Annual Report 2015–2016

Target 3: Refine guidance for researchers to consider data and metadata
management in their research
Corporate Plan
Continue to refine guidance for researchers to consider data and
metadata management when planning and conducting research by
regularly reviewing relevant guidelines.
Work
ongoing
NHMRC requires that any publication arising from NHMRC supported research must be deposited into
an open access institutional repository and/or made available in another open access format within a
12-month period from the date of publication. NHMRC also requires that metadata of their publications be
made available immediately upon publication.
PART 2 Performance Report
NHMRC continues to encourage researchers to share their data as broadly as possible through the NHMRC
Data Sharing Statement.
Target 4: Release the NHMRC Principles for accessing and using publicly funded
data for health research
Corporate Plan
Finalise and release the NHMRC Principles for accessing and using
publicly funded data for health research.
Achieved
The Principles for Accessing and Using Publicly Funded Data for Health Research provide information and
guidance for researchers and organisations when researchers seek permission from organisations to access
and use data for their research.
These principles were finalised and issued by the CEO in January 2016. Australian Government data
custodians and the research sector were advised of this release, with advice on how to implement
the principles.
Outcome 7: Promote access to and use of ‘big data’ to improve health
NHMRC has continued to work with national and international agencies to promote the use
and sharing of data.
Internationally, this has included working with the Wellcome Trust, Global Alliance for Genomics and Health
and the International Cancer Genome Consortium. Nationally, NHMRC is working with the Australian
National Data Service, Universities Australia, Council of Australian University Libraries, Australasian Open
Access Support Group, and the Australian Research Council to develop an open access goals and principles
document for Australia. NHMRC is also updating its open access policies and has joined the Australian
ORCID Consortium, working with the research sector to make research more accessible.
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Annual Report of the National Health and Medical Research Council 2015–2016