnumbered men, while at the EL and SES levels, men outnumbered women.<br />
Figure 12<br />
Number of men and women by classification level<br />
50<br />
45<br />
44<br />
40<br />
NUMBER<br />
35<br />
30<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
33<br />
27<br />
21<br />
19<br />
16<br />
15<br />
12<br />
10<br />
8<br />
3<br />
4<br />
3<br />
1<br />
0<br />
1<br />
0<br />
1 1<br />
0<br />
APS2 APS3 APS4 APS5 APS6 EL1 EL2 SES1 SES2 CEO<br />
CLASSIFICATION<br />
FEMALE<br />
MALE<br />
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Figure 13<br />
30<br />
Classification breakdown by age<br />
25<br />
NUMBER OF STAFF<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
PART 4 People Management<br />
0<br />
APS3 APS4 APS5 APS6 EL1 EL2<br />
APS LEVEL<br />
20 to 29 30 to 39 40 to 49 50 to 59 60 over<br />
Equal employment opportunity<br />
Representation of equal employment opportunity groups as a percentage of employees, at 30 June 2016.<br />
Table 25 Representation of equal employment opportunity groups as a percentage of<br />
staff, at 30 June 2016<br />
Opportunity Group Number of staff % of total staff<br />
Women 147 69%<br />
Diverse cultural and linguistic background 22 10%<br />
Indigenous 2 1%<br />
People with a disability 12 5%<br />
Carer 33 15%<br />
WORKFORCE PLANNING<br />
NHMRC is embarking on a significant strategic review of its people capability, recognising that over the<br />
coming years it will need to deliver its outputs in a resource-constrained environment.<br />
A strategic workforce plan will enable NHMRC to identify and minimise workforce-related risks, and is<br />
considered an important component of organisational risk management. The NHMRC Strategic Workforce<br />
Plan will identify the workforce capacity and capability NHMRC needs to meet its objectives, now and in<br />
the future. This includes building a diverse and agile workforce by focusing on increasing opportunities for<br />
flexible working arrangements and being able to move employees to key projects or areas to meet workload<br />
peaks or capability gaps.<br />
Workforce planning consultations have shown no major concerns about critical gaps in NHMRC’s skills base<br />
but employee development needs to remain focused on project management, data analytics, and strategic<br />
policy advice.<br />
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Consultations also raised the importance of:<br />
• developing employees with leadership and management skills<br />
• flexibility and adaptability of employees as resources become more constrained and all employees will<br />
need to have the ability to think flexibly and adapt quickly to new working environments<br />
• the agency’s ability to maintain its role across government in response to operational savings measures.<br />
WORKPLACE RELATIONS<br />
Enterprise Agreement<br />
During the reporting period, all Australian Public Service Level 1 (APS 1) to Executive Level 2 (EL 2)<br />
employees remained covered by the terms and conditions of employment under the NHMRC Enterprise<br />
Agreement 2011–2014. The agreement nominally expired on 30 June 2014, and bargaining for a replacement<br />
continued with employee representatives throughout the reporting period.<br />
The Enterprise Agreement bargaining team met throughout this year. The proposed agreement went to a<br />
ballot in March 2016, but was not endorsed by the majority of employees who participated in the vote.<br />
SES employment agreements<br />
PART 4 People Management<br />
As at 30 June 2016, 6 SES Employment Agreements (common law contracts) were in place.<br />
Other employment instruments<br />
There were no determinations made under section 24(1) of the Public Service Act 1999 in the reporting<br />
period 2015–16.<br />
Salary<br />
Table 26 NHMRC salary ranges by classification as at 30 June 2016<br />
Classification<br />
Salary range<br />
APS1 $ 41,530 - $ 46,641<br />
APS2 $ 48,539 - $ 52,968<br />
APS3 $ 56,093 - $ 62,174<br />
APS4 $ 63,552 - $ 67,148<br />
APS5 $ 69,123 - $ 72,956<br />
APS6 $ 76,253 - $ 86,024<br />
EL1 $ 93,975 - $ 106,910<br />
EL2 $ 111,798 - $ 132,364<br />
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Performance pay<br />
The Performance Partnerships Program operates with pay point progression available to employees<br />
who achieve an ‘effective’ rating during the performance cycle, which runs from July to June each year.<br />
Performance pay is not available to employees of NHMRC.<br />
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY<br />
NHMRC is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all of its employees. NHMRC<br />
demonstrates this commitment by holding quarterly Work Health and Safety Committee meetings and<br />
continues to provide:<br />
PART 4 People Management<br />
• first aid training to nominated first aid officers within NHMRC<br />
• employer-subsidised eyesight testing for screen-based work<br />
• training for fire wardens and health and safety representatives<br />
• influenza vaccinations to employees<br />
• workstation assessments<br />
• mental health awareness training.<br />
NHMRC continued to make an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees and their<br />
families. The EAP provides face-to-face and online counselling services for the convenience of all employees.<br />
NHMRC is currently developing a Rehabilitation Management System (RMS) in line with the legislative<br />
requirements. The RMS includes:<br />
• return to work and fitness for duty policies<br />
• early intervention fact sheet<br />
• early intervention training sessions for managers<br />
• raising awareness through consultation with employees.<br />
These initiatives, along with a strong early intervention program for employees experiencing pain or<br />
discomfort at the workplace and an active Health and Safety Committee, mean that NHMRC’s employees<br />
have a good awareness of their responsibilities with regard to health and safety, and their own health and<br />
wellbeing. The Work Health and Safety Team has implemented a 24-hour turnaround response rate upon<br />
notification of an incident as an effective strategy for early intervention.<br />
NHMRC’s Work Health and Safety Arrangements (WHSAs) are available to all employees via the intranet<br />
and all noticeboards. All new employees are given the WHSAs when commencing employment, as well as<br />
information about correct workstation set-up.<br />
There was one workers’ compensation claim lodged and accepted in 2015–16.<br />
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LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT<br />
NHMRC’s learning and development practices are largely driven through the use of Individual Work Plans<br />
that identify the skills and knowledge required to contribute to NHMRC’s objectives and outcomes.<br />
Employees are encouraged to participate in appropriate training and development activities to meet<br />
these requirements.<br />
During 2015–16, NHMRC continued to build upon capability by rolling out a number of e-learning courses to<br />
assist employees understand new legislative requirements that affect their work.<br />
In June 2016 NHMRC introduced Learnhub (an eLearning system) created by the Australian Government’s<br />
Shared Services Centre. Learnhub has allowed NHMRC to access a highly customisable and cost effective<br />
solution to deliver a range of training courses electronically. Learnhub is also cloud hosted, so it is readily<br />
accessible to NHMRC’s employees from any device in any location.<br />
Through Learnhub, NHMRC can now:<br />
• deliver essential modules on APS and NHMRC policies and processes as part of a suite of APS Core<br />
Skills Corporate training<br />
• use e-learning to support NHMRC’s Corporate learning and development initiatives<br />
• deliver training to meet APS compliance obligations<br />
• provide employees with access to a range of APS endorsed training resources.<br />
PART 4 People Management<br />
WORKPLACE DIVERSITY<br />
NHMRC is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and celebrated. NHMRC<br />
takes seriously its commitment to provide all employees with a safe working environment and to promote a<br />
positive workplace culture where bullying and harassment are not tolerated.<br />
The agency is undertaking a number of projects under the banner of workplace diversity, including:<br />
• updating NHMRC’s Workplace Diversity Action Plan<br />
• increasing the number of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander employees through the Indigenous<br />
Employment Strategy and Indigenous Internship program<br />
• progressing the Reconciliation Action Plan<br />
• reviewing human resources and other processes to comply with the Australian Government Guidelines<br />
on the Recognition of Sex and Gender<br />
• increasing disability awareness through partnering with the Australian Network on Disability<br />
• establishing an employee diversity network.<br />
NHMRC has two Senior Executive diversity champions whose roles include promoting inclusivity within the<br />
agency and advocating on diversity issues when required. The champions are actively involved in NHMRC’s<br />
annual participation in important days on the diversity calendar including International Women’s Day,<br />
Harmony Day, National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC and the International Day of People with Disability.<br />
NHMRC has a network of Workplace Harassment Contact Officers (WHCOs) whose role is to provide<br />
information to employees and managers about processes available to resolve complaints and types of<br />
behaviour which are inappropriate at work, in line with the APS Code of Conduct.<br />
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REWARD AND RECOGNITION<br />
Reward and recognition play an extremely important role in shaping NHMRC culture and the behaviours of<br />
its employees. NHMRC’s Australia Day Awards program publicly acknowledges the outstanding performance<br />
of individual employees and teams who have demonstrated high levels of innovation, collaboration and<br />
impact in the workplace in the previous year. The awards are presented annually.<br />
The recipient of the silver medallion was selected from those employees who received an ‘Outstanding’<br />
performance rating at the end of the Performance Partnerships cycle. The silver medallion for 2016 was<br />
awarded to Jillian Barr for outstanding leadership in her role as Director of the Ethics and Governance Section.<br />
The following individuals were awarded bronze medallions for 2016: Joel Ceramidas, Pru Glasson, Frank<br />
Jerez, Dr Patricia Ridgway, Ivan Sharma and Benjamin Wise.<br />
PART 4 People Management<br />
To be a recipient of a bronze medallion an employee or team must meet one or more of the<br />
following criteria:<br />
• consistent, high level of dedication and achievement, over and above that which is required to achieve<br />
the business goals of NHMRC<br />
• successful implementation of an NHMRC initiative which benefits the Australian public<br />
• continuous improvement initiatives for planning and work practices leading to a sustained improvement<br />
in productivity<br />
• consistent, excellent customer service in areas such as responsiveness, courtesy, accuracy, and<br />
knowledge of product/service<br />
• outstanding contribution which has a positive, important impact on corporate objectives or reputation<br />
• an individual or team demonstrating excellence in the way they do their work, including their<br />
professionalism, communication skills and leadership.<br />
(Left to right) NHMRC Australia Day<br />
Award winners with CEO Professor<br />
Anne Kelso AO, Benjamin Wise, Jillian<br />
Barr, Joel Ceramidas, Pru Glasson,<br />
Dr Patricia Ridgway, Ivan Sharma<br />
(absent Frank Jerez)<br />
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Flexible workplace practices<br />
CASE STUDY<br />
NHMRC is adopting more<br />
innovative and flexible<br />
ways of working in<br />
order to meet business<br />
objectives, to maintain<br />
productivity and to<br />
attract and retain<br />
skilled employees<br />
Employees need flexibility to balance career, education<br />
and life roles and to extend their work life. Rapid<br />
advances in the application of new technologies and<br />
telecommunications help employers to structure work<br />
arrangements more flexibly.<br />
Notes supplied by employee, Ms Kylie Robinson<br />
“I recently accepted a six-month temporary transfer<br />
commencing in the Workforce Performance and Health<br />
team at NHMRC. I look after Work Health and Safety,<br />
reviewing Performance Management and Code of<br />
Conduct Policies as well as providing secretariat support<br />
to our Health and Safety Committee. My role within the<br />
team is predominately project based which allows me<br />
to work from home three days per week. I also manage<br />
our Workforce Performance and Health Inbox from home,<br />
responding to employee queries as they arise. I’m a mum<br />
with three young girls aged 4, 5 and 6 years old and I find<br />
the flexible working arrangement gives me the flexibility<br />
I need to manage my family and work commitments<br />
and be fully effective in both roles. I feel that if I didn’t<br />
have flexible working arrangements in place it would be<br />
difficult for me to continue working as I don’t have the<br />
support required to help with family commitments e.g.<br />
school pick-up/drop-offs etc.<br />
I am one of the first employees at NHMRC to work from<br />
home for more than 50 per cent of the working week.<br />
The most important part of making my work from home<br />
arrangement a success is the support given to me by<br />
my Supervisor, Human Resources Director and Branch<br />
Head by ensuring I have the correct systems in place to<br />
make working from home achievable. It also helps to be<br />
always included in meetings, team activities and other<br />
special events.<br />
My supervisor plays a very important role in making<br />
work from home possible. We talk once or twice a day<br />
and always keep each other updated on relevant events.<br />
She is very supportive, gives me regular feedback and is<br />
always there to provide advice when needed. Overall I<br />
am enjoying working from home and I find I achieve all<br />
my work targets that have been set for the week as well<br />
as the daily and business as usual tasks.”<br />
Notes supplied by Kylie’s supervisor,<br />
Ms Amelia Burns<br />
“This is the first time I have managed an employee who<br />
works from home more than 50 per cent of the working<br />
week. My employee has three young children and as a<br />
result a busy life outside of work. Providing a flexible<br />
working arrangement such as this allows Kylie to fulfil<br />
her duties as a mum and also be fully effective in the<br />
workplace. It is amazing how much work she gets done<br />
from home – one day for Kylie working from home<br />
compares to three days in the office (this is because<br />
there are no interruptions). We talk once or twice a<br />
day and also email as a form of communication. To<br />
make this arrangement successful requires a different<br />
way of thinking and as a result the benefits speak for<br />
themselves as the work being produced is of a high<br />
quality and volume.”<br />
PART 4 People Management<br />
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PART 4 People Management<br />
Victoria, Year 3<br />
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PART 5<br />
FINANCIAL REPORT<br />
Financial Performance Summary 120<br />
Agency Resource Statement 121<br />
NHMRC Financial Statements 2015–16 122<br />
Independent Auditor’s <strong>Report</strong> 123<br />
Statement by the Accountable Authority and Chief Financial Officer 125<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong> 119
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY<br />
This section highlights NHMRC’s financial performance during 2015–16 for both Departmental and<br />
Administered activities.<br />
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE – DEPARTMENTAL<br />
NHMRC’s Departmental financial performance for 2015–16 is summarised in the following table.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Table 27<br />
Departmental financial performance<br />
30 June 2016<br />
($’000)<br />
30 June 2015<br />
($’000)<br />
Operating expenses 41,470 43,751<br />
Own-source income (1,248) (699)<br />
Gains (430) (105)<br />
Net cost of services 39,792 42,947<br />
Revenue from government (40,237) (40,722)<br />
Operating (deficit) / surplus 445 (2,225)<br />
Change in asset revaluation surplus* 51 0<br />
Total Operating (deficit) / surplus 496 (2,225)<br />
* Due to an asset revaluation of property, plant and equipment in 2015–16.<br />
NHMRC’s operating result for 2015–16 was a surplus of $0.5 million. This was within the approved<br />
Department of Finance loss of $2.2 million for non-appropriated expenses for depreciation and amortisation.<br />
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE – ADMINISTERED<br />
NHMRC administered $828.8 million in expenses on behalf of Government during 2015–16. Funding through<br />
NHMRC’s Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) amounted to $815.2 million. The remaining<br />
$13.6 million relates to expenses NHMRC administers for a range of activities related to dementia research,<br />
anti-venom research, streamlining health and medical research initiatives, clinical trials reform and research<br />
evidence for clinical practice and policy through the Cochrane collaboration.<br />
The decrease in Administered expenses ($21.6 million) largely reflects delays in grants awarded from the<br />
Boosting Dementia Research budget measure and lower than expected awards from previous rounds of<br />
Partnership projects, Hearing Loss Prevention Program and Program grants.<br />
The balance of the MREA was $151.4 million at 30 June 2016.<br />
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AGENCY RESOURCE STATEMENT<br />
Table 28 Agency resource statement 2015–16<br />
Actual<br />
available<br />
appropriation<br />
for 2015–16<br />
$’000<br />
(a)<br />
Payments<br />
made<br />
2015–16<br />
$’000<br />
(b)<br />
Balance<br />
remaining<br />
2015–16<br />
$’000<br />
(a) – (b)<br />
Ordinary <strong>Annual</strong> Services 1<br />
Departmental appropriation 51,916 41,470 10,446<br />
Total 51,916 41,470 10,446<br />
Administered expenses<br />
Outcome 1 840,583 828,783<br />
Total 840,583 828,783<br />
Total ordinary annual services A 892,499 870,253<br />
Other services<br />
Departmental non-operating<br />
Equity injections 4,186 1,358<br />
Total 4,186 1,358 2,828<br />
Total other services B 4,186 1,358<br />
Total Available <strong>Annual</strong> Appropriations and payments 896,685 871,611<br />
Special Accounts<br />
Opening balance 131,417<br />
Appropriation receipts 2 836,043<br />
Non-appropriation receipts to Special Acccounts 9,449<br />
Payments made 825,490<br />
Total Special Account C 976,909 825,490 151,419<br />
Total resourcing and payments A+B+C 1,873,594 1,697,101<br />
Less appropriations drawn from annual or special<br />
appropriations above and credited to special<br />
accounts and/or payments to corporate entities<br />
(836,043) (825,490)<br />
through annual appropriations<br />
Total net resourcing and payments for NHMRC 1,037,551 871,611<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
1<br />
Appropriation Act (No.1) 2015–16 and Appropriation Act (No.3) 2015–16. This may also include prior year departmental<br />
appropriation and section 74 Retained Revenue Receipts.<br />
2<br />
Appropriation receipts for 2015–16 included above.<br />
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NHMRC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2015–16<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Independent Audit <strong>Report</strong>123<br />
Statement by the Accountable Authority and Chief Financial Officer125<br />
Statement of Comprehensive Income126<br />
Statement of Financial Position127<br />
Statement of Changes in Equity128<br />
Cash Flow Statement129<br />
Administered Schedule of Comprehensive Income130<br />
Administered Schedule of Assets and Liabilities130<br />
Administered Reconciliation Schedule131<br />
Administered Cash Flow Statement131<br />
Notes to the Financial Statements136<br />
Note 1: Expenses136<br />
Note 2: Administered – Expenses137<br />
Note 3.1 Financial Assets138<br />
Note 3.2 Non-Financial Assets139<br />
Note 3.3 Other Payables143<br />
Note 3.4 Provision for Makegood Obligations143<br />
Note 4.1 Administered - Financial Assets144<br />
Note 4.2 Administered - Payables144<br />
Note 5.1 Appropriations145<br />
Note 5.2 Special Accounts146<br />
Note 5.3 Cash Flow Reconciliation147<br />
Note 5.4 Administered - Cash Flow Reconciliation148<br />
Note 6.1 Provisions149<br />
Note 6.2 Senior Management Personnel Remuneration150<br />
Note 7.1 Contingent Assets and Liabilities 151<br />
Note 7.2 Financial Instruments152<br />
Note 7.3 Administered - Financial Instruments153<br />
Note 7.4 Fair Value Measurement156<br />
Note 8: <strong>Report</strong>ing of Outcomes157<br />
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT<br />
To the Minister for Health and Aged Care<br />
I have audited the accompanying annual financial statements of the National Health and<br />
Medical Research Council for the year ended 30 June 2016, which comprise:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Statement by the Accountable Authority and Chief Financial Officer;<br />
Statement of Comprehensive Income;<br />
Statement of Financial Position;<br />
Statement of Changes in Equity;<br />
Cash Flow Statement;<br />
Administered Schedule of Comprehensive Income;<br />
Administered Schedule of Assets and Liabilities;<br />
Administered Reconciliation Schedule;<br />
Administered Cash Flow Statement; and<br />
Notes to the Financial Statements.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Opinion<br />
In my opinion, the financial statements of the National Health and Medical Research<br />
Council:<br />
(a)<br />
(b)<br />
comply with Australian Accounting Standards and the Public Governance,<br />
Performance and Accountability (Financial <strong>Report</strong>ing) Rule 2015; and<br />
present fairly the financial position of the National Health and Medical Research<br />
Council as at 30 June 2016 and its financial performance and cash flows for the<br />
year then ended.<br />
Accountable Authority’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements<br />
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health and Medical Research Council is<br />
responsible under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for the<br />
preparation and fair presentation of annual financial statements that comply with Australian<br />
Accounting Standards and the rules made under that Act and is also responsible for such<br />
internal control as the Chief Executive Officer determines is necessary to enable the<br />
preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material<br />
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.<br />
GPO Box 707 CANBERRA ACT 2601<br />
19 National Circuit BARTON ACT<br />
Phone (02) 6203 7300 Fax (02) 6203 7777<br />
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Auditor’s Responsibility<br />
My responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on my audit. I<br />
have conducted my audit in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing<br />
Standards, which incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards. These auditing standards<br />
require that I comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and<br />
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial<br />
statements are free from material misstatement.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and<br />
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s<br />
judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial<br />
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor<br />
considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the<br />
financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the<br />
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the<br />
entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the<br />
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the<br />
Accountable Authority of the entity, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the<br />
financial statements.<br />
I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a<br />
basis for my audit opinion.<br />
Independence<br />
In conducting my audit, I have followed the independence requirements of the Australian<br />
National Audit Office, which incorporate the requirements of the Australian accounting<br />
profession.<br />
Australian National Audit Office<br />
Muhammad Qureshi<br />
Senior Director<br />
Delegate of the Auditor-General<br />
Canberra<br />
13 September 2016<br />
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PART 5 financial report<br />
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Statement of Comprehensive Income<br />
for the period ending 30 June 2016<br />
2016<br />
Original<br />
2016 2015 Budget<br />
Notes $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
NET COST OF SERVICES<br />
Expenses<br />
Employee benefits 1 1A 23,064 23,933 23,926<br />
Suppliers 2 1B 16,458 17,159 17,909<br />
Depreciation and amortisation 3.2A 1,931 2,268 2,200<br />
Finance costs - unwinding of discount 17 33 20<br />
Write-down and impairment of assets 1C - 358 -<br />
Total expenses 41,470 43,751 44,055<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Own-Source Income<br />
Own-source revenue<br />
Sale of goods and rendering of services 3 1,248 699 1,500<br />
Total own-source revenue 1,248 699 1,500<br />
Gains<br />
Resources received free of charge 108 105 100<br />
Other gains 4 322 - -<br />
Total gains 430 105 100<br />
Net (cost of) services (39,792) (42,947) (42,455)<br />
Revenue from Government 40,237 40,722 40,255<br />
Total Revenue from Government 40,237 40,722 40,255<br />
Surplus / (Deficit) attributable to the Australian Government 445 (2,225) (2,200)<br />
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME<br />
Items not subject to subsequent reclassification to net cost of services<br />
Changes in asset revaluation surplus 5 51 - -<br />
Total other comprehensive income 51 - -<br />
Total comprehensive income 496 (2,225) (2,200)<br />
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.<br />
Budget Variances Commentary<br />
1. Salary savings have been brought forward through opportunities in streamlining process related tasks and therefore not filling certain<br />
vacancies.<br />
2. Variance largely relates to budgeted project expenditure not occuring, anticipated to occur in 2016-17.<br />
3. Project related funds transferred to unearned revenue, due to work not progressing as planned, anticipated to progress in 2016-17.<br />
4. Includes receipt from Comcover relating to a claim and a gain realised on makegood for NHMRC's Melbourne lease, where the provision<br />
was in excess of the makegood expense incurred.<br />
5. Independent revaluation of Property, Plant and Equipment assets performed as at 31 March 2016, resulted in a net increase in fair value of<br />
$51k.<br />
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Statement of Financial Position<br />
as at 30 June 2016<br />
2016<br />
Original<br />
2016 2015 Budget<br />
Notes $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
ASSETS<br />
Financial assets<br />
Cash and cash equivalents 5.3 409 389 503<br />
Trade and other receivables 1 3.1 17,071 10,149 8,839<br />
Total financial assets 17,480 10,538 9,342<br />
Non-financial assets<br />
Property, plant and equipment 2 3.2A 5,032 5,761 4,246<br />
Intangibles - internally developed 3 3.2A 3,267 3,126 8,878<br />
Intangibles - purchased software 3.2A 87 21 -<br />
Inventories 3.2B 200 201 280<br />
Other non-financial assets 3.2C 984 952 1,135<br />
Total non-financial assets 9,570 10,061 14,539<br />
Total assets 27,050 20,599 23,881<br />
LIABILITIES<br />
Payables<br />
Trade creditors and accruals 4 2,652 2,392 2,645<br />
Operating lease rentals 5 899 1,124 -<br />
Other 6 3.3 2,385 1,342 845<br />
Total payables 5,936 4,858 3,490<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Provisions<br />
Employee provisions 6.1 5,675 5,248 5,900<br />
Provision for makegood obligations 7 3.4 893 629 649<br />
Total provisions 6,568 5,877 6,549<br />
Total liabilities 12,504 10,735 10,039<br />
Net assets 14,546 9,864 13,842<br />
EQUITY<br />
Contributed equity 11,602 7,416 11,502<br />
Reserves 2 124 73 73<br />
Retained surplus 8 2,820 2,375 2,267<br />
Total equity 14,546 9,864 13,842<br />
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.<br />
Budget Variances Commentary<br />
1. Variance due to an increase in the appropriation receivable balance over the past two years as a result of delays in progressing the capital<br />
component of the Simplified and Consistent Health and Medical Research budget measure.<br />
2. Independent revaluation of Property, Plant and Equipment assets was performed as at 31 March 2016, which increased the value of<br />
Property, Plant and Equipment. An additional $0.7m spent on video conferencing not identified at time of budget.<br />
3. Variance due to delays in progressing the capital component of the Simplified and Consistent Health and Medical Research budget measure.<br />
4. Variance due to increased level of accruals for the 2015-16 financial year, noting explanation in #5 below.<br />
5. Operating lease rental was not seperately budgeted as it was included within the suppliers budget.<br />
6. Project related funds received in advance of work being performed. Work was delayed and will progress in the first quarter of 2016-17.<br />
7. Independent revaluation of Property, Plant and Equipment assets was performed as at 31 March 2016, reflecting an increase in fair value of<br />
makegood.<br />
8. Variance due to a combination of the previous related explained variances that have an effect on retained surplus.<br />
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Statement of Changes in Equity<br />
for the period ending 30 June 2016<br />
2016<br />
Original<br />
2016 2015 Budget<br />
CONTRIBUTED EQUITY/CAPITAL $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
Opening balance<br />
Balance carried forward from previous period 7,416 5,457 7,316<br />
Adjustment for errors - - -<br />
Adjusted opening balance 7,416 5,457 7,316<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Transactions with owners<br />
Contributions by owners<br />
Departmental capital budget 4,186 1,959 4,186<br />
Total transactions with owners 4,186 1,959 4,186<br />
Closing balance as at 30 June 11,602 7,416 11,502<br />
RETAINED EARNINGS<br />
Opening balance<br />
Balance carried forward from previous period 2,375 4,600 3,001<br />
Adjusted opening balance 2,375 4,600 3,001<br />
Comprehensive income<br />
Surplus / (Deficit) for the period 445 (2,225) (2,200)<br />
Total comprehensive income 445 (2,225) (2,200)<br />
Other 1 - - 1,466<br />
Closing balance as at 30 June 2,820 2,375 2,267<br />
ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE<br />
Opening balance<br />
Balance carried forward from previous period 73 73 73<br />
Adjusted opening balance 73 73 73<br />
Comprehensive income<br />
Surplus / (Deficit) for the period - - -<br />
Other comprehensive income 2 51 - -<br />
Total comprehensive income 51 - -<br />
Closing balance as at 30 June 124 73 73<br />
TOTAL EQUITY<br />
Opening balance<br />
Balance carried forward from previous period 9,864 10,130 10,390<br />
Adjusted opening balance 9,864 10,130 10,390<br />
Comprehensive income<br />
Surplus / (Deficit) for the period 445 (2,225) (2,200)<br />
Other comprehensive income 2 51 -<br />
Total comprehensive income 496 (2,225) (2,200)<br />
Transactions with owners<br />
Contributions by owners<br />
Departmental capital budget 4,186 1,959 4,186<br />
Total transactions with owners 4,186 1,959 4,186<br />
Other 1 - - 1,466<br />
Closing balance as at 30 June 14,546 9,864 13,842<br />
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.<br />
Budget Variances Commentary<br />
1. Leave provisions reduced by adjusting retained earnings, due to NHMRC’s reducing ASL level over the past few years.<br />
2. Independent revaluation of Property, Plant and Equipment assets performed as at 31 March 2016, which resulted in a net increase in fair value<br />
of $51k.<br />
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Cash Flow Statement<br />
for the period ending 30 June 2016<br />
2016<br />
Original<br />
2016 2015 Budget<br />
Notes $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
OPERATING ACTIVITIES<br />
Cash received<br />
Goods and services 1 2,524 568 1,500<br />
Appropriations 39,453 40,223 39,867<br />
Net GST received 1,231 1,208 1,500<br />
Total cash received 43,208 41,999 42,867<br />
Cash used<br />
Employees (23,191) (24,545) (22,929)<br />
Suppliers 2 (17,515) (17,108) (19,938)<br />
Section 74 receipts transferred to OPA 3 (2,476) (284) -<br />
Total cash used (43,182) (41,937) (42,867)<br />
Net cash (used by)/from operating activities 5.3 26 62 -<br />
INVESTING ACTIVITIES<br />
Cash used<br />
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 4 3.2A (652) (176) -<br />
Purchase of intangibles 5 3.2A (706) - (4,186)<br />
Total cash used (1,358) (176) (4,186)<br />
Net cash (used by) investing activities (1,358) (176) (4,186)<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
FINANCING ACTIVITIES<br />
Cash received<br />
Contributed equity 6 1,352 - 4,186<br />
Total cash received 1,352 - 4,186<br />
Net cash from financing activities 1,352 - 4,186<br />
Net increase/(decrease) in cash held 20 (114) -<br />
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 389 503 503<br />
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 5.3 409 389 503<br />
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.<br />
Budget Variances Commentary<br />
1. Section 74 receipts - An amount of $0.60m from Department of Industry was budgeted for in 2014-15 but cash was not<br />
received until 2015-16 and additional amounts of $0.30m from Department of Industry and $0.30m from Comcover received in<br />
2015-16 were not known and therefore not budgeted for during the preparation of the 2015-16 PBS. The Department of Industry<br />
amounts relate to initiatives for clinical trials.<br />
2.Lower than anticipated levels of cash used for suppliers, largely relates to budgeted project expenditure not occurring,<br />
anticipated to occur in 2016-17.<br />
3. Section 74 receipts transferred to OPA budget included in the suppliers line in the 2015-16 PBS.<br />
4.Purchase of video conferencing equipment not identified at time of budget.<br />
5.Variance due to delays in progressing the capital component of the Simplified and Consistent Health and Medical Research<br />
budget measure.<br />
6.Lower than anticipated level of Departmental Capital Budget (DCB) funding required due to lower levels of spending on the<br />
capital component of the Simplified and Consistent Health and Medical Research budget measure.<br />
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129
Administered Schedule of Comprehensive Income<br />
for the period ending 30 June 2016<br />
NET COST OF SERVICES<br />
Expenses<br />
Grants - Medical Research (MREA) 1<br />
Other expenses incurred in the provision of grants 2<br />
Total expenses<br />
Notes<br />
2016<br />
2016 2015<br />
Original<br />
Budget<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000<br />
2A 815,215 831,613 845,780<br />
2B 13,568 18,736 44,318<br />
828,783 850,349 890,098<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Income<br />
Revenue<br />
Non-taxation revenue<br />
Rendering of Services 3<br />
Other Revenue 4<br />
Total non-taxation revenue<br />
Total revenue<br />
Total income<br />
Net (cost of) services<br />
12,203 8,575 5,000<br />
6,247 6,303 3,000<br />
18,450 14,878 8,000<br />
18,450 14,878 8,000<br />
18,450 14,878 8,000<br />
(810,333) (835,471) (882,098)<br />
This schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.<br />
Budget Variances Commentary<br />
1. The reduction in expenses are due to (i) delays in grants awarded from previous rounds of Targeted Calls for Research; (ii) lower than<br />
expected awards from previous rounds of Partnership Projects, Hearing Loss Prevention Program, and Program Grants; and (iii) a significant<br />
underspend against the estimated target for Project Grants, due to the change in payment patterns caused by the shift to five-year grants.<br />
2. Variance is largely due to an under spend relating to the Boosting Dementia budget measure, caused by delays in establishing the inaugural<br />
NHMRC National Institute of Dementia Research and subsequent funding rounds. Of the $44.3 million originally budgeted, $32 million was<br />
received in 2015-16 for Boosting Dementia Research, and has since been awarded as new research grants, to be paid from the Medical<br />
Research Endowment Account over a five year period.<br />
3. Variance includes funds received from other Government agencies (Australian Research Council, $9m for Dementia Research<br />
Development Fellowship Scheme), overlooked from a budget perspective during the preparation of the 2015-16 Portfolio Budget Statements.<br />
4. Variance is due to higher than anticipated receipts for medical research grant acquittals, repayments, and relinquishments from<br />
Administering Institutions. This was caused by (i) a concerted effort to recover funds at the end of the financial year; and (ii) an abnormally<br />
high number of grant relinquishments during the year.<br />
Administered Schedule of Assets and Liabilities<br />
as at 30 June 2016<br />
2016<br />
2016 2015<br />
Original<br />
Budget<br />
Notes $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
ASSETS<br />
Financial assets<br />
Cash and cash equivalents 5.4 - - -<br />
Trade and other receivables 1 4.1A 648 919 2,516<br />
Total financial assets 648 919 2,516<br />
Total assets administered on behalf of Government 648 919 2,516<br />
LIABILITIES<br />
Payables<br />
Suppliers - - -<br />
Grants 2 4.2A 6,308 16,854 10,673<br />
Other Payables 3 4.2B 70 - 256<br />
Total payables 6,378 16,854 10,929<br />
Total liabilities administered on behalf of Government 6,378 16,854 10,929<br />
Net liabilities (5,730) (15,935) (8,413)<br />
This schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.<br />
Budget Variances Commentary<br />
1. Variance is due to improvements in collections processes, and budget overstated due to being based on historical data/trends.<br />
2. In October 2015, NHMRC changed the grants funding policy relating to approvals for Human Ethics, Animal Ethics, Genetic Manipulation<br />
and Biosafety. This resulted in a reduction in overall liabilities, as payments for new grants are no longer delayed.<br />
3. Budget overstated due to being based on historical data/trends. Current actual relates to GST payable that is lower than budgeted due to<br />
improvements in collection processes noted above.<br />
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Administered Reconciliation Schedule<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Opening assets less liabilities as at 1 July (15,935) (88,924)<br />
Net (cost of)/contribution by services<br />
Income 18,450 14,878<br />
Expenses<br />
Payments to Australian Government entities (12,137) (14,664)<br />
Payments to entities other than Australian Government entities (816,646) (835,685)<br />
Transfers (to)/from the Australian Government<br />
Appropriation transfers from Official Public Account<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> appropriations<br />
Payments to entities other than Australian Government entities 840,583 905,715<br />
Transfers (to)/from the Australian Government (20,045) 2,745<br />
Closing assets less liabilities as at 30 June (5,730) (15,935)<br />
This schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.<br />
Administered Cash Transfers to and from the Official Public Account<br />
Revenue collected by the NHMRC for use by the Government rather than the agency is administered revenue. Collections are<br />
transferred to the Official Public Account (OPA) maintained by the Department of Finance. Conversely, cash is drawn from the<br />
OPA to make payments under Parliamentary appropriation on behalf of Government. These transfers to and from the OPA are<br />
adjustments to the administered cash held by the NHMRC on behalf of the Government and reported as such in the statement of<br />
cash flows in the schedule of administered items and in the administered reconciliation table in Note 5.4: Administered - Cash<br />
Flow Reconciliation.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Administered Cash Flow Statement<br />
for the period ending 30 June 2016<br />
2016 2015<br />
Notes $’000 $’000<br />
OPERATING ACTIVITIES<br />
Cash received<br />
Rendering of services 19,180 16,654<br />
GST received 23,409 25,897<br />
Total cash received 42,589 42,551<br />
Cash used<br />
Grants - Medical Research (MREA) 825,717 905,804<br />
Other expenses incurred in the provision of grants 13,568 18,736<br />
GST paid 23,842 26,514<br />
Total cash used 863,127 951,054<br />
Net cash (used by) operating activities 5.4 (820,538) (908,503)<br />
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period - 43<br />
Cash from Official Public Account<br />
Appropriations 840,583 905,715<br />
Special accounts - 2,745<br />
Total cash from Official Public Account 840,583 908,460<br />
Cash to Official Public Account<br />
Special accounts 20,045 -<br />
Total cash to the Official Public Account 20,045 -<br />
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 5.4 - -<br />
This schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
131
Overview Note<br />
Objectives of the National Health and Medical Research Council<br />
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is an Australian Government controlled entity. It is a not-forprofit<br />
entity. The NHMRC is Australia’s peak body for supporting health and medical research. At the broadest level, the<br />
aims of the NHMRC are to:<br />
- raise the standard of individual and public health care throughout Australia;<br />
- foster development of consistent health standards between the states and territories;<br />
- foster medical research and training and public health research and training throughout Australia; and<br />
- foster consideration of ethical issues relating to health.<br />
The NHMRC is structured to meet one outcome:<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Outcome 1: Australia’s health system benefits from high quality health and medical research conducted at the highest ethical<br />
standard, well-developed research capabilities and sound evidence-based advice that informs health policy and practice.<br />
Agency activities contributing toward this outcome are classified as either departmental or administered. Departmental<br />
activities involve the use of assets, liabilities, income and expenses controlled or incurred by the Agency in its own right.<br />
Administered activities involve the management or oversight by the Agency, on behalf of the Government, of items<br />
controlled or incurred by the Government.<br />
NHMRC's Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) is a special account established under the National Health and<br />
Medical Research Council Act 1992. It is the mechanism through which Australian Government funding for health and<br />
medical research is managed.<br />
The continued existence of NHMRC in its present form, and with its present programs, is dependent on Government policy<br />
and on continuing funding by Parliament for the NHMRC’s administration and programs.<br />
The Basis of Preparation<br />
The financial statements are general purpose financial statements and are required by section 42 of the Public Governance,<br />
Performance and Accountability Act 2013.<br />
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with:<br />
a) Financial <strong>Report</strong>ing Rule (FRR) for reporting periods ending on or after 1 July 2015; and<br />
b) Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board<br />
(AASB) that apply for the reporting period.<br />
The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with the historical cost convention,<br />
except for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing<br />
prices on the results or the financial position. The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars.<br />
New Accounting Standards<br />
Adoption of New Australian Accounting Standard Requirements<br />
NHMRC has early adopted the following standard, in line with permissions from the Department of Finance:<br />
AASB 2015-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Fair Value Disclosures of Not-for-Profit Public Sector<br />
Entities.<br />
This standard relieves not-for-profit public sector entities following disclosures specified in AASB 13 for assets within the<br />
scope of AASB 16 that are held primarily for their current service potential rather than to generate future net cash inflows:<br />
(a) for recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy,<br />
quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement; (b) for recurring fair<br />
value measurements categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the amount of the total gains and losses for the<br />
period included in profit or loss that is attributable to the change in unrealised gains or losses relating to the assets held at the<br />
end of the reporting period, and the line item(s) in profit or loss in which those unrealised gains or losses are recognised; and<br />
(c) for recurring fair value measurements categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, a narrative description of the<br />
sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs if a change in those inputs to a different amount<br />
might result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Where there are interrelationships between those<br />
inputs and other unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, the disclosure of a description of those<br />
interrelationships and of how they might magnify or mitigate the effect of changes in the unobservable inputs on the fair<br />
value measurement will also not be required.<br />
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All new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations that were issued prior to the sign-off date and are applicable<br />
to the current reporting period did not have a material effect, and are not expected to have a future effect, on the NHMRC's<br />
financial statements.<br />
Future Australian Accounting Standard Requirements<br />
The following new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations were issued by the Australian Accounting<br />
Standards Board prior to the signing of the statement by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, which<br />
are expected to have an impact on the NHMRC's financial statements for future reporting period(s).<br />
Standard/ Interpretation<br />
Application<br />
date for the<br />
entity 1<br />
Nature of impending change/s in accounting policy and likely impact<br />
on initial application<br />
AASB 15 Revenue from<br />
Contracts with<br />
Customers – October<br />
2015 (Compilation)<br />
1 July 2018<br />
The final version of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with<br />
Customers was issued in December 2015, to apply in reporting<br />
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. NHMRC will apply<br />
AASB 15 from 1 July 2018.<br />
Application of AASB 15 will result in alignment of revenue<br />
recognition with the satisfaction of performance obligations in<br />
contracts with customers.<br />
Transitional provisions require retrospective application with the<br />
cumulative impact recognised as an adjustment to equity.<br />
NHMRC has performed a preliminary assessment of AASB 15, and it<br />
is likely to impact on some revenue streams. Management of<br />
NHMRC will continue to assess the effect of AASB 15 on these<br />
revenue streams and the potential quantitative impacts in the coming<br />
years.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
AASB 16 Leases 1 July 2019<br />
The Australian Accounting Standards Board issued the final version<br />
of AASB 16 Leases in February 2016, to apply in reporting periods<br />
beginning on or after 1 January 2019. NHMRC will apply AASB 16<br />
from 1 July 2019.<br />
AASB 16 introduces new criteria for assessing contracts to identify<br />
leases. It also requires all leases to be recorded on the Statement of<br />
Financial Position initially as:<br />
• right-of-use assets measured at cost; and<br />
• lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments<br />
discounted over the lease term at the rate implicit in the lease or<br />
NHMRC’s incremental borrowing rate.<br />
After initial recognition:<br />
• right-of-use assets are recorded at cost and are adjusted for<br />
depreciation and impairment, or are subject to revaluation;<br />
• lease liabilities are adjusted for interest on the lease liability and<br />
payments made; and<br />
• both right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are adjusted for lease<br />
modifications, such as changes to payments or the lease term.<br />
Leases with terms of 12 months or less and for low-value items will<br />
be recorded as expenses.<br />
From 1 July 2019 certain leases previously reported as expenses and<br />
commitments will be reported as right-of-use assets and lease<br />
liabilities on the Statement of Financial Position. Transitional<br />
provisions allow for right-of-use assets and lease liabilities to be<br />
recorded at the present value of the remaining payments for the lease.<br />
Right-of-use assets are adjusted for prepayments and accruals as at 30<br />
June 2019. The cumulative impact will be recognised as an<br />
adjustment to equity.<br />
NHMRC has performed a preliminary assessment of AASB 16, and it<br />
is likely to impact on the Statement of Comprehensive Income and<br />
Statement of Financial position. Management of NHMRC will<br />
continue to assess the effect of AASB 16 and the potential<br />
quantitative impacts in the coming years.<br />
1. The NHMRC’s expected initial application date is when the accounting standard becomes operative at the beginning of<br />
NHMRC’s reporting period.<br />
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All other new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations that were issued prior to the sign-off date and are<br />
applicable to future reporting period(s) are not expected to have a future material impact on the NHMRC's financial<br />
statements.<br />
Revenue Accounting Policy<br />
Revenue from Government<br />
Amounts appropriated for departmental output appropriations for the year (adjusted for any formal additions and reductions)<br />
are recognised as Revenue from Government when the NHMRC gains control of the appropriation, except for certain<br />
amounts that relate to activities that are reciprocal in nature, in which case revenue is recognised only when it has been<br />
earned. Appropriations receivable are recognised at their nominal amounts.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
External contributions<br />
External contributions consist of:<br />
a) joint funding contributions, which are contributions from industry and other third party funding organisations to a<br />
particular project. These contributions are recognised as revenue in the period when the obligation from the third<br />
party is due;<br />
b) contributions from industry and third parties, which are untied to projects or a contract. These contributions are<br />
recognised as revenue on receipt; and<br />
c) third party contributions to a program managed by the NHMRC. These contributions are recognised when they<br />
are due, in accordance with the contractual agreement with the third party.<br />
External contributions are included in sale of goods and rendering of services.<br />
Other type of revenue<br />
Revenue from rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date.<br />
The revenue is recognised when:<br />
a) the amount of revenue, stage of completion and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and<br />
b) the probable economic benefits associated with the transaction have flowed to the NHMRC.<br />
The stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date is determined by reference to the proportion that costs incurred to<br />
date bear to the estimated total costs of the transaction.<br />
Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nominal amounts due less any<br />
impairment allowance account. Collectability of debts is reviewed at end of the reporting period. Allowances are made<br />
when collectability of the debt is no longer probable.<br />
Gains<br />
Resources Received Free of Charge<br />
Resources received free of charge are recognised as revenue when, and only when, a fair value can be reliably determined<br />
and the service would have been purchased if they had not been donated. Use of those resources is recognised as an expense.<br />
Resources received free of charge are recorded as either revenue or gains depending on their nature.<br />
Resources received free of charge consist of Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) audit fee and the ANAO does not<br />
provide services other than financial statement audit.<br />
Cash and cash equivalents<br />
Cash is recognised at its nominal amount. Cash and cash equivalents include:<br />
a) cash on hand; and<br />
b) cash in special accounts.<br />
Taxation<br />
The NHMRC is exempt from all forms of taxation except Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the Goods and Services Tax<br />
(GST).<br />
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<strong>Report</strong>ing of Administered Activities<br />
Administered revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows are disclosed in the schedule of administered items<br />
and related notes.<br />
Except where otherwise stated, administered items are accounted for on the same basis and using the same policies as<br />
for departmental items, including the application of Australian Accounting Standards.<br />
Events After the <strong>Report</strong>ing Period<br />
Departmental<br />
No relevant events have occurred after the reporting period date that have the potential to significantly affect the ongoing<br />
structure and financial activities of the NHMRC.<br />
Administered<br />
No relevant events have occurred after the reporting period date that have the potential to significantly affect the<br />
ongoing structure and financial activities of the NHMRC.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
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Departmental Financial Performance<br />
Note 1: Expenses<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Note 1A: Employee Benefits<br />
Wages and salaries 15,761 16,834<br />
Superannuation:<br />
Defined contribution plans 1,970 2,053<br />
Defined benefit plans 1,336 1,404<br />
Leave and other entitlements 3,405 3,209<br />
Separation and redundancies 592 433<br />
Total employee benefits 23,064 23,933<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
Accounting policies for employee related expenses is contained in the People and Relationships section.<br />
Note 1B: Suppliers<br />
Goods and services supplied or rendered<br />
Consultants 412 709<br />
Contractors 2,049 1,622<br />
Committees 3,759 3,709<br />
Services 2,380 1,766<br />
Travel 427 402<br />
IT Services 4,148 5,324<br />
Stationery 34 42<br />
Other 473 564<br />
Total goods and services supplied or rendered 13,682 14,138<br />
Other suppliers<br />
Operating lease rentals in connection with<br />
Minimum lease payments 2,535 2,689<br />
Workers compensation premiums 241 332<br />
Total other suppliers 2,776 3,021<br />
Total suppliers 16,458 17,159<br />
Leasing commitments<br />
The NHMRC in its capacity as lessee holds a lease on its Canberra accommodation, which is a 10 year lease, with an option for a<br />
further 5 years, signed on 1 December 2008. Lease payments increase by 3.75% each year. NHMRC no longer holds a lease on its<br />
Melbourne accommodation which was included in comparative figures.<br />
Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases<br />
are payable as follows:<br />
Within 1 year 3,265 3,363<br />
Between 1 to 5 years 5,208 9,096<br />
Total operating lease commitments 8,473 12,459<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee<br />
substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of leased assets. An operating lease is a lease that is not a finance<br />
lease. In operating leases, the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits. NHMRC does not have any finance<br />
leases as at 30 June 2016 (2015: nil)<br />
Operating lease payments are expensed on a straight-line basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the<br />
leased assets.<br />
Note 1C: Write-Down and Impairment of Assets<br />
Asset write-downs and impairment from:<br />
Impairment of intangible assets - 358<br />
Total Write-Down and Impairment of Assets - 358<br />
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Income and Expenses Administered on behalf of Government<br />
Note 2: Administered - Expenses<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Note 2A: Grants - Medical Research (MREA)<br />
Public sector<br />
Australian Government entities 12,137 14,664<br />
State and Territory Governments 656,602 660,666<br />
Private sector<br />
Medical Research Institutes 145,255 154,451<br />
Private Universities 1,221 1,832<br />
Total Grants - Medical Research (MREA) 815,215 831,613<br />
Note 2B: Other expenses incurred in the provision of grants<br />
Goods and services supplied or rendered<br />
Funding agreements 9,273 14,300<br />
Subscriptions 487 380<br />
Consultants 296 784<br />
Contractors 3,349 3,028<br />
Travel 42 50<br />
IT Services 98 143<br />
Services 4 8<br />
Committees 13 29<br />
Other 6 14<br />
Total Other expenses incurred in the provision of grants 13,568 18,736<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
NHMRC administers a number of grant schemes on behalf of the Government.<br />
Grant liabilities are recognised to the extent that (i) the services required to be performed by the grantee have been<br />
performed or (ii) the grant eligibility criteria have been satisfied, but payments due have not been made.<br />
Payables to grantees are disclosed in Note 4.2.<br />
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Departmental Financial Position<br />
Note 3.1 Financial Assets<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Note 3.1A: Trade and Other Receivables<br />
Trade and other receivables<br />
Goods and services receivables 922 72<br />
Appropriations receivable - existing programs 15,991 9,897<br />
GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office 141 160<br />
Other 17 20<br />
Total trade and other receivables 17,071 10,149<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Trade and other receivables expected to be recovered<br />
No more than 12 months 17,071 10,149<br />
Total trade and other receivables 17,071 10,149<br />
Trade and other receivables aged as follows<br />
Not overdue 17,020 10,149<br />
Overdue by<br />
0 to 30 days 51 -<br />
Total trade and other receivables 17,071 10,149<br />
No indicators of impairment were found for trade and other receivables in 2014-2015 or 2015-2016.<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
Financial Assets<br />
The NHMRC classifies its financial assets in the following category: financial assets at fair value through profit or<br />
loss.<br />
The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial<br />
recognition. Financial assets are recognised and derecognised at fair value through profit or loss.<br />
Financial assets are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period. If there is objective evidence that<br />
an impairment loss has been incurred, the amount of the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying<br />
amount of the asset and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate<br />
for similar assets.<br />
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Note 3.2 Non-Financial Assets<br />
Note 3.2A Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangibles<br />
Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of property, plant and equipment and intangibles for 2016<br />
Property,<br />
plant &<br />
equipment<br />
Computer<br />
software<br />
internally<br />
developed<br />
Computer<br />
software<br />
purchased Total<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
As at 1 July 2015<br />
Gross book value 12,308 7,782 727 20,817<br />
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (6,547) (4,656) (706) (11,909)<br />
Total as at 1 July 2015 5,761 3,126 21 8,908<br />
Additions<br />
Purchase or internally developed 652 660 46 1,358<br />
Revaluations recognised in other comprehensive income 51 - - 51<br />
Depreciation and amortisation (1,038) (852) (41) (1,931)<br />
Other movements<br />
Classification adjustment (394) 333 61 -<br />
Total as at 30 June 2016 5,032 3,267 87 8,386<br />
Total as at 30 June 2016 represtented by<br />
Gross book value 5,504 8,894 834 15,232<br />
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (472) (5,627) (747) (6,846)<br />
Total as at 30 June 2016 5,032 3,267 87 8,386<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Assets are recorded at cost on acquisition, except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in<br />
exchange and liabilities undertaken. Non-financial assets are initially measured at their fair value plus transaction costs where appropriate.<br />
No indicators of impairment were found for intangible assets.<br />
No intangibles are expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.<br />
Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of property, plant and equipment and intangibles for 2015<br />
Computer<br />
Property, plant<br />
& equipment<br />
software<br />
internally<br />
developed<br />
Computer<br />
software<br />
purchased Total<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
As at 1 July 2014<br />
Gross book value 12,132 7,782 727 20,641<br />
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (5,084) (3,600) (578) (9,262)<br />
Total as at 1 July 2014 7,048 4,182 149 11,379<br />
Additions<br />
Purchase or internally developed 176 - - 176<br />
Impairments recognised in net cost of services - (358) - (358)<br />
Depreciation and amortisation (1,442) (698) (128) (2,268)<br />
Impairment loss (21) - - (21)<br />
Total as at 30 June 2015 5,761 3,126 21 8,908<br />
Total as at 30 June 2015 represtented by<br />
Gross book value 12,308 7,782 727 20,817<br />
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (6,547) (4,656) (706) (11,909)<br />
Total as at 30 June 2015 5,761 3,126 21 8,908<br />
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139
Note 3.2 Non-Financial Assets<br />
Note 3.2A Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangibles<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of property, plant and equipment and intangibles for 2016<br />
Property,<br />
plant &<br />
equipment<br />
Computer<br />
software<br />
internally<br />
developed<br />
Computer<br />
software<br />
purchased Total<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
As at 1 July 2015<br />
Gross book value 12,308 7,782 727 20,817<br />
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (6,547) (4,656) (706) (11,909)<br />
Total as at 1 July 2015 5,761 3,126 21 8,908<br />
Additions<br />
Purchase or internally developed 652 660 46 1,358<br />
Revaluations recognised in other comprehensive income 51 - - 51<br />
Depreciation and amortisation (1,038) (852) (41) (1,931)<br />
Other movements<br />
Classification adjustment (394) 333 61 -<br />
Total as at 30 June 2016 5,032 3,267 87 8,386<br />
Total as at 30 June 2016 represtented by<br />
Gross book value 5,504 8,894 834 15,232<br />
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (472) (5,627) (747) (6,846)<br />
Total as at 30 June 2016 5,032 3,267 87 8,386<br />
Assets are recorded at cost on acquisition, except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in<br />
exchange and liabilities undertaken. Non-financial assets are initially measured at their fair value plus transaction costs where appropriate.<br />
No indicators of impairment were found for intangible assets.<br />
No intangibles are expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.<br />
Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of property, plant and equipment and intangibles for 2015<br />
Computer<br />
Property, plant<br />
& equipment<br />
software<br />
internally<br />
developed<br />
Computer<br />
software<br />
purchased Total<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
As at 1 July 2014<br />
Gross book value 12,132 7,782 727 20,641<br />
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (5,084) (3,600) (578) (9,262)<br />
Total as at 1 July 2014 7,048 4,182 149 11,379<br />
Additions<br />
Purchase or internally developed 176 - - 176<br />
Impairments recognised in net cost of services - (358) - (358)<br />
Depreciation and amortisation (1,442) (698) (128) (2,268)<br />
Impairment loss (21) - - (21)<br />
Total as at 30 June 2015 5,761 3,126 21 8,908<br />
Total as at 30 June 2015 represtented by<br />
Gross book value 12,308 7,782 727 20,817<br />
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (6,547) (4,656) (706) (11,909)<br />
Total as at 30 June 2015 5,761 3,126 21 8,908<br />
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Revaluations of non-financial assets<br />
All revaluations were conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 7.4.<br />
On 31 March 2016, an independent valuer conducted the revaluations.<br />
Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets are<br />
payable as follows:<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Within 1 year 1,286 539<br />
Between 1 to 5 years 1,212 429<br />
Total property, plant, equipment and intangible assets commitments 2,498 968<br />
NHMRC has commitments in place for the purchase of a video conferencing system and an enhanced reporting system (datamart).<br />
Note 3.2B: Inventories<br />
Inventories held for distribution 200 201<br />
Total inventories 200 201<br />
During 2015-16, $1,890 of inventory held for distribution was recognised as an expense. (2014-15: $78,894)<br />
No items of inventory were recognised at fair value less cost to sell.<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
Inventory is comprised of the NHMRC health and medical research publications. All publications are free of charge and distributed upon request to the<br />
general public, health professionals, scientific and educational organisations, special interest groups and the wider public. The inventory held for<br />
distribution is valued at cost, adjusted for any loss of service potential.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Note 3.2C: Other Non-Financial Assets<br />
Prepayments 984 952<br />
Total other non-financial assets 984 952<br />
Other non-financial assets expected to be recovered<br />
No more than 12 months 984 952<br />
Total other non-financial assets 984 952<br />
No indicators of impairment were found for other non-financial assets.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
141
Accounting Policy<br />
Asset recognition threshold<br />
Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the statement of financial position, except for<br />
information technology equipment purchases less than $500, leasehold improvements less than $50,000, and all other purchases<br />
less than $2,000. Purchases below these thresholds are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a<br />
group of similar items which are significant in total).<br />
The initial cost of an asset includes an estimate of the cost of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it<br />
is located. This is particularly relevant to ‘makegood’ provisions in Note 3.4 taken up by the NHMRC where there exists an<br />
obligation to restore premises to condition prior to fitout. These costs are included in the value of the makegood asset with a<br />
corresponding provision for the ‘makegood’ recognised.<br />
Revaluations<br />
Fair values of each sub-class of assets are determined as shown below.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Assets Sub-Class<br />
Office Equipment<br />
Furniture and fitting<br />
Computer equipment<br />
Leasehold improvement<br />
Fair value measured at<br />
Depreciated replacement cost<br />
Depreciated replacement cost<br />
Market selling price<br />
Depreciated replacement cost<br />
Following initial recognition at cost property, plant and equipment are carried at fair value less subsequent accumulated<br />
depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying<br />
amounts of assets do not materially differ from the assets’ fair values as at the reporting date. The regularity of independent<br />
valuations depended upon the volatility of movements in market values for the relevant assets.<br />
Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is credited to equity under the heading of asset<br />
revaluation reserve, except to the extent that it reverses a previous revaluation decrement of the same asset class that was<br />
previously recognised through the surplus/deficit. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised directly in the<br />
surplus/deficit except to the extent that they reversed a previous revaluation increment for that class.<br />
Any accumulated depreciation as at the revaluation date is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the asset<br />
restated to the revalued amount.<br />
Depreciation<br />
Depreciable property, plant and equipment assets are written-off to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives<br />
to the NHMRC using, in all cases, the straight-line method of depreciation.<br />
Depreciation rates (useful lives), residual values and methods are reviewed at each reporting date and necessary adjustments are<br />
recognised in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate.<br />
Depreciation rates applying to each sub-class of depreciable asset are based on the following useful lives:<br />
Assets Sub-Class 2016 2015<br />
Office Equipment 5 years 5 years<br />
Furniture and Fitting 10 years 10 years<br />
Computer Equipment 3 years 3 years<br />
Leasehold Improvement Lease term Lease term<br />
Impairment<br />
All assets were assessed for impairment at 30 June 2016. Where indications of impairment exist, the asset’s recoverable amount is<br />
estimated and an impairment adjustment made if the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount.<br />
De-recognition<br />
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits are expected<br />
from its use or disposal.<br />
Intangibles<br />
Intangible assets comprise internally developed software for internal use and purchased software. These assets are carried at cost<br />
less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.<br />
Software is amortised on a straight-line basis over its anticipated useful life. The useful lives of the NHMRC’s software are 2 to 7<br />
years (2014-15: 2 to 7 years).<br />
All software assets were assessed for indications of impairment at 30 June 2016.<br />
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Note 3.3 Other Payables<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Note 3.3 Other Payables<br />
Salaries and Wages 179 654<br />
Superannuation 13 112<br />
Lease incentive 267 378<br />
Prepayments received/unearned income 1,801 122<br />
Other 125 76<br />
Total other payables 2,385 1,342<br />
Other payables expected to be settled<br />
No more than 12 months 2,118 1,085<br />
More than 12 months 267 257<br />
Total other payables 2,385 1,342<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities ‘at fair value through profit or loss’ or other financial liabilities.<br />
Financial liabilities are recognised and derecognised upon ‘trade date’.<br />
Note 3.4 Provision for Makegood Obligations<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Note 3.4 Provision for makegood obligations<br />
Provisions are expected to be settled in:<br />
No more than 12 months - -<br />
More than 12 months 893 629<br />
Total provision for makegood obligations 893 629<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Provision for Total<br />
makegood<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Carrying amount 1 July 2015 629 629<br />
Additional provisions made - -<br />
Amounts used (15) (15)<br />
Amounts reversed (47) (47)<br />
Revaluation 309 309<br />
Unwinding of discount or change in discount rate 17 17<br />
Closing Balance as at 30 June 2016 893 893<br />
The NHMRC currently has one (2015: two) agreement for the leasing of premises which includes a provision<br />
requiring the NHMRC to restore the premises to their original condition at the conclusion of the lease. The NHMRC<br />
has made a provision to reflect the present value of this obligation.<br />
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143
Assets and Liabilities Administered on behalf of Government<br />
Note 4.1 Administered - Financial Assets<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Note 4.1A: Trade and Other Receivables<br />
Services receivables<br />
Services receivables 648 900<br />
Total services receivables 648 900<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Other receivables<br />
GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office - 19<br />
Total other receivables - 19<br />
Total trade and other receivables 648 919<br />
No trade and other receivables were overdue in 2014-2015 or 2015-2016<br />
No indicators of impairment were found for trade and other receivables in 2014-2015 or 2015-2016.<br />
Note 4.2 Administered - Payables<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Note 4.2A: Grants - Medical Research (MREA)<br />
Public sector<br />
Australian Government entities 223 436<br />
State and Territory Governments 5,733 15,944<br />
Private sector<br />
Medical Research Institutes 352 474<br />
Total grants 6,308 16,854<br />
Settlement is usually made according to the terms and conditions of each grant. This is usually within 30 days of<br />
performance or eligibility.<br />
Note 4.2B: Other Payables<br />
GST payable 70 -<br />
Total other payables 70 -<br />
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Funding<br />
Note 5.1 Appropriations<br />
Note 5.1A: <strong>Annual</strong> Appropriations ('Recoverable GST exclusive')<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> Appropriations for 2016<br />
Appropriation Act<br />
PGPA Act<br />
Appropriation<br />
applied in 2016<br />
<strong>Annual</strong><br />
Appropriation 1 Advance to the<br />
Finance Minister<br />
Section 74<br />
receipts<br />
Section 75<br />
Transfers<br />
Total<br />
appropriation<br />
(current and<br />
prior years) Variance 2<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
Departmental<br />
Ordinary annual services 40,255 - 2,476 - 42,731 (40,706) 2,025<br />
Capital Budget 3 4,186 - - - 4,186 (1,358) 2,828<br />
Total departmental 44,441 - 2,476 - 46,917 (42,064) 4,853<br />
Administered<br />
Ordinary annual services<br />
Administered items 840,583 - - - 840,583 (840,583) -<br />
Total administered 840,583 - - - 840,583 (840,583) -<br />
1. In 2015-16, no amounts of appropriation have been withheld or quarantined.<br />
2. In 2015-16, variance against ordinary annual services largely relates to budgeted project expenditure not occurring, anticipated to occur in 2016-17. The variance against capital budget is<br />
due mainly to delays in progressing the capital component of the Simplified and Consistent Health and Medical Research budget measure.<br />
3. Departmental Capital Budgets are appropriated through Acts (No.1,3,5). They form part of ordinary annual services, and are not separately identified in the Appropriation Acts.<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> Appropriations for 2015<br />
Appropriation Act<br />
PGPA Act<br />
Appropriation<br />
<strong>Annual</strong><br />
Appropriation 1 Advance to the<br />
Finance Minister Section 74 Section 75 Total appropriation<br />
applied in 2015<br />
(current and<br />
prior years) Variance 2<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
Departmental<br />
Ordinary annual services 40,722 - 474 - 41,196 (41,477) (281)<br />
Capital Budget 3 1,959 - - - 1,959 - 1,959<br />
Total departmental 42,681 - 474 - 43,155 (41,477) 1,678<br />
Administered<br />
Ordinary annual services<br />
Administered items 905,715 - - - 905,715 (905,715) -<br />
Total administered 905,715 - - - 905,715 (905,715) -<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
1. In 2014-15, there was an amount of $107,053.28 that was quarantined. NHMRC was unable to spend the total funding allocated during the 2014-15 PAES to spend on redundancies.<br />
NHMRC received $540,000 for one year towards the 2013-14 MYEFO measure Funding for pre-existing measures affecting the public sector. In 2014-15, there were no adjustments that met<br />
the recognition criteria of a formal addition or reduction in revenue (in accordance with FRR Part 6 Div 3) but at law the appropriations had not been amended before the end of the reporting<br />
period.<br />
2. In 2014-15, there were no material variances.<br />
3. Departmental Capital Budgets are appropriated through Acts (No.1,3,5). They form part of ordinary annual services, and are not separately identified in the Appropriation Acts.<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
Amounts appropriated which are designated as ‘equity injections’ for a year (less any formal reductions) and Departmental Capital Budgets (DCBs) are recognised directly in contributed equity in that year.<br />
Note 5.1B: Unspent Departmental <strong>Annual</strong> Appropriations ('Recoverable GST exclusive')<br />
Departmental<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2015-16 1 11,608 -<br />
Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2014-15 - 8,220<br />
Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2015-16 - Capital Budget (DCB)<br />
4,047 -<br />
Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2014-15 - Capital Budget (DCB)<br />
746 1,959<br />
Total departmental 16,401 10,179<br />
1. Includes cash at bank and appropriation receivables<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
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Note 5.2 Special Accounts<br />
Note 5.2 Special Accounts (Recoverable GST exclusive)<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Balance brought forward from previous period<br />
131,417 134,148<br />
Increases<br />
Appropriation credited to special account 836,043 894,899<br />
Costs recovered 3,245 3,585<br />
Other receipts 6,204 3,293<br />
Total increases<br />
Available for payments<br />
Decreases<br />
Administered<br />
Total administered<br />
Total decreases<br />
Total balance carried to the next period<br />
Note:<br />
1. Appropriation: Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013; section 80<br />
Medical Research<br />
Endowment Account 1<br />
845,492 901,777<br />
976,909 1,035,925<br />
825,490 904,508<br />
825,490 904,508<br />
825,490 904,508<br />
151,419 131,417<br />
Establishing Instrument: National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992; section 49<br />
Purpose: to provide assistance (subject to the National Health and Medical Research Council Act<br />
1992 ):<br />
- to Departments of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, engaged in medical research;<br />
- to universities for the purpose of medical research;<br />
- to institutions and persons engaged in medical research; and<br />
- in the training of persons in medical research.<br />
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Note 5.3 Cash Flow Reconciliation<br />
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents as per statement of financial<br />
position and cash flow statement<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Cash and cash equivalents as per:<br />
Cash flow statement 409 389<br />
Statement of financial position 409 389<br />
Discrepancy - -<br />
Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash from operating activities:<br />
Net (cost of) / contribution by services (39,792) (42,947)<br />
Revenue from Government 40,237 40,722<br />
Adjustments for non-cash items<br />
Depreciation/amortisation 1,931 2,268<br />
Net write down of non-financial assets - 379<br />
Movements in assets / liabilities<br />
Assets<br />
(Increase) / decrease in net receivables (4,088) (611)<br />
(Increase) / decrease in inventories 1 79<br />
(Increase) / decrease in prepayments (32) 182<br />
Liabilities<br />
Increase / (decrease) in employee provisions 427 (611)<br />
Increase / (decrease) in other provisions 264 33<br />
Increase / (decrease) in supplier payables 1,078 568<br />
Net cash from/(used by) operating activities 26 62<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
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Note 5.4 Administered - Cash Flow Reconciliation<br />
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents as per administered financial position and<br />
administered cash flow statement<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000<br />
$'000<br />
Cash and cash equivalents as per<br />
Administered cash flow statement - -<br />
Administered schedule of assets and liabilities - -<br />
Discrepancy - -<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash from/(used by) operating activities<br />
Net (cost of)/contribution by services (810,333) (835,471)<br />
Movements in assets and liabilities<br />
Assets<br />
Decrease/(Increase) in net receivables 271 1,598<br />
Liabilities<br />
(Decrease) in other payable (10,476) (74,630)<br />
Net cash (used by) operating activities (820,538) (908,503)<br />
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People and Relationships<br />
Note 6.1 Provisions<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Note 6.1: Employee Provisions<br />
Leave 5,675 5,248<br />
Total employee provisions 5,675 5,248<br />
Employee provisions are expected to be settled in:<br />
No more than 12 months 2,120 2,660<br />
More than 12 months 3,555 2,588<br />
Total employee provisions 5,675 5,248<br />
Significant Accounting Judgements and Estimates<br />
In the process of applying the accounting policies listed in this note, the NHMRC has made the following judgements that have the most<br />
significant impact on the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The estimated leave provisions involve assumptions based on the<br />
expected tenure of existing staff, patterns of leave claims and payouts, future salary movements and discount rates.<br />
No accounting assumptions or estimates have been identified that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying<br />
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.<br />
Accounting Policies<br />
Employee benefits<br />
Liabilities for ‘short-term employee benefits’ (as defined in AASB 119 Employee Benefits) and termination benefits due within twelve months of the end of<br />
the reporting period are measured at their nominal amounts.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Leave<br />
The liability for employee benefits includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is<br />
non-vesting and the average sick leave taken in future years by employees of the NHMRC is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave.<br />
The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees’ remuneration at the estimated salary rates that will be applied at the time the leave is taken,<br />
including the NHMRC’s employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on<br />
termination.<br />
The liability for long service leave is recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated future cash flow to be made in respect of all employees at<br />
30 June 2016. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation.<br />
Separation and Redundancy<br />
Provision is made for separation and redundancy benefit payments. The entity recognises a provision for termination when it has developed a detailed formal<br />
plan for the terminations and has informed those employees affected that it will carry out the terminations.<br />
Superannuation<br />
The NHMRC's staff are members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) or the PSS<br />
accumulation plan (PSSap).<br />
The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government. The PSSap is a defined contribution scheme.<br />
The liability for defined benefits is recognised in the financial statements of the Australian Government and is settled by the Australian Government in due<br />
course. This liability is reported in the Department of Finance's administered schedules and notes.<br />
The NHMRC makes employer contributions to the employee superannuation scheme at rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost<br />
to the Government, and accounts for the contributions as if they were contributions to defined contribution plans.<br />
The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June represents outstanding contributions for the final fortnight of the year.<br />
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Note 6.2 Senior Management Personnel Remuneration<br />
Note 6.2 Senior Executive Remuneration Expenses for the <strong>Report</strong>ing Period<br />
2016 2015<br />
$’000 $’000<br />
Short-term employee benefits:<br />
Salary 1,477 2,082<br />
Motor vehicle allowance 129 168<br />
Other 116 62<br />
Total short-term employee benefits 1,722 2,312<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Post-employment benefits:<br />
Superannuation 294 404<br />
Total post-employment benefits 294 404<br />
Other long-term employee benefits:<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> leave accrued 120 168<br />
Long-service leave 38 58<br />
Total other long-term employee benefits 158 226<br />
Termination benefits 285 -<br />
Total senior executive remuneration expenses 2,459 2,942<br />
The total number of senior management personnel that are included in the above table are seven individuals (2015: 11 individuals).<br />
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Managing Uncertainties<br />
Note 7.1 Contingent Assets and Liabilities<br />
NHMRC has internal controls and appropriate processes in place to identify any contingencies that may arise.<br />
Quantifiable Contingencies<br />
As at 30 June 2016 the NHMRC has no contingent assets (2015: nil).<br />
As at 30 June 2016 the NHMRC has the following contingent liabilities:<br />
The NHMRC has in place a deed of standing offer with a panel of investigators to provide investigation services if serious<br />
breaches of the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 or the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002<br />
are identified.<br />
The consequence of the contingency being triggered is estimated to be a cost of approximately $150,000.<br />
This quantifiable contingent liability was in place as at 30 June 2015.<br />
Unquantifiable Contingencies<br />
At 30 June 2016, the NHMRC had no unquantifiable contingencies.<br />
Administered - Contingent Assets and Liabilities<br />
Quantifiable Administered Contingencies<br />
As at 30 June 2016 the NHMRC has the following quantifiable administered contingent asset (2015: nil):<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
The NHMRC understands there is an Administering Institution investigation into a grant misconduct, which may result in a recovery<br />
of up to $500,000.<br />
As at 30 June 2016, the NHMRC did not have any quantifiable administered contingent liabilities (2015: nil).<br />
Unquantifiable Administered Contingencies<br />
At 30 June 2016, the NHMRC had no unquantifiable administered contingencies (2015: nil).<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
Contingent liabilities and contingent assets are not recognised in the statement of financial position but are reported in the relevant schedules and<br />
notes. They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of a liability or asset, or represent a liability or asset in respect of which the amount<br />
cannot be reliably measured. Contingent assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are<br />
disclosed when settlement is greater than remote.<br />
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Note 7.2 Financial Instruments<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Note 7.2A: Categories of Financial Instruments<br />
Financial Assets<br />
Loans and receivables<br />
Cash and cash equivalents 409 389<br />
Trade receivables 939 92<br />
Total loans and receivables 1,348 481<br />
Total financial assets 1,348 481<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Financial Liabilities<br />
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost<br />
Trade creditors 125 564<br />
Other payables 2,527 1,828<br />
Total financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 2,652 2,392<br />
Total financial liabilities 2,652 2,392<br />
The NHMRC did not receive any income or incur any expense related to financial assets or financial liabilities disclosed above<br />
for the period ended 30 June 2016 (2015: Nil)<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
The NHMRC classifies its financial assets in the following category: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.<br />
The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition. Financial assets<br />
are recognised and derecognised at fair value through profit or loss.<br />
Financial assets are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period. If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been<br />
incurred, the amount of the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the present value of the estimated<br />
future cash flows discounted at the current market rate for similar assets.<br />
Note 7.2B: Fair Value of Financial Instruments<br />
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair<br />
amount value amount value<br />
2016 2016 2015 2015<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
Financial Assets<br />
Cash and cash equivalents 409 409 389 389<br />
Trade and other receivables 939 939 92 92<br />
Total 1,348 1,348 481 481<br />
Financial Liabilities<br />
Trade creditors 125 125 564 564<br />
Other payables 2,527 2,527 1,828 1,828<br />
Total 2,652 2,652 2,392 2,392<br />
There are no differences between carrying amount and fair value for 2016 and 2015 for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.<br />
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Note 7.2 Financial Instruments - Continued<br />
7.2C Credit risk<br />
The NHMRC is exposed to minimal credit risk as loans and receivables were cash and trade receivables. The maximum exposure to credit risk is<br />
the risk that arises from potential default of a debtor.<br />
This amount is equal to the total amount of trade and other receivables (2016: $939,000 and 2015: $92,000)<br />
The NHMRC managed its credit risk by undertaking background checks prior to allowing a debtor relationship. In addition, the NHMRC had<br />
policies and procedures that guided employees debt recovery techniques that were to be applied.<br />
NHMRC holds no collateral to mitigate against credit risk.<br />
Credit quality of financial instruments not past due or individually determined as impaired<br />
Not Past Due<br />
Nor Impaired<br />
Not Past Due<br />
Nor Impaired<br />
Past due or<br />
impaired<br />
Past due or<br />
impaired<br />
2016 2015 2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
Trade receivables 888 92 51 -<br />
Total 888 92 51 -<br />
Ageing of financial assets that were past due but not impaired in 2016<br />
0 to 30 days 31 to 60 days 61 to 90 days 90+ days Total<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
Trade receivables 51 - - - -<br />
Total 51 - - - -<br />
Ageing of financial assets that were past due but not impaired in 2015<br />
0 to 30 days 31 to 60 days 61 to 90 days 90+ days Total<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
Trade receivables - - - - -<br />
Total - - - - -<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Note 7.2D: Liquidity risk<br />
NHMRC financial liabilities are payables, loans from government, finance leases and other interest bearing liabilities. The exposure to liquidity<br />
risk was based on the notion that the NHMRC will encounter difficulty in meeting its obligations associated with financial liabilities. This was<br />
highly unlikely as NHMRC is appropriated funding from the Australian Government and NHMRC manages its budgeted funds to ensure it has<br />
adequate funds to meet payments as they fall due. In addition, NHMRC has policies and procedures in place to ensure timely payments were<br />
made when due and has no past experience of default.<br />
Maturities for non-derivative financial liabilities 2016<br />
On within 1 1 to 5 >5<br />
demand year years years Total<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
Trade creditors 125 - - - 125<br />
Total 125 - - - 125<br />
Maturities for non-derivative financial liabilities 2015<br />
On within 1 1 to 5 > 5<br />
demand year years years Total<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
Trade creditors 564 - - - 564<br />
Total 564 - - - 564<br />
NHMRC is appropriated funding from the Australian Government. The NHMRC manages its budgeted funds to ensure it has adequate funds to<br />
meet payments as they fall due. In addition, the NHMRC has policies in place to ensure timely payment are made when due and has no past<br />
experience of default.<br />
NHMRC has no derivative financial liabilities in both the current and prior year.<br />
Note 7.2E: Market risk<br />
The NHMRC held basic financial instruments that did not expose the NHMRC to certain market risks. The NHMRC was not exposed to<br />
'Currency risk', 'Other price risk' or 'Interest rate risk'.<br />
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Note 7.3 Administered - Financial Instruments<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Note 7.3A Categories of Financial Instruments<br />
Financial Assets<br />
Loans and receivables:<br />
Cash on hand or on deposit - -<br />
Goods and services receivable 648 900<br />
Total loans and receivables 648 900<br />
Total financial assets 648 900<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Financial Liabilities<br />
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost<br />
Suppliers payable - -<br />
Grants payable 6,308 16,854<br />
Total financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 6,308 16,854<br />
Total financial liabilities 6,308 16,854<br />
Note 7.3B Fair Value of Financial Instruments<br />
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair<br />
amount value amount value<br />
2016 2016 2015 2015<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
Financial Assets<br />
Cash and cash equivalents - - - -<br />
Trade receivables 648 648 900 900<br />
Total 648 648 900 900<br />
Financial Liabilities<br />
Supplier payable - - - -<br />
Grant payable 6,308 6,308 16,854 16,854<br />
Total 6,308 6,308 16,854 16,854<br />
There are no differences between carrying amount and fair value for 2016 and 2015 for Financial Assets<br />
and Financial Liabilities<br />
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Note 7.3 Administered - Financial Instruments (continued)<br />
Note 7.3C Credit Risk<br />
The administered activities of the NHMRC were not exposed to a high level of credit risk as the financial assets are trade and other receivables.<br />
The NHMRC manages its credit risk by undertaking background checks prior to allowing a debtor relationship. In addition, the NHMRC has<br />
policies and procedures that guide employees debt recovery techniques.<br />
Credit quality of financial assets not past due or individually determined as impaired<br />
Not Past<br />
Due Nor<br />
Impaired<br />
Not Past<br />
Due Nor<br />
Impaired<br />
Past due or<br />
impaired<br />
Past due or<br />
impaired<br />
2016 2015 2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
Goods and services receivable 648 900 - -<br />
Total 648 900 - -<br />
Ageing of financial assets that were past due but not impaired in 2016<br />
0 to 30<br />
days<br />
31 to 60<br />
days<br />
61 to 90<br />
days 90+ days Total<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
Goods and services receivable - - - - -<br />
Total - - - - -<br />
Ageing of financial assets that were past due but not impaired in 2015<br />
0 to 30 days<br />
31 to 60<br />
days 61 to 90 days 90+ days Total<br />
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000<br />
Goods and services receivable - - - - -<br />
Total - - - - -<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Note 7.3D Liquidity Risk<br />
The NHMRC's financial liabilities are grants payable. The exposure to liquidity risk is based on the notion that the NHMRC will encounter<br />
difficulty in meeting its obligations associated with financial liabilities.<br />
This is highly unlikely as the NHMRC is appropriated funding from the Australian Government and the NHMRC manages its budgeted funds<br />
to ensure it has adequate funds to meet payments as they fall due. In addition, the NHMRC has policies in place to ensure timely payment are<br />
made when due and has no past experience of default.<br />
Maturities for non-derivative financial liabilities 2016<br />
within 1<br />
year Total<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Grants payable 6,308 6,308<br />
Total 6,308 6,308<br />
Maturities for non-derivative financial liabilities 2015<br />
within 1<br />
year Total<br />
$'000 $'000<br />
Grants payable 16,854 16,854<br />
Total 16,854 16,854<br />
NHMRC had no derivative financial liabilities in both the current and prior year.<br />
Note 7.3E Market Risk<br />
The NHMRC held basic financial instruments that did not expose the NHMRC to certain market risks. The NHMRC was not exposed to<br />
'Currency risk', 'Other price risk' or 'Interest rate risk'.<br />
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Note 7.4 Fair Value Measurement<br />
The following tables provide an analysis of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value.<br />
The different levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined below.<br />
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at measurement date.<br />
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.<br />
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.<br />
Accounting Policy<br />
NHMRC engaged the service of Australian Valuation Solutions (AVS) to conduct desktop revaluation of all non-financial assets at 31 March 2016 and has relied upon those outcomes to<br />
establish carrying amounts. An annual assessment is undertaken to determine whether the carrying amount of the assets is materially different from the fair value. Comprehensive valuations<br />
carried out at least once every three years. AVS has provided written assurance to NHMRC that the models developed are in compliance with AASB 13.<br />
The methods utilised to determine and substantiate the unobservable inputs are derived and evaluated as follows:<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
Physical depreciation and obsolescence - assets that do not transact with enough frequency or transparency to develop objective opinions of value from observable market evidence have been<br />
measured utilising the depreciated replacement cost approach. Under the depreciated replacement cost approach the estimated cost to replace the asset is calculated and then adjusted to take<br />
into account physical depreciation and obsolescence. Physical depreciation and obsolescence has been determined based on professional judgement regarding physical, economic and external<br />
obsolescence factors relevant to the asset under consideration. For all leasehold improvement assets, the consumed economic benefit/asset obsolescence deduction is determined based on the<br />
term of the associated lease.<br />
NHMRC's policy is to recognise transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy levels as at the end of the reporting period.<br />
7.4A: Fair Value Measurement<br />
Fair value measurements<br />
at the end of the reporting period<br />
2016 2015<br />
$'000<br />
$'000<br />
Category (Level<br />
1, 2 or 3)<br />
Non-financial assets<br />
Plant and equipment 1 107 - 2<br />
Valuation technique(s) and inputs used<br />
Market Approach: This approach seeks to estimate the fair value<br />
of an asset with reference to recent market transactions involving<br />
identical or comparable assets.<br />
Inputs: Prices and other relevant information generated by market<br />
transactions involving plant and equipment assets were considered.<br />
Plant and equipment 1 2,008 2,399 3<br />
Depreciated Replacement Cost: The amount a market participant<br />
would be prepared to pay to acquire or construct a substitute asset of<br />
comparable utility, adjusted for physical depreciation and<br />
obsolescence.<br />
Inputs: Current costs per square metre of floor area relevant to the<br />
location of the asset. Physical depreciation and obsolescence has<br />
been determined based on the term of the associated lease.<br />
Leasehold improvements 2 2,917 3,362 3<br />
Depreciated Replacement Cost: The amount a market participant<br />
would be prepared to pay to acquire or construct a substitute asset of<br />
comparable utility, adjusted for physical depreciation and<br />
obsolescence.<br />
Inputs: Current costs per square metre of floor area relevant to the<br />
location of the asset. Physical depreciation and obsolescence has<br />
been determined based on the term of the associated lease.<br />
Total non-financial assets 5,032 5,761<br />
Total fair value measurements of assets in the statement of<br />
financial statements 5,032 5,761<br />
1. No change in valuation technique occurred during the period<br />
2. Relationship of unobservable inputs to fair value: greater consumption of economic benefit or increased obsolescence lowers fair value<br />
7.4B: Reconciliation for Recurring Level 3 Fair Value Measurements<br />
Plant and Equipment<br />
Non-financial assets<br />
Leasehold Improvements<br />
Total<br />
2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015<br />
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000<br />
As at 1 July 2,399 3,162 3,362 3,886 5,761 7,048<br />
Total gains/(losses) recognised in net cost of services 1 (147) (918) (826) (524) (973) (1,442)<br />
Total gains/(losses) recognised in other comprehensive<br />
income 2 - - - - - -<br />
Purchases 647 176 - - 647 176<br />
Other movements (net effect of revaluation, reclassification of<br />
PP&E to intangibles and transfers out of Level 3)<br />
(789) (21) 381 - (408) (21)<br />
Transfers into Level 3 3 - - - - - -<br />
Transfers out of Level 3 4 (102) - - - (102) -<br />
Total as at 30 June 2,008 2,399 2,917 3,362 4,925 5,761<br />
1. These gains/(losses) are presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income under Depreciation and Amortisation and Write Down and Impairment of Assets.<br />
2. These gains/(losses) are presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income under Other Changes in Asset Revaluation Reserves.<br />
3. There have been no transfers into level 3 during the year.<br />
4. There have been 77 transfers out of level 3 during the year.<br />
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Other Information<br />
Note 8: <strong>Report</strong>ing of Outcomes<br />
The NHMRC contributes to one outcome as described in Overview Note. All income and costs detailed in the statement of<br />
comprehensive income and Administered schedule of comprehensive income are attributed to this one outcome.<br />
All assets and liabilities detailed in the statement of financial position and Administered schedule of assets and liabilities are<br />
attributed to this one outcome.<br />
PART 5 financial report<br />
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Abdullah, Year 6<br />
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6<br />
PART<br />
APPENDICES<br />
Appendix 1: Executive Biographies 160<br />
Appendix 2: The Council of the NHMRC 162<br />
Appendix 3: Research Committee 169<br />
Appendix 4: Australian Health Ethics Committee 170<br />
Appendix 5: Embryo Research Licensing Committee 171<br />
Appendix 6: Health Translation Advisory Committee 172<br />
Appendix 7: Health Innovation Advisory Committee 173<br />
Appendix 8: Commissioner of Complaints Biography 174<br />
Appendix 9: Public Consultations 175<br />
Appendix 10: Glossary and Acronyms 176<br />
Appendix 11: Compliance Check List 178<br />
Index185<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong> 159
APPENDIX 1: EXECUTIVE BIOGRAPHIES<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Professor Anne Kelso AO<br />
Professor Anne Kelso is the<br />
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)<br />
of NHMRC.<br />
Professor Kelso was<br />
previously Director of the<br />
WHO Collaborating Centre for<br />
Reference and Research on<br />
Influenza in Melbourne, a role she<br />
held from 2007–15. Her earlier<br />
research career was spent at the<br />
Swiss Institute for Experimental<br />
Cancer Research, the Walter and<br />
Eliza Hall Institute of Medical<br />
Research and the Queensland<br />
Institute of Medical Research,<br />
undertaking research in the field<br />
of immunology. From 2000–06,<br />
she was also Director/CEO of the<br />
Cooperative Research Centre for<br />
Vaccine Technology.<br />
She has previously served as<br />
President of the Australasian<br />
Society for Immunology,<br />
as Secretary-General of<br />
the International Union of<br />
Immunological Societies and as<br />
a member of several governing<br />
boards and advisory groups,<br />
including the Council of QUT,<br />
the Boards of the Telethon Kids<br />
Institute and the Florey Institute<br />
of Neuroscience and Mental<br />
Health, and committees advising<br />
the WHO and the Australian<br />
Government on influenza. She<br />
was appointed Officer in the<br />
Order of Australia in June 2007<br />
for service to science.<br />
General Manager<br />
Tony Kingdon<br />
Mr Kingdon is the General<br />
Manager at the NHMRC. He is<br />
responsible for overseeing the<br />
operation of NHMRC.<br />
Mr Kingdon joined NHMRC in<br />
February 2011. Previously, he<br />
worked for many years with the<br />
Department of Health on a wide<br />
range of topics including, acute<br />
care, medical services, hearing<br />
services and international health.<br />
Prior to joining NHMRC, Mr<br />
Kingdon was head of the then<br />
Acute Care Division which had<br />
responsibility for providing advice<br />
on hospital funding, private<br />
health, medical indemnity and<br />
dental services.<br />
Executive Director, Corporate<br />
Operations and Information<br />
Tony Krizan FCPA<br />
Mr Krizan is the Chief Financial<br />
Officer and head of Corporate<br />
Operations and Information,<br />
which includes business<br />
operations, human resources,<br />
finance, information and<br />
communication technology and<br />
data reporting and analytics.<br />
Mr Krizan has tertiary<br />
qualifications in financial<br />
administration and management,<br />
and is a Fellow of CPA Australia.<br />
He worked in a number of<br />
industries prior to his tertiary<br />
study, and before joining the<br />
Australian Public Service with the<br />
Department of Finance. Over a<br />
period of nearly twenty-seven<br />
years, he also worked in<br />
Employment, Education and<br />
Training and Health and Ageing<br />
in policy development, program<br />
management and corporate<br />
operations roles.<br />
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Executive Director, Evidence,<br />
Advice and Governance<br />
Samantha Robertson<br />
Ms Robertson is the Executive<br />
Director of Evidence, Advice and<br />
Governance. She is responsible<br />
for assisting the CEO deliver her<br />
key statutory responsibilities<br />
to develop and approve ethical,<br />
clinical and public health<br />
guidelines, and provide advice<br />
to the community on health<br />
issues of significance, such as<br />
the Australian Dietary Guidelines.<br />
She is also responsible for<br />
strategic planning, corporate<br />
governance and the NHMRC<br />
work on streamlining clinical trial<br />
ethics and governance processes.<br />
Ms Robertson has over 25 years<br />
of experience in health sector<br />
administration with the Australian<br />
Commonwealth Government.<br />
She is a former advisor for a<br />
health minister, has been a senior<br />
advisor in the Department of<br />
Prime Minister and Cabinet, and<br />
was an Assistant Secretary in<br />
the Department of Health and<br />
Ageing for over six years, before<br />
commencing in her current<br />
position in 2011.<br />
Executive Director, Research<br />
Policy and Translation<br />
Alan Singh<br />
Mr Singh is the Executive<br />
Director, Research Policy and<br />
Translation. He has responsibility<br />
for developing and leading a<br />
range of research policy and<br />
translation activities, including the<br />
strategy for Aboriginal and Torres<br />
Strait Islander health research,<br />
a review of the structure of<br />
NHMRC’s grant program,<br />
Advanced Health Research and<br />
Translation Centres, Partnership<br />
Centres and leadership in<br />
the development of clinical<br />
practice guidelines.<br />
Mr Singh has worked on issues<br />
in the health portfolio for<br />
20 years, including three years<br />
at Prime Minister and Cabinet.<br />
He led the policy taskforce at the<br />
Department of Health for Health<br />
Reform Mark 1 (under Prime<br />
Minister Rudd), and also steered<br />
through a $1.5 billion package<br />
for mental health reform in the<br />
2011–12 budget.<br />
Executive Director, Research<br />
Programs<br />
Dr Tony Willis<br />
Dr Willis is the Executive Director,<br />
Research Programs Branch. This<br />
includes responsibility for delivering<br />
NHMRC’s funding schemes,<br />
including managing the peer<br />
review process and supporting<br />
strategic research activities and<br />
international collaborations.<br />
Dr Willis, who joined NHMRC in<br />
March 2010, completed a PhD in<br />
biology at the Australian National<br />
University in 1994, before moving<br />
to Imperial College, London,<br />
to continue research as a postdoctoral<br />
fellow. On returning to<br />
Australia in 1997, he worked as a<br />
research scientist at CSIRO for five<br />
years, before joining the Office of<br />
the Gene Technology Regulator to<br />
develop and provide policy advice<br />
relating to biotechnology and<br />
biosecurity.<br />
Dr Willis joined the Department of<br />
Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)<br />
in 2005, where he had policy<br />
responsibility for the Biological<br />
Weapons Convention and related<br />
biosecurity/bioterrorism issues. He<br />
played a leading role in establishing<br />
DFAT’s chemical, biological,<br />
radiological and nuclear (CBRN)<br />
counter-terrorism program, which<br />
he headed for most of 2008 before<br />
transferring to the Department of<br />
the Prime Minister and Cabinet,<br />
where he continued to develop,<br />
and provide strategic policy advice<br />
on CBRN threats.<br />
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APPENDIX 2: THE COUNCIL OF THE NHMRC<br />
The chair of the Council is Professor Bruce Robinson AM<br />
Professor Kathryn North AM – Research Committee chair<br />
Professor Ian Olver AM – Australian Health Ethics Committee chair<br />
Professor Graeme Samuel AC – Health Innovation Advisory Committee chair<br />
Professor Sharon Lewin – Health Translation Advisory Committee chair<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
CHIEF MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICERS:<br />
Professor Chris Baggoley AO – Chief Medical Officer, Australian Government<br />
Dr Kerry Chant PSM – New South Wales<br />
Professor Charles Guest (from 1 May 2016) – Victoria<br />
Dr Paul Kelly – Australian Capital Territory<br />
Professor Dinesh Arya – Northern Territory<br />
Professor Paddy Phillips PSM – South Australia<br />
Professor Gary Geelhoed – Western Australia<br />
Professor Anthony Lawler – Tasmania<br />
Dr Jeannette Young PSM – Queensland<br />
MEMBERS:<br />
Professor Sandra Eades brings expertise in the area of the health needs of Aboriginal persons and Torres<br />
Strait Islanders<br />
Ms Karen Carey brings expertise in the area of consumer issues<br />
Professor Michael Kidd AM brings expertise in the area of health care training<br />
Professor David Story brings expertise in the area of professional and post-graduate medical training<br />
Professor Brendan Crabb AC brings expertise in the area of health research and medical research issues<br />
Professor Jonathan Carapetis brings expertise in the area of public health<br />
Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO brings expertise in areas relevant to the Council<br />
Professor Elizabeth Sullivan brings expertise in areas relevant to the Council<br />
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CHAIR OF NHMRC COUNCIL<br />
Chair<br />
Professor Bruce Robinson AM<br />
Professor Robinson is an<br />
endocrinologist. He is Chair of<br />
the Australian Government’s<br />
Taskforce of expert clinicians<br />
charged with reviewing<br />
the Medicare Benefits<br />
Schedule and in 2015 was appointed as Chair of<br />
NHMRC’s Council.<br />
Professor Robinson’s research has focused<br />
on identifying genetic changes which either<br />
predispose or directly cause endocrine tumours.<br />
Other highlights include the formation of an<br />
international consortium of families from around<br />
the world to study medullary thyroid carcinoma<br />
and phaeochromocytoma. He has been head of<br />
the Cancer Genetics Unit at the Kolling Institute of<br />
Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, since<br />
1989. He continues to practice at Sydney’s Royal<br />
North Shore Hospital.<br />
Professor Robinson was the Dean of Sydney<br />
Medical School from 2007 until 2016. Since 2001,<br />
he has been Chairman of Hoc Mai Foundation, a<br />
major program in medical and health education and<br />
exchange with Vietnam.<br />
Professor Robinson has supervised 37 PhD students<br />
and has more than 300 research publications.<br />
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service<br />
to medicine in the field of neuromuscular and<br />
neurogenetics research (2012). She is co-chair of<br />
the Executive of the Global Alliance for Genomics<br />
and Health, chair of the International Advisory Board<br />
of the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute for Child<br />
Health (UK) and a member of the Board of the<br />
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.<br />
In 2012, Professor North was appointed chair of<br />
the National Health and Medical Research Council<br />
Research Committee and in 2014 was appointed as<br />
a foundation Fellow of the Australian Academy of<br />
Health and Medical Sciences.<br />
Australian Health Ethics<br />
Committee Chair<br />
Professor Ian Olver AM<br />
Professor Olver is the Director<br />
of the Sansom Institute for<br />
Health Research, Professor of<br />
Translational Cancer Research<br />
and Dean Research Strategy<br />
in the Division of Health Sciences at University of<br />
South Australia. A renowned oncologist, cancer<br />
researcher and bioethicist, he has held senior<br />
positions in Australia and abroad.<br />
With research interests in anticancer drug studies,<br />
symptom control, bio-ethics and psycho-oncology,<br />
Professor Olver is the author of more than 200<br />
journal articles and is a regular commentator on<br />
cancer issues in Australia and internationally.<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
CHAIRS OF PRINCIPAL COMMITTEES<br />
Research Committee Chair<br />
Professor Kathryn North AM<br />
Professor North is the Director<br />
of the Murdoch Childrens<br />
Research Institute and the David<br />
Danks Professor of Child Health<br />
Research at the University<br />
of Melbourne.<br />
Professor North is a neurologist and geneticist and<br />
leads national and international networks focused<br />
on the integration of genomic medicine into clinical<br />
practice for prevention and early intervention.<br />
Professor North has received a number of awards<br />
including the GSK Australia Award for Research<br />
Excellence (2011), the Ramaciotti Medal for<br />
Excellence in Biomedical Research (2012) and<br />
He was appointed a Member of the Order of<br />
Australia (AM) for service to medical oncology as a<br />
clinician, researcher, administrator and mentor, and<br />
to the community through leadership roles with<br />
cancer control organisations.<br />
Health Innovation Advisory<br />
Committee Chair<br />
Professor Graeme Samuel AC<br />
Professor Samuel is a Vice<br />
Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow<br />
in Monash University’s Business<br />
School and co-director of the<br />
Monash Business Policy Forum.<br />
He is also a Member of the Aged Care Financing<br />
Authority, a Commissioner of the National Rugby<br />
League, a Councillor of the Australian National<br />
University, President of Alzheimer’s Australia, and<br />
chair of the South Eastern Melbourne Primary<br />
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PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
Professor Samuel has held a number of roles in<br />
public life including as Chairman of the Australian<br />
Competition and Consumer Commission. He was<br />
appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in<br />
1998. In 2010 he was elevated to a Companion of<br />
the Order of Australia.<br />
Health Translation Advisory<br />
Committee Chair<br />
Professor Sharon Lewin<br />
Professor Lewin is the inaugural<br />
director of the Peter Doherty<br />
Institute for Infection and<br />
Immunity, a joint venture<br />
between the University<br />
of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital;<br />
consultant infectious diseases physician, Alfred<br />
Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; and an NHMRC<br />
Practitioner Fellow. She is an infectious diseases<br />
physician and basic scientist. She leads a large<br />
multi-disciplinary research team that focuses on<br />
understanding why HIV persists on treatment and<br />
developing clinical trials aimed at ultimately finding a<br />
cure for HIV infection.<br />
She was the local co-chair of the International AIDS<br />
Conference (AIDS2014), held in Melbourne in July<br />
2014, which was the largest health conference<br />
ever held in Australia. In 2014, she was named<br />
Melburnian of the Year, an annual award from the<br />
City of Melbourne to an inspirational role model who<br />
has made an outstanding contribution to the city in<br />
their chosen field.<br />
She is active internationally in advocating for increased<br />
investment from the public and private sector in HIV<br />
cure research, a member of the governing council of<br />
the International AIDS Society (IAS) representing the<br />
Asia Pacific region and is on the leadership team of<br />
the IAS’s Strategy Towards an HIV Cure. She chairs<br />
the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Blood Borne<br />
Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections, which<br />
is the peak advisory body on HIV infection to the<br />
Australian Minister for Health.<br />
CHIEF MEDICAL AND HEALTH<br />
OFFICERS<br />
Chief Medical Officer,<br />
Australian Government<br />
Professor Chris Baggoley AO<br />
Professor Baggoley is the<br />
Chief Medical Officer for the<br />
Australian Government and is<br />
the Principal Medical Adviser to<br />
the Minister and the Department<br />
of Health. Professor Baggoley also holds direct<br />
responsibility for the Department of Health’s Office<br />
of Health Protection.<br />
Prior to his appointment Professor Baggoley was the<br />
Chief Executive of the Australian Commission on<br />
Safety and Quality in Health Care. He was a former<br />
Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director with<br />
the South Australian Department of Health. His<br />
clinical career has been in emergency medicine.<br />
New South Wales<br />
Dr Kerry Chant PSM<br />
Dr Chant leads the Population<br />
and Public Health Division<br />
at NSW Health which has<br />
accountabilities for a broad<br />
portfolio of issues, including<br />
tobacco control, reduction of<br />
risk drinking and obesity, the promotion of physical<br />
activity, end of life care and organ donation. She has<br />
a particular interest in the response to HIV, hepatitis<br />
C and hepatitis B and Aboriginal health.<br />
Victoria<br />
Professor Charles Guest (from<br />
1 May 2016)<br />
Professor Guest is the Chief<br />
Health Officer for Victoria. He<br />
has worked in government and<br />
academic public health medicine<br />
in Australia and overseas and<br />
as the Chief Health Officer in the Australian Capital<br />
Territory in 2005 and 2007–11. He originally trained<br />
at the University of Melbourne.<br />
He has academic appointments at University of<br />
Melbourne, Monash University and the Australian<br />
National University.<br />
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Australian Capital Territory<br />
Dr Paul Kelly<br />
Dr Kelly is a public health<br />
physician, Chief Health Officer<br />
for the Australian Capital Territory<br />
and Deputy Director General<br />
(Population Health), Australian<br />
Capital Territory Government<br />
Health Directorate. He is an adjunct professor at<br />
the Australian National University. He has worked<br />
in government and academic public health in<br />
four Australian jurisdictions and in several other<br />
countries. He is a member of two World Health<br />
Organization committees.<br />
Dr Kelly has a particular research interest and<br />
expertise in respiratory infectious diseases,<br />
including tuberculosis and influenza, health services<br />
research and systems approaches to chronic<br />
disease prevention.<br />
Northern Territory<br />
Professor Dinesh Arya<br />
Professor Arya is a Fellow of<br />
the Royal Australian College of<br />
Medical Administrators, Fellow<br />
of the Australian College of<br />
Health Service Management and<br />
the Royal Australian and New<br />
Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He has a Masters<br />
in Business, Masters in Bioethics and Health Law<br />
and an Executive Masters in Public Administration.<br />
Previously Professor Arya has held a variety of<br />
senior executive roles in the health sector in<br />
New Zealand, Western Australia and New South<br />
Wales. He is an accreditation surveyor with the<br />
Australian Council of Health Care Standards and<br />
has held statutory roles as a Member of Mental<br />
Health Review Tribunals in New Zealand and in New<br />
South Wales.<br />
Professor Arya has remained a practising<br />
psychiatrist, academic and researcher with past<br />
adjunct and conjoint appointments in Psychiatry,<br />
Health Management and Business Management<br />
with the University of Otago and Massey University<br />
in New Zealand, the University of Western Australia,<br />
Curtin University, the University of Newcastle and<br />
the Department of Project Management, School of<br />
Engineering, University of Sydney.<br />
South Australia<br />
Professor Paddy Phillips PSM<br />
Professor Phillips is the Chief<br />
Medical Officer and the Chief<br />
Public Health Officer for South<br />
Australia. His portfolio includes<br />
public health, safety and quality,<br />
emergency management,<br />
medical workforce and training, epidemiology,<br />
libraries and research.<br />
He was previously Professor and Head of Medicine,<br />
Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre and<br />
Repatriation General Hospital, Adelaide. Before that<br />
Professor Phillips held senior clinical academic posts<br />
at the University of Melbourne, followed by Oxford<br />
University. His interests are in building a better<br />
health system through innovation, collaboration<br />
and leadership. He remains clinically active in<br />
acute general medicine with interests in health<br />
services research.<br />
Western Australia<br />
Professor Gary Geelhoed<br />
Professor Geelhoed is the Chief<br />
Medical Officer and the Assistant<br />
Director General – Clinical<br />
Services and Research for the<br />
Western Australian Department<br />
of Health. He trained as a<br />
General Paediatrician and a Paediatric Emergency<br />
Physician having graduated from the University of<br />
Western Australia.<br />
Prior to commencing as the Chief Medical Officer,<br />
Professor Geelhoed worked as the Director of<br />
the Emergency Department at Princess Margaret<br />
Hospital for Children for 21 years.<br />
He is a past President of the Australian Medical<br />
Association Western Australia, and a current<br />
Federal and Western Australian Australian Medical<br />
Association Councillor.<br />
Professor Geelhoed’s main research interest lies in<br />
acute respiratory illness in children.<br />
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PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
Tasmania<br />
Professor Anthony Lawler<br />
Professor Lawler is the Director,<br />
Acute Planning and Strategy<br />
and Principal Medical Advisor<br />
(Conjoint) within the Department<br />
of Health and Human Services.<br />
He is also Professor in Health<br />
Services at the University of Tasmania and a<br />
member of the Australian Medical Council’s Special<br />
Education Accreditation Committee. He was<br />
previously the Medical Advisor to the Minister for<br />
Health, Deputy Head of the Tasmanian School of<br />
Medicine and President of the Tasmanian Branch of<br />
the Australian Medical Association.<br />
Anthony is a practising Specialist Emergency<br />
Physician and President of the Australasian College<br />
for Emergency Medicine. He is a Director of<br />
HealthDirect Australia and the Postgraduate Medical<br />
Education Council of Tasmania.<br />
Queensland<br />
Dr Jeannette Young PSM<br />
Dr Young has been the<br />
Queensland Chief Health Officer<br />
since 2005. Previously she<br />
worked in a range of positions<br />
in Queensland and Sydney. She<br />
has specialist qualifications as a<br />
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical<br />
Administrators and as a Fellow by Distinction of<br />
the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal College<br />
of Physicians of the United Kingdom. She is an<br />
Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Environment<br />
and Population Health at Griffith University and an<br />
Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Health<br />
and Social Work at the Queensland University<br />
of Technology.<br />
Her role as Chief Health Officer and Deputy<br />
Director-General includes: responsibility for health<br />
disaster planning and response; aero-medical<br />
retrieval services; licensing of private hospitals; and<br />
policy regarding research; organ and tissue donation;<br />
blood, poisons and medicines; cancer screening;<br />
communicable diseases; environmental health;<br />
preventive health; and medical workforce planning<br />
and leadership.<br />
Dr Young is a member of numerous committees and<br />
boards including: QIMR Berghofer Medical Research<br />
Institute; Australian Health Protection Principal<br />
Committee; Jurisdictional Blood Committee; Organ<br />
and Tissue Jurisdictional Advisory Committee;<br />
National Screening Committee and the Queensland<br />
Clinical Senate.<br />
MEMBERS<br />
Professor Sandra Eades<br />
Member with expertise in the health needs of<br />
Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders:<br />
Professor Eades is the Domain Head of Aboriginal<br />
Health at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute.<br />
Sandra is a Noongar woman from Mount Barker,<br />
Western Australia, and is Australia’s first Aboriginal<br />
medical doctor to be awarded a Doctorate of<br />
Philosophy (2003). Sandra has recently been<br />
appointed a founding Fellow of the new Australian<br />
Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. Sandra’s<br />
research career has focused on the epidemiology of<br />
Indigenous child health in Australia. Over the past<br />
decade, she has made substantial contributions<br />
to the area of Aboriginal health and has provided<br />
leadership at a national level in Aboriginal research.<br />
Ms Karen Carey<br />
Member with expertise in consumer issues<br />
Ms Carey has represented consumers for more than<br />
a decade across all levels of the healthcare system.<br />
She is the chair of the NHMRC Community and<br />
Consumer Advisory Group, the immediate past chair<br />
of the Consumers Health Forum and former chair of<br />
the Health Consumers Council of Western Australia.<br />
Ms Carey’s focus is on building a healthcare<br />
system that highly values prevention and in which<br />
consumers can meaningfully partner with service<br />
providers to deliver safe, effective and cost-effective<br />
care, from individual patient episodes to systemwide<br />
strategic planning and design.<br />
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Professor Michael Kidd AM<br />
Member with expertise in health care training<br />
Professor Kidd is a general practitioner, primary care<br />
researcher, medical educator and author. He is the<br />
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing<br />
and Health Sciences at Flinders University. He is<br />
the current president of the World Organization of<br />
Family Doctors and a past president of the Royal<br />
Australian College of General Practitioners. He is<br />
an elected fellow of the Australian Academy of<br />
Health and Medical Sciences. He is chair of the<br />
South Australian Government’s Clinical Training<br />
Council, and a member of the board of directors of<br />
beyondblue, Therapeutic Guidelines, GPEx, Flinders<br />
Fertility, FCD Health and the Channel 7 Children’s<br />
Research Foundation.<br />
Professor David Story<br />
Member with expertise in professional and postgraduate<br />
medical training<br />
Professor Story is Foundation Chair of Anaesthesia<br />
at the University of Melbourne and Head of the<br />
Anaesthesia, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Unit.<br />
He promotes research, teaching and engagement<br />
at the 14 hospitals affiliated with the University.<br />
His clinical work involves perioperative care for all<br />
surgical specialties including liver transplantation.<br />
Professor Story is a senior investigator with the<br />
Clinical Trials Network of the Australian and New<br />
Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), sits on<br />
the ANZCA Research Committee. His research is<br />
focused on effective approaches to reduce short<br />
term and long-term perioperative risk, complications,<br />
disability and mortality. He is committed to<br />
integrating research evidence and methodology into<br />
safety and quality in health care.<br />
Professor Brendan Crabb AC<br />
Member with expertise in health research and<br />
medical research issues<br />
Professor Crabb is the Director and CEO of Burnet<br />
Institute and the current chair of the Victorian<br />
chapter of the Association of Australian Medical<br />
Research Institutes. Professor Crabb is a molecular<br />
biologist with a particular interest in infectious<br />
diseases and in health issues of the developing<br />
world. His personal research is the development<br />
of a malaria vaccine and the identification of new<br />
treatments for this disease.<br />
He holds Professorial appointments at the University<br />
of Melbourne and Monash University and is a<br />
Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and<br />
Medical Sciences.<br />
He was awarded a Companion of the Order of<br />
Australia (AC) in the 2015 Australia Day Honours<br />
for eminent service to medical science as a<br />
prominent researcher of infectious diseases,<br />
particularly malaria, and their impact on population<br />
health in developing nations, as an advocate,<br />
mentor and administrator, and through fostering<br />
medical research nationally and internationally. He<br />
continues to serve on the board of the Association<br />
of Australian Medical Research Institutes as well as<br />
that of Research Australia.<br />
Professor Jonathan Carapetis<br />
Member with expertise in public health<br />
Professor Carapetis is the Director of the Telethon<br />
Kids Institute in Perth, Western Australia. He holds<br />
separate qualifications as a medical practitioner<br />
(MBBS), specialist paediatrician (FRACP Paediatrics),<br />
specialist infectious diseases physician (FRACP<br />
Infect Dis) and specialist public health physician<br />
(FAFPHM), as well as a PhD.<br />
His research interests include rheumatic fever<br />
and rheumatic heart disease, other group A<br />
streptococcal diseases, vaccine preventable<br />
disease, indigenous child health, child development<br />
and education, youth health and education and skin<br />
sores and scabies.<br />
Previous positions include Director of the Menzies<br />
School of Health Research in Darwin, Northern<br />
Territory, from 2006–12, terms as Director of<br />
the Centre for International Child Health at the<br />
University of Melbourne, Theme Director at the<br />
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute in Melbourne<br />
and Clinical Fellow in Paediatric Infectious Diseases<br />
at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.<br />
Professor Carapetis holds a clinical position with<br />
the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and is a<br />
professor at the University of Western Australia.<br />
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PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
Member<br />
Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO<br />
Professor Scheffer is a paediatric neurologist and<br />
laureate professor at the University of Melbourne,<br />
honorary senior principal research fellow at the<br />
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health<br />
and NHMRC Practitioner Fellow.<br />
Professor Scheffer’s clinical research has helped<br />
to transform the diagnosis and treatment of<br />
epilepsy with a focus on genetics, classification and<br />
translation to improve patient care through precision<br />
medicine approaches. Her research interests<br />
also encompass autism spectrum disorders and<br />
speech and language disorders. She is leading<br />
the International League Against Epilepsy’s new<br />
classification of the epilepsies. She is a founding<br />
fellow and Vice-President of the Australian Academy<br />
of Health and Medical Sciences and is also a Fellow<br />
of the Australian Academy of Science.<br />
Member<br />
Professor Elizabeth Sullivan<br />
Professor Sullivan is Assistant Deputy Vice<br />
Chancellor (Research) and Professor of Public Health<br />
at the University of Technology Sydney. She is a<br />
public health physician, medical epidemiologist<br />
and health services researcher with a strong<br />
commitment to social justice and advancing gender<br />
equality in academia. She is academic lead and hair<br />
of the Self-Assessment Team for Athena SWAN at<br />
the University of Technology Sydney.<br />
Professor Sullivan has a particular interest in rare<br />
and severe conditions in pregnancy, justice health<br />
and Indigenous health. She is a population health<br />
and health systems researcher who is focused<br />
on reducing health inequalities of vulnerable<br />
reproductive populations and improving maternal<br />
and infant outcomes. She has made substantial<br />
contributions to the field of perinatal health.<br />
Previous positions include Professor of Perinatal<br />
and Reproductive Health and Director, Australian<br />
Institute of Health and Welfare National Perinatal<br />
Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, University of<br />
New South Wales, and Head of Research, Family<br />
Planning NSW.<br />
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APPENDIX 3: RESEARCH COMMITTEE<br />
The functions of the Research Committee, as set out in section 35(2) of the NHMRC Act, are:<br />
• to advise and make recommendations to the Council on the application of the Medical Research<br />
Endowment Account (MREA)<br />
• to monitor the use of assistance provided from the MREA<br />
• to advise the Council on matters relating to medical research and public health research, including the<br />
quality and scope of such research in Australia<br />
• such other functions as the Minister from time to time determines in writing after consulting the CEO<br />
• any other functions conferred on the Committee by the NHMRC Act, the regulations or any other law.<br />
MEMBERSHIP OF THE RESEARCH COMMITTEE<br />
CHAIR<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
Professor Kathryn North AM is the chair of the Research Committee<br />
MEMBERS<br />
Professor Warren Alexander<br />
Associate Professor James Bourne<br />
Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite<br />
Professor Peter Ebeling AO<br />
Professor Timothy Hughes<br />
Professor Maria Kavallaris<br />
Professor Bronwyn Kingwell<br />
Professor Peter Leedman<br />
Associate Professor Daniel McAullay<br />
Professor Sandy Middleton<br />
Associate Professor Ben Solomon<br />
Professor Nicholas Talley<br />
Professor Helena Teede<br />
Professor Rosalie Viney<br />
Professor Patsy Yates<br />
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APPENDIX 4: AUSTRALIAN HEALTH<br />
ETHICS COMMITTEE<br />
The functions of the Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC), as set out in section 35(3) of the NHMRC<br />
Act, are:<br />
• to advise the Council on the ethical issues relating to health<br />
• to develop and give the Council human research guidelines under subsection 10(2) of the NHMRC Act<br />
• any other functions conferred on the Committee in writing by the Minister after consulting the CEO<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
• any other functions conferred on the Committee by the NHMRC Act, the regulations or any other law.<br />
AHEC’s composition is specified in the NHMRC Act. Members draw on expertise in philosophy, the ethics of<br />
medical research, public health and social science research, clinical medical practice and nursing, disability,<br />
law, religion and health consumer issues.<br />
Under section 36(2) of the NHMRC Act, AHEC’s membership must include individuals who, collectively, have<br />
membership of all the other Principal Committees.<br />
MEMBERSHIP OF THE AUSTRALIAN HEALTH ETHICS COMMITTEE<br />
CHAIR<br />
Professor Ian Olver AM is the chair of AHEC<br />
MEMBERS<br />
Associate Professor Mark Arnold<br />
Ms Rebecca Davies<br />
Emeritus Professor Anne Edwards<br />
Professor Helen Edwards<br />
Associate Professor Clara Gaff<br />
Professor Louisa Jorm<br />
Associate Professor Karen Liu<br />
Associate Professor Daniel McAullay<br />
Reverend Kevin McGovern<br />
Professor Dianne Nicol<br />
Professor Peter Procopis<br />
Dr Sarah Winch<br />
Professor Ingrid Winship<br />
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APPENDIX 5: EMBRYO RESEARCH LICENSING<br />
COMMITTEE<br />
The Embryo Research Licensing Committee (ERLC) oversees the Research Involving Human Embryos Act<br />
2002 and the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002. The legislation prohibits certain<br />
practices, including human cloning for reproduction. It regulates use of excess human embryos created<br />
through assisted reproductive technology (ART), the creation of embryos by other means and use of such<br />
embryos for research purposes. It is an offence to use an excess ART embryo unless it is an exempt use or<br />
is authorised by a licence issued by the Embryo Research Licensing Committee.<br />
MEMBERSHIP OF THE EMBRYO RESEARCH LICENSING COMMITTEE<br />
CHAIR<br />
Professor Constantine (Con) Michael AO is the chair of the ERLC. He satisfies the requirement of having a<br />
person with expertise in the regulation of assisted reproductive technology on the committee.<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
Professor Dianne Nicol<br />
Professor Sheryl de Lacey<br />
Professor Martin Pera<br />
Dr Anne Clark<br />
Associate Professor Bernadette Richards<br />
Mr Robert Pask<br />
Mr Michael Condon<br />
Professor Patrick Tam<br />
A member of the Australian Health Ethics Committee<br />
A person with expertise in research ethics<br />
A person with expertise in a relevant area of research<br />
A person with expertise in assisted reproductive technology<br />
A person with expertise in a relevant area of law<br />
A person with expertise in consumer health issues relating to<br />
disability and disease<br />
A person with expertise in consumer issues relating to<br />
assisted reproductive technology<br />
A person with expertise in embryology<br />
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APPENDIX 6: HEALTH TRANSLATION<br />
ADVISORY COMMITTEE<br />
The Health Translation Advisory Committee (HTAC) advises the CEO and Council of NHMRC on opportunities<br />
to improve health outcomes in areas including clinical care, public, population and environmental health,<br />
communicable diseases and prevention of illness through effective translation of research into health care<br />
and clinical practice.<br />
The functions of HTAC, as gazetted by the Minister on 29 June 2015, are to advise the CEO and Council on:<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
• major challenges, current issues and trends in health and health care, including those specific to<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples<br />
• priorities and strategies to address these challenges<br />
• strategies to promote research translation into practice and policy<br />
• promoting dissemination and implementation of research findings and NHMRC-issued guidelines<br />
• any other matter referred to by the CEO.<br />
MEMBERSHIP OF THE HEALTH TRANSLATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE<br />
Members have clinical or research expertise and experience in areas such as clinical practice, health<br />
services, new technologies including genomics, public health, health economics, evidence evaluation and<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.<br />
CHAIR<br />
Professor Sharon Lewin is the chair of HTAC<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
Professor Sam Berkovic AC<br />
Professor Yvonne Cadet-James<br />
Professor Rosemary Calder AM<br />
Associate Professor Clara Gaff<br />
Mr Toby Hall<br />
Professor Michael Nilsson<br />
Professor Vlado Perkovic<br />
Professor John Prins<br />
Professor Steve Webb<br />
Professor Steve Wesselingh<br />
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APPENDIX 7: HEALTH INNOVATION<br />
ADVISORY COMMITTEE<br />
The Health Innovation Advisory Committee (HIAC) advises the CEO and Council of NHMRC on current and<br />
emerging issues related to the development, commercialisation and uptake of innovative technologies and<br />
practices arising from health and medical research.<br />
The functions of HIAC, as gazetted by the Minister on 29 June 2015, are to advise the CEO and Council of<br />
NHMRC on:<br />
• strategies to foster the development and uptake of innovative technologies and practices to improve<br />
human health, including the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples<br />
• strategies to promote collaboration between the health and medical research and commercial sectors<br />
• creating a culture of commercialisation for the translation of research into health outcomes<br />
• any other matter referred by the CEO.<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
MEMBERSHIP OF THE HEALTH INNOVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE<br />
Members have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in areas such as emerging technologies,<br />
commercialisation and intellectual property development and protection.<br />
CHAIR<br />
Professor Graeme Samuel AC is the chair of HIAC<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
Professor Matthew Cooper<br />
Professor Edwina Cornish AO<br />
Ms Rebecca Davies<br />
Dr Kerry Hegarty<br />
Associate Professor Kelvin Kong<br />
Dr Dean Moss<br />
Dr Buzz Palmer<br />
Mr Nehemiah Richardson<br />
Dr Chris Roberts<br />
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APPENDIX 8: COMMISSIONER OF<br />
COMPLAINTS BIOGRAPHY<br />
Professor Don Chalmers is a distinguished Professor at the University of Tasmania and Director of the Centre<br />
for Law and Genetics. He is a Foundation Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law and is chair of the Gene<br />
Technology Ethics and Community Consultative Committee. Professor Chalmers is also chair of the Data<br />
Access Committee of the International Cancer Genome Consortium and the deputy chair of the Human<br />
Genome Organisation Ethics Committee.<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
Professor Chalmers was chair of the Australian Red Cross Ethics Committee from 2000–10. He has also<br />
served on other bodies, including the Commonwealth Organ and Tissue Authority (2008–11); Board of the<br />
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Council (2007–11); Board of the Australian Institute of Family Studies<br />
(1998–2006); and Commonwealth Biotechnology Advisory Council (1999–2002). Professor Chalmers was<br />
Law Reform Commissioner for Tasmania (1991–97); consultant to the Australian Law Reform Commission<br />
<strong>Report</strong> on genetic privacy (2001–03); and chair of the Australian Institute of Health, Law and Ethics (2002–<br />
05). He was chair of the NHMRC Australian Health Ethics Committee from 1994–2000, during which time<br />
the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research was published; deputy chair of the NHMRC<br />
Embryo Research Licensing Committee (2014–12); a member of the NHMRC Human Genetics Advisory<br />
Committee (2006–09); and a member of other NHMRC committees.<br />
In 2010, Professor Chalmers received the NHMRC Ethics Award and the Australian Red Cross Distinguished<br />
Service Award.<br />
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APPENDIX 9: PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS<br />
Public consultation<br />
Draft Chapter 3.6: Xenotransplantation of the National Statement on Ethical<br />
Conduct in Human Research<br />
Consultation on a revised Position Statement on Safety <strong>Report</strong>ing and<br />
Monitoring in Clinical Trials Involving Therapeutic Goods<br />
Closing date<br />
8 June 2016<br />
27 May 2016<br />
Consultation on the production and publication of trustworthy clinical practice<br />
guidelines in Australia<br />
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Draft amendments to Chapters Six<br />
and Ten<br />
Ethical guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology in clinical<br />
practice and research<br />
22 January 2016<br />
15 January 2016<br />
17 September 2015<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Draft amendments to Chapters Six<br />
and Eight<br />
31 August 2015<br />
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APPENDIX 10: GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
AC<br />
Companion of the Order of Australia<br />
ACSQHC Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care<br />
AHEC<br />
Australian Health Ethics Committee<br />
AHPPC<br />
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee<br />
AHRTC<br />
Advanced Health Research and Translation Centre<br />
AI<br />
Administering Institution<br />
AM<br />
Member of the Order of Australia<br />
ANAO<br />
Australian National Audit Office<br />
ANZCO<br />
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists<br />
APS<br />
Australian Public Service<br />
ARC<br />
Australian Research Council<br />
ARIC<br />
Australian Research Integrity Committee<br />
ART<br />
Assisted Reproductive Technology<br />
CBRN<br />
chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear<br />
CDF<br />
Career Development Fellowship<br />
CEO<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
CI<br />
Chief Investigator<br />
CPR<br />
Commonwealth Procurement Rules<br />
CRE<br />
Centres of Research Excellence<br />
DFAT<br />
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade<br />
EAP<br />
Employee Assistance Program<br />
ERLC<br />
Embryo Research Licensing Committee<br />
FODMAPs Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols<br />
FOI Act Freedom of Information Act 1982<br />
GRP<br />
Grant Review Panel<br />
HIAC<br />
Health Innovation Advisory Committee<br />
HoMER<br />
Harmonisation of Multi-Centre Ethical Review<br />
HREA<br />
human research ethics application<br />
HREC<br />
human research ethics committee<br />
HREP<br />
human research ethics portal<br />
HTAC<br />
Health Translation Advisory Committee<br />
IAS<br />
International AIDS Society<br />
ICGC<br />
International Cancer Genome Consortium<br />
iMRIs<br />
independent Medical Research Institutes<br />
IPP<br />
Indigenous Procurement Policy<br />
IPS<br />
Information Publication Scheme<br />
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IREG<br />
IRIISS<br />
JPco-fuND<br />
JPND<br />
MREA<br />
NABERS<br />
NFFC<br />
NGOs<br />
NHMRC<br />
Indigenous Research Ethics Guidelines<br />
Independent Research Institute Infrastructure Support Scheme<br />
A call for European research projects on neurodegenerative diseases: risk and protective<br />
factors, longitudinal cohort approaches and advanced experimental models<br />
European Union Joint Program – Neurodegenerative Disease<br />
Medical Research Endowment Account<br />
National Australian Built Environment Rating System<br />
not for further consideration<br />
non-government organisations<br />
National Health and Medical Research Council<br />
NHMRC Act National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992<br />
NHPA<br />
NNIDR<br />
NSFC<br />
OIAC<br />
OTA<br />
PCIC<br />
National Health Priority Area<br />
NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research<br />
National Natural Science Foundation of China<br />
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner<br />
Organ and Tissue Authority<br />
Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus<br />
PHCR Act Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002<br />
PGPA Act Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013<br />
PGPA Rule Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014<br />
PIR<br />
RC<br />
RF<br />
RGMS<br />
post implementation review<br />
Research Committee<br />
Research Fellowship<br />
Research Grants Management System<br />
RIHE Act Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002<br />
RMF<br />
RMS<br />
SME<br />
SSR<br />
SToRE<br />
TCR<br />
TSANZ<br />
WHCOs<br />
WHSAs<br />
Risk Management Policy and Framework<br />
Rehabilitation Management System<br />
Small and Medium Enterprise<br />
Strategic Risk Register<br />
Synthesis and Translation of Research Evidence<br />
Targeted Calls for Research<br />
Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand<br />
Workplace Harassment Contact Officers<br />
Work Health and Safety Arrangements<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
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APPENDIX 11: COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST<br />
PGPA Rule<br />
Reference<br />
Part of<br />
<strong>Report</strong><br />
Description Requirement Location<br />
17AD(g)<br />
Letter of transmittal<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
17AI<br />
17AD(h)<br />
Aids to access<br />
A copy of the letter of transmittal signed<br />
and dated by accountable authority on date<br />
final text approved, with statement that the<br />
report has been prepared in accordance<br />
with section 46 of the Act and any enabling<br />
legislation that specifies additional<br />
requirements in relation to the annual report.<br />
Mandatory<br />
17AJ(a) Table of contents. Mandatory iii<br />
17AJ(b) Alphabetical index. Mandatory 185–189<br />
ii<br />
17AJ(c) Glossary of abbreviations and acronyms. Mandatory 176<br />
17AJ(d) List of requirements. Mandatory 178–183<br />
17AJ(e) Details of contact officer. Mandatory Inside cover<br />
17AJ(f) Entity’s website address. Mandatory Back cover<br />
17AJ(g) Electronic address of report. Mandatory www.nhmrc.gov.<br />
au/guidelinespublications/nh172<br />
17AD(a)<br />
17AD(a)<br />
17AD(b)<br />
17AE(1)(a)(i)<br />
17AE(1)(a)(ii)<br />
17AE(1)(a)(iii)<br />
17AE(1)(a)(iv)<br />
Review by accountable authority<br />
A review by the accountable authority of the<br />
entity.<br />
Overview of the entity<br />
A description of the role and functions of the<br />
entity.<br />
A description of the organisational structure<br />
of the entity.<br />
A description of the outcomes and<br />
programmes administered by the entity.<br />
A description of the purposes of the entity as<br />
included in corporate plan.<br />
Mandatory 2–5<br />
Mandatory 6–7<br />
Mandatory 7<br />
Mandatory 25<br />
Mandatory 24<br />
17AE(1)(b)<br />
An outline of the structure of the portfolio of<br />
the entity.<br />
Portfolio<br />
Departments<br />
- Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
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PGPA Rule<br />
Reference<br />
Part of<br />
<strong>Report</strong><br />
Description Requirement Location<br />
17AE(2)<br />
Where the outcomes and programs<br />
administered by the entity differ from<br />
any Portfolio Budget Statement, Portfolio<br />
Additional Estimates Statement or other<br />
portfolio estimates statement that was<br />
prepared for the entity for the period, include<br />
details of variation and reasons for change.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
17AD(c)<br />
<strong>Report</strong> on the Performance of the entity<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> performance Statements<br />
17AD(c)(i);<br />
16F<br />
17AD(c)(ii)<br />
17AF(1)(a)<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> performance statement in accordance<br />
with paragraph 39(1)(b) of the Act and section<br />
16F of the Rule.<br />
<strong>Report</strong> on Financial Performance<br />
A discussion and analysis of the entity’s<br />
financial performance.<br />
Mandatory 26–83<br />
Mandatory 120<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
17AF(1)(b)<br />
A table summarising the total resources and<br />
total payments of the entity.<br />
Mandatory 121<br />
17AF(2)<br />
If there may be significant changes in the<br />
financial results during or after the previous<br />
or current reporting period, information on<br />
those changes, including: the cause of any<br />
operating loss of the entity; how the entity<br />
has responded to the loss and the actions<br />
that have been taken in relation to the<br />
loss; and any matter or circumstances that<br />
it can reasonably be anticipated will have<br />
a significant impact on the entity’s future<br />
operation or financial results.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
17AD(d)<br />
Management and Accountability<br />
Corporate Governance<br />
17AG(2)(a) Information on compliance with section 10<br />
(fraud systems).<br />
Mandatory 95–96<br />
17AG(2)(b)(i)<br />
A certification by accountable authority that<br />
fraud risk assessments and fraud control<br />
plans have been prepared.<br />
Mandatory<br />
ii<br />
17AG(2)(b)(ii)<br />
A certification by accountable authority that<br />
appropriate mechanisms for preventing,<br />
detecting incidents of, investigating or<br />
otherwise dealing with, and recording or<br />
reporting fraud that meet the specific needs<br />
of the entity are in place.<br />
Mandatory<br />
ii<br />
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PGPA Rule<br />
Reference<br />
Part of<br />
<strong>Report</strong><br />
Description Requirement Location<br />
17AG(2)(b)(iii)<br />
A certification by accountable authority that<br />
all reasonable measures have been taken to<br />
deal appropriately with fraud relating to the<br />
entity.<br />
Mandatory<br />
ii<br />
17AG(2)(c)<br />
An outline of structures and processes in<br />
place for the entity to implement principles<br />
and objectives of corporate governance.<br />
Mandatory 87–92<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
17AG(2)(d)<br />
– (e)<br />
17AG(3)<br />
External Scrutiny<br />
A statement of significant issues reported<br />
to Minister under paragraph 19(1)(e) of the<br />
Act that relates to non-compliance with<br />
Finance law and action taken to remedy noncompliance.<br />
Information on the most significant<br />
developments in external scrutiny and the<br />
entity’s response to the scrutiny.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
Mandatory 93<br />
17AG(3)(a)<br />
Information on judicial decisions and<br />
decisions of administrative tribunals and by<br />
the Australian Information Commissioner<br />
that may have a significant effect on the<br />
operations of the entity.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
93<br />
17AG(3)(b)<br />
Information on any reports on operations<br />
of the entity by the Auditor-General<br />
(other than report under section 43 of the<br />
Act), a Parliamentary Committee, or the<br />
Commonwealth Ombudsman.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
17AG(3)(c)<br />
Information on any capability reviews on the<br />
entity that were released during the period.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
Management of Human Resources<br />
17AG(4)(a)<br />
17AG(4)(b)<br />
An assessment of the entity’s effectiveness<br />
in managing and developing employees to<br />
achieve entity objectives.<br />
Statistics on the entity’s APS employees on<br />
an ongoing and non-ongoing basis; including<br />
the following:<br />
• Statistics on staffing classification level<br />
• Statistics on full-time employees<br />
• Statistics on part-time employees<br />
• Statistics on gender<br />
• Statistics on staff location<br />
• Statistics on employees who identify as<br />
Indigenous.<br />
Mandatory 110–116<br />
Mandatory 110–112<br />
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PGPA Rule<br />
Reference<br />
Part of<br />
<strong>Report</strong><br />
Description Requirement Location<br />
17AG(4)(c)<br />
Information on any enterprise agreements,<br />
individual flexibility arrangements, Australian<br />
workplace agreements, common law<br />
contracts and determinations under<br />
subsection 24(1) of the Public Service Act<br />
1999.<br />
Mandatory 113<br />
17AG(4)(c)(i)<br />
Information on the number of SES and non-<br />
SES employees covered by agreements etc<br />
identified in paragraph 17AD(4)(c).<br />
Mandatory 113<br />
17AG(4)(c)(ii)<br />
17AG(4)(c)(iii)<br />
17AG(4)(d)(i)<br />
The salary ranges available for APS<br />
employees by classification level.<br />
A description of non-salary benefits provided<br />
to employees.<br />
Information on the number of employees<br />
at each classification level who received<br />
performance pay.<br />
Mandatory 113<br />
Mandatory 114<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
17AG(4)(d)(ii)<br />
Information on aggregate amounts of<br />
performance pay at each classification level.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
17AG(4)(d)(iii)<br />
Information on the average amount of<br />
performance payment, and range of such<br />
payments, at each classification level.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
17AG(4)(d)(iv)<br />
Information on aggregate amount of<br />
performance payments.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
Assets Management<br />
17AG(5)<br />
An assessment of effectiveness of assets<br />
management where asset management is a<br />
significant part of the entity’s activities.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
Purchasing<br />
17AG(6)<br />
17AG(7)(a)<br />
Consultants<br />
An assessment of entity performance against<br />
the Commonwealth Procurement Rules.<br />
A summary statement detailing the number<br />
of new contracts engaging consultants<br />
entered into during the period; the total actual<br />
expenditure on all new consultancy contracts<br />
entered into during the period (inclusive of<br />
GST); the number of ongoing consultancy<br />
contracts that were entered into during a<br />
previous reporting period; and the total actual<br />
expenditure in the reporting year on the<br />
ongoing consultancy contracts (inclusive of<br />
GST).<br />
Mandatory 99–100<br />
Mandatory 100–101<br />
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PGPA Rule<br />
Reference<br />
Part of<br />
<strong>Report</strong><br />
Description Requirement Location<br />
17AG(7)(b)<br />
A statement that “During [reporting period],<br />
[specified number] new consultancy<br />
contracts were entered into involving total<br />
actual expenditure of $[specified million].<br />
In addition, [specified number] ongoing<br />
consultancy contracts were active during the<br />
period, involving total actual expenditure of<br />
$[specified million]”.<br />
Mandatory 100<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
17AG(7)(c)<br />
17AG(7)(d)<br />
A summary of the policies and procedures<br />
for selecting and engaging consultants and<br />
the main categories of purposes for which<br />
consultants were selected and engaged.<br />
A statement that “<strong>Annual</strong> reports contain<br />
information about actual expenditure on<br />
contracts for consultancies. Information on<br />
the value of contracts and consultancies is<br />
available on the AusTender website.”<br />
Mandatory 100<br />
Mandatory 99<br />
Australian National Audit Office Access Clauses<br />
17AG(8)<br />
Exempt contracts<br />
If an entity entered into a contract with<br />
a value of more than $100 000 (inclusive<br />
of GST) and the contract did not provide<br />
the Auditor-General with access to the<br />
contractor’s premises, the report must<br />
include the name of the contractor, purpose<br />
and value of the contract, and the reason why<br />
a clause allowing access was not included in<br />
the contract.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
99<br />
17AG(9)<br />
If an entity entered into a contract or there<br />
is a standing offer with a value greater than<br />
$10 000 (inclusive of GST) which has been<br />
exempted from being published in AusTender<br />
because it would disclose exempt matters<br />
under the FOI Act, the annual report must<br />
include a statement that the contract or<br />
standing offer has been exempted, and the<br />
value of the contract or standing offer, to the<br />
extent that doing so does not disclose the<br />
exempt matters.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
Small business<br />
17AG(10)(a)<br />
A statement that “[Name of entity]<br />
supports small business participation in the<br />
Commonwealth Government procurement<br />
market. Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)<br />
and Small Enterprise participation statistics<br />
are available on the Department of Finance’s<br />
website.”<br />
Mandatory 99<br />
182<br />
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PGPA Rule<br />
Reference<br />
Part of<br />
<strong>Report</strong><br />
Description Requirement Location<br />
17AG(10)(b)<br />
An outline of the ways in which the<br />
procurement practices of the entity support<br />
small and medium enterprises.<br />
Mandatory 99–100<br />
17AG(10)(c)<br />
17AD(e)<br />
17AD(f)<br />
If the entity is considered by the Department<br />
administered by the Finance Minister as<br />
material in nature—a statement that “[Name<br />
of entity] recognises the importance of<br />
ensuring that small businesses are paid on<br />
time. The results of the Survey of Australian<br />
Government Payments to Small Business are<br />
available on the Treasury’s website.”<br />
Financial Statements<br />
Inclusion of the annual financial statements in<br />
accordance with subsection 43(4) of the Act.<br />
Other Mandatory Information<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
99<br />
Mandatory 126–157<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
17AH(1)(a)(i)<br />
If the entity conducted advertising<br />
campaigns, a statement that “During<br />
[reporting period], the [name of entity]<br />
conducted the following advertising<br />
campaigns: [name of advertising campaigns<br />
undertaken]. Further information on those<br />
advertising campaigns is available at [address<br />
of entity’s website] and in the reports on<br />
Australian Government advertising prepared<br />
by the Department of Finance. Those reports<br />
are available on the Department of Finance’s<br />
website.”<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
N/A<br />
17AH(1)(a)(ii)<br />
If the entity did not conduct advertising<br />
campaigns, a statement to that effect.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
102<br />
17AH(1)(b)<br />
A statement that “Information on grants<br />
awarded to [name of entity] during [reporting<br />
period] is available at [address of entity’s<br />
website].”<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
10<br />
17AH(1)(c)<br />
17AH(1)(d)<br />
Outline of mechanisms of disability reporting,<br />
including reference to website for further<br />
information.<br />
Website reference to where the entity’s<br />
Information Publication Scheme statement<br />
pursuant to Part II of FOI Act can be found.<br />
Mandatory 112, 115<br />
Mandatory 96<br />
17AH(1)(e)<br />
Correction of material errors in previous<br />
annual report.<br />
If applicable,<br />
Mandatory<br />
105<br />
17AH(2) Information required by other legislation. Mandatory 90–91<br />
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The difference a national<br />
clinical guideline can make –<br />
Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate<br />
CASE STUDY<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
Cerebral palsy and cognitive dysfunction are the<br />
most common neurologic impairments associated<br />
with preterm birth (before 37 weeks gestation). In<br />
2008, the cost of cerebral palsy to the Australian<br />
community, including financial cost and lost<br />
wellbeing, was estimated to be AUD$3.87 billion<br />
per annum. In per capita terms, this is $115,000 per<br />
person each year.<br />
“In 2009, it was<br />
discovered that giving<br />
magnesium sulphate to<br />
women prior to preterm<br />
birth reduces the risk of<br />
cerebral palsy.”<br />
The babies of more than 4,000 pregnant Australian<br />
women are at risk, but only 63 women needed to<br />
be treated to benefit one baby through avoiding<br />
cerebral palsy.<br />
The Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate guidelines<br />
were developed recommending that women at<br />
risk of early preterm birth use magnesium sulphate<br />
for neuroprotection of the fetus, infant and child.<br />
The guidelines met NHMRC’s requirements and<br />
standards, which are designed to ensure that<br />
guidelines are based on the best-available scientific<br />
evidence, and were endorsed by NHMRC in<br />
November 2010.<br />
The estimated rate of uptake of this guideline in<br />
Australian and New Zealand tertiary maternity<br />
hospitals is approximately 90 per cent. These<br />
guidelines will therefore have significant positive<br />
outcomes for the health and wellbeing of preterm<br />
infants and their families, resulting in significant<br />
financial savings for the Australian community.<br />
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INDEX<br />
A<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, 110,<br />
112<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, 2, 13, 27,<br />
33, 38, 39, 41, 49–50, 61, 63, 70, 92, 172, 173<br />
ethics, 30, 80–82, 90<br />
targeted research priorities, 38<br />
about the NHMRC, 6–10<br />
acronyms and abbreviations, 176–177<br />
address and contact details, i<br />
administering institutions, 48<br />
Advanced Health Research and Translation Centres,<br />
4, 28, 59–60, 61–62, 64<br />
advertising and market research, 102<br />
Agency for Science, Technology and Research,<br />
Singapore, 57, 58<br />
agency resource statement, 121<br />
alcohol, 28, 62<br />
Animal Welfare Committee, 80<br />
animals in research, 2, 80, 82, 88, 90<br />
annual reports<br />
Australian Research Integrity Committee, 98<br />
Commissioner of Complaints, 102<br />
anti-venom, 9, 120<br />
applications for funding see research funding<br />
arthritis, 33<br />
asset management, 101<br />
assisted reproductive technology<br />
guidelines on, 5, 30, 80–82, 90<br />
legislation governing, 89, 90–91, 171<br />
asthma, 33<br />
Audit Committee, NHMRC, 94–95<br />
Auditor-General’s report, 123–124<br />
AusTender, 99<br />
Australasian Cochrane Centre, 50<br />
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, 175<br />
Australian Government priorities, 26, 32, 38<br />
Australian Health Ethics Committee, 5, 73, 81, 87,<br />
89, 176<br />
functions and membership, 90, 170<br />
Australian Health Protection Principal Committee,<br />
28, 60<br />
Australian National Audit Office, 87<br />
access clauses, 99<br />
Australian Privacy Principles, 96<br />
Australian Research Council, 5, 26, 43, 52<br />
Australian Research Integrity Committee, 98<br />
awards, NHMRC, 11–15<br />
B<br />
blood lead levels, see lead exposure guide<br />
big data, use of, 27, 51, 52<br />
Boosting Dementia Research initiative, 9, 26, 43–44<br />
C<br />
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 38<br />
Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 49<br />
cardiovascular disease, 2, 5, 33, 66<br />
Career Development Fellowships, 10, 11, 15, 39–40,<br />
41, 69<br />
Cases for Action, 60<br />
Centres of Research Excellence, 10, 36, 50, 103, 176<br />
Chair of Council, 88<br />
Chief Executive Officer, 160, 176<br />
functions, 86, 87, 123<br />
letter of transmission, ii<br />
review 2015–16, 2–5<br />
children, physical activity, 16–17<br />
chronic health problems partnership centre, 59<br />
clinical practice guidelines, 5, 29, 65–68<br />
Clinical Practice Guidelines Portal, 66, 67<br />
Clinical Trials Advisory Committee, see Health<br />
Translation Advisory Committee<br />
clinical trials, 29, 57, 61, 72–73, 77, 92, 120, 175<br />
Ready initiative, 73<br />
web portal, 73<br />
Cochrane Collaboration, 9, 56, 120<br />
Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, 59, 65<br />
commercialisation of research, 7, 69, 70, 71, 92, 173<br />
Commissioner of Complaints, 102–103<br />
Commonwealth Ombudsman, 93<br />
complaints and feedback, 102–103<br />
compliance checklist, 178–183<br />
consultancy services, 100–101<br />
consultation, public, 175<br />
corporate governance, 87–92<br />
Council, NHMRC, 88<br />
membership, 162–168<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
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185
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
D<br />
data access and sharing, 27, 51, 52, 53<br />
data strategy, 92<br />
principles, 27, 52<br />
decisions review, 93<br />
dementia research, 25, 26, 28, 43–44, 57, 58<br />
Australian Research Council, 26, 43<br />
Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia<br />
Research, 43<br />
funding, 9, 10, 33, 39–41, 43–44, 57, 58<br />
Dementia Research Development Fellowships<br />
scheme, 39–41, 43, 44<br />
Dementia Research Team Grants scheme, 44,<br />
57, 58, 64<br />
National Institute for Dementia Research, 10, 26,<br />
28, 43, 58, 62, 64, 104, 177<br />
priority areas for research, 26, 44,<br />
Development Grants scheme, 29, 54, 69<br />
diabetes funding, 10, 33<br />
research, 38, 66,<br />
disability, Australian Network on Disability, 115<br />
reporting, 110, 112<br />
drinking water, 175<br />
E<br />
Early Career Fellowships, 10, 13, 18, 39–40, 41, 49,<br />
103<br />
Embryo Research Licensing Committee, 30, 83, 87,<br />
89, 90, 171, 176<br />
functions and membership, 171<br />
employees<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, 110, 112<br />
carers, 112<br />
classifications, 110, 111, 112<br />
diverse cultural and linguistic background, 110,<br />
112<br />
enterprise agreements, 113<br />
gender, 110, 111<br />
number, 110, 111<br />
performance pay, 114<br />
SES employment agreements, 113<br />
with disability, 110, 112<br />
energy consumption, NHMRC, 104<br />
enterprise agreements, 113<br />
environmental performance, 103–104<br />
Equipment Grants, 10<br />
ethical guidelines for animal-to-human trials, 90<br />
Ethical guidelines for organ transplantation from<br />
deceased donors, 5, 30, 80, 81, 82, 90<br />
ethical standards, 30, 76, 77<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, 30,<br />
80–82, 90<br />
assisted reproductive technology, 5, 30, 80–82,<br />
90<br />
European Union, 38<br />
Joint Program – Neurodegenerative Diseases,<br />
44, 58, 177<br />
evidence reviews, access to, 62, 63, 64<br />
Executive, NHMRC, 7<br />
biographies, 160–161<br />
exempt contracts, 99<br />
expenses, 25<br />
external scrutiny, 93<br />
F<br />
fellowships, 10, 14–15, 38, 39–42, 43–44, 64, 69<br />
women, 41–42<br />
financial performance, 119–157<br />
financial statements, 122–157<br />
forum, dementia, 44<br />
evidence-practice gaps, Aboriginal and Torres<br />
Strait Islander, 27, 50<br />
fraud prevention, 95–96, ii<br />
freedom of information, 96–97<br />
funding, schemes, review, 26, 37<br />
international collaboration, 26, 47<br />
multidisciplinary proposals, 26, 45<br />
G<br />
gender equity in research, 41<br />
gender of employees, 110, 111<br />
genetics-based research, 77<br />
genomics, 3, 9, 10, 11, 51, 52<br />
targeted call for research, 37, 38<br />
Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases, 37, 38<br />
Global Alliance for Genomics and Health, 51, 52<br />
grants, 9–10, 32, 38–42, 44–45, 47–49, 53–54,<br />
69–71, 102<br />
structural review of grant program, 3, 37<br />
Global Research Collaboration for Infectious<br />
Diseases Preparedness, 51<br />
guidelines, statements and information papers, 4–5<br />
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research<br />
Ethics Guidelines, 30, 80, 81, 90<br />
Australian Immunisation Handbook, The, 5, 66<br />
Clinical practice guidelines and principles of care<br />
for people with dementia, 5, 65<br />
Clinical practice guidelines: PSA Testing and<br />
Early Management of Test-Detected Prostate<br />
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Cancer 5, 66<br />
National Evidence Based Guideline on<br />
Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease<br />
in Type 2 Diabetes, 5, 66<br />
Patient Blood Management Guidelines, 5, 65, 88<br />
Principles for Accessing and Using Publicly<br />
Funded Data for Health Research, 27, 52<br />
H<br />
Health Care grants, 60<br />
Health Innovation Advisory Committee, 29, 70, 71,<br />
87, 89, 92, 176<br />
functions and membership, 173<br />
Health Research Council of New Zealand, 49<br />
Health Translation Advisory Committee, 28, 57, 61,<br />
64, 87, 91, 172, 176<br />
functions and membership, 172<br />
human cloning, 6, 30, 83, 86, 90, 171, 177<br />
human embryos, 6, 30, 83, 89, 90–91, 171, 177<br />
human genetics, 77<br />
human research ethics application, 72, 73, 176<br />
committees, 75, 76, 176<br />
portal, 75, 176<br />
L<br />
lead exposure guide, 88<br />
legislative framework, 86<br />
letter of transmittal, ii<br />
Ley, the Hon. Sussan, ii, 6, 16, 43, 44, 58<br />
list of requirements, 178–183<br />
M<br />
metadata, 27, 51, 52<br />
Medical Research Endowment Account, 2, 3, 9, 25,<br />
26, 32, 49, 89, 120, 169, 177<br />
Medical Research Future Fund, 3<br />
Medical Research Institutes see independent<br />
Medical Research Institutes<br />
mental health, 33, 37, 114<br />
Minister for Health and Aged Care, 6<br />
Ministerial Advisory Committees, 92<br />
ministerial directions, 93<br />
multidisciplinary research, 45–47<br />
collaborative research funding, 47<br />
engagement strategy, 46<br />
funding proposals, 45<br />
tropical health research program, 46–47<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
I<br />
identifiers, researcher, 51<br />
immunisation, 66<br />
independent Medical Research Institutes, 2, 27, 48,<br />
78<br />
Independent Research Institute Infrastructure<br />
Support Scheme, 48, 177<br />
infectious diseases, 4, 28, 36, 51, 57, 60, 63<br />
information and communications technology<br />
initiatives, 67<br />
information papers see guidelines, statements and<br />
information papers<br />
integrity, 5, 74–83<br />
summary, 30<br />
International Cancer Genome Consortium, 51<br />
International Engagement Strategy 2016–2019,<br />
NHMRC, 46<br />
investment, 2–4, 31–54<br />
summary, 26–27<br />
J<br />
judicial decisions, 93<br />
K<br />
Kelso, Professor Anne see Chief Executive Officer<br />
N<br />
NABERS energy rating, 104, 177<br />
National Approach to Single Ethical Review, 30,<br />
75–76<br />
National Health and Medical Research Council Act<br />
1992, 6, 86, 177<br />
National Health Priority Areas, 32, 33<br />
National Institute for Dementia Research, 10, 26, 28,<br />
43, 58, 62, 64, 104, 177<br />
National Natural Science Foundation of China, 38<br />
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human<br />
Research, 5, 30, 75, 77, 80, 82, 90, 175<br />
NHMRC – EU Collaborative Research Grants, 10, 38,<br />
44, 58<br />
non-human primates, research using, see Policy<br />
on the Care and Use of Non-Human Primates for<br />
Scientific Purposes<br />
Northern Australia Tropical Disease Collaborative<br />
Research Program, 4, 45–46, 56, 57, 58<br />
O<br />
obesity and healthy eating, 3, 57, 58,<br />
targeted call for research, 10, 33, 37, 38, 57<br />
objectives, NHMRC, 25<br />
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner,<br />
87, 96, 177<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> of the National Health and Medical Research Council <strong>2015–2016</strong><br />
187
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
open access, 51, 52<br />
Open Research and Contributor ID, 51<br />
Organ and Tissue Authority, 82<br />
organ transplant guidelines, 5, 30, 80–82, 90<br />
organisational structure, 8<br />
outcome and program structure, 25<br />
overview, 1–21<br />
P<br />
parliamentary committee reviews, 93<br />
partnership centres, 59, 64, 65<br />
Partnership Projects<br />
grants scheme, 32, 64<br />
review, 38<br />
partnerships, 2, 5, 9, 16, 38, 58, 65, 75, 77, 81<br />
funding, 9, 10, 28, 59, 120<br />
Partnerships for Better Health, 59<br />
review, 38<br />
performance pay, 114<br />
performance report, 23–83<br />
philanthropic funding, 26, 36<br />
physical activity, children, 16–17<br />
Policy on the Care and Use of Non-Human Primates<br />
for Scientific Purposes, 5, 80, 82<br />
Portfolio Budget Statement, 25, 26, 32, 36, 43, 44,<br />
45, 53, 59, 64, 65, 72, 75, 76, 77, 80, 83<br />
Practitioner Fellowships, 10, 14, 39, 40, 41<br />
Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus, 5, 27, 49,<br />
177<br />
principal committees, NHMRC, 5, 36, 86, 87, 88,<br />
89–92<br />
priority-driven research, 3, 28, 48, 57<br />
privacy, 96<br />
procurement, 99–101<br />
Program Grants, 9, 10, 13, 41, 42, 120<br />
Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act<br />
2002, 90, 91<br />
monitoring and compliance, 91<br />
Project Grants, 10, 13, 29, 41–42, 47, 70, 71,<br />
prostate cancer, 66<br />
public consultations, 175<br />
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability<br />
Act 2013, 86, 94, 177<br />
publications, 64<br />
open access, 52<br />
see also guidelines, statements and information<br />
papers<br />
purchasing, 99<br />
purpose, NHMRC, 24<br />
R<br />
Reconciliation Action Plan, 115<br />
research certification scheme, 75<br />
Research Committee, NHMRC, 38, 87, 89–90<br />
functions and membership, 169<br />
Research Fellowships scheme, 10, 14, 39, 40, 41, 42<br />
research funding, 9, 10<br />
applications, 36, 37, 45–46, 47<br />
Centres of Research Excellence, 36<br />
expenditure, 9, 10<br />
National Health Priority Areas, 26, 28, 32, 33,<br />
56, 58, 177<br />
objectives, 25<br />
partnership centres, 59<br />
Partnership Projects, 4, 9, 10, 38, 58, 59, 64, 120<br />
peer review, 53, 54<br />
Targeted call, 36, 37<br />
Research Grants Management System, 53–54, 95,<br />
101, 177<br />
Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002, 6, 30,<br />
83, 86, 89, 90–91, 171, 177<br />
monitoring and compliance, 90–91<br />
research misconduct, 5, 30, 77–79, 95, 98<br />
research pillars, 26, 39<br />
research projects, 10 of the best NHMRC, 18–21<br />
research reviews, 5, 30<br />
Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct, 5,<br />
30, 77–78, 79, 95, 98<br />
Ethical guidelines on the Use of Assisted<br />
Reproductive Technology in Clinical Practice and<br />
Research, 5, 30, 80, 82, 90, 171, 175<br />
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in<br />
Human Research, 5, 30, 75, 77, 80, 82, 90, 175<br />
research translation, 24, 25, 28, 29, 43, 44, 45, 49,<br />
55–73, 87, 89, 91–92<br />
symposium, 28, 61<br />
workshop, 28, 59, 61<br />
Health Translation Advisory Committee, 179<br />
Research Translation Faculty, 59, 60<br />
Research Translation Symposium, 28, 61, 64<br />
researchers<br />
identifiers for, 52<br />
support schemes, 26, 39<br />
resources, 25<br />
responsible Minister, 6, 86<br />
results summary, 26–30<br />
revenue, 9, 120<br />
risk management, 94–95<br />
role and functions, 6–7<br />
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S<br />
scholarships, 10, 39–41, 42<br />
science and research priority, 34–35<br />
senior executives, biographies, 160–161<br />
senior management committees, 87–92<br />
Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and<br />
Research, 57, 58<br />
small business procurement, 99–100<br />
Statement on Data Sharing, 51, 52<br />
statements see guidelines, statements and<br />
information papers<br />
strategy for health and medical research, NHMRC,<br />
7, 24<br />
strategic priorities, 24, 32, 38, 86<br />
Symposium on Research Translation,4, 28, 29, 61, 64<br />
T<br />
Targeted calls for research, 3, 37, 49, 88, 177<br />
genomics, 3, 9, 10, 37, 38<br />
obesity, 3, 10, 37, 38, 57<br />
wind farms, 3, 10, 37<br />
Translating Research into Practice Fellowships, 10,<br />
39, 40, 41<br />
tribunal matters and decisions, 93, 97<br />
tropical disease research, see Northern Australia<br />
Tropical Disease Collaborative Research Program<br />
Type 2 diabetes, 66<br />
U<br />
Universities Australia, 5<br />
V<br />
venom research, 9, 120<br />
video conferencing capability, 53, 54, 101<br />
W<br />
waste management, NHMRC, 104<br />
water fluoridation, 62–63, 64, 66, 68<br />
water conservation, NHMRC, 104<br />
Wellcome Trust, 51, 52<br />
wind farms, 3, 10, 37<br />
Targeted call for research, 37<br />
Women, Chief Investigators, 26, 41–42<br />
Women in Health Science Working Committee, 26,<br />
41<br />
women in research, 2, 6, 46<br />
Women, NHMRC employees, 111, 112<br />
Women, preterm magnesium sulphate case study,<br />
184<br />
work health and safety, 114<br />
workforce planning, 112–113<br />
PART 6 APPENDICES<br />
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189
www.nhmrc.gov.au<br />
GPO Box 1421, Canberra ACT 2601<br />
16 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT<br />
13 000 NHMRC (13 000 64672) or 02 6217 9000<br />
nhmrc@nhmrc.gov.au