Annual Report 2015–2016

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Governance bodies form a key part of NHMRC’s assurance processes. These include the Council of NHMRC
and the following Principal Committees:
• Research Committee (RC)
• Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC)
• Health Innovation Advisory Committee (HIAC)
• Health Translation Advisory Committee (HTAC).
These committees enable NHMRC to work collaboratively with the research community to ensure desired
results are achieved. In addition to statutory obligations under the NHMRC Act, NHMRC is accountable
to Commonwealth bodies including the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Australian Public Service
Commission, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the Australian Commission for Law
Enforcement Integrity and the Australian National Audit Office.
The CEO is advised and supported by the Council of NHMRC and assisted by a number of Principal
Committees. The CEO, the Council and the Principal Committees are appointed by the Minister for Health.
NHMRC operates on a triennium basis, with the Council and Principal Committees re-appointed every three
years. The last triennium concluded in June 2015, and a new Council and new Principal Committees have
been appointed for the current triennium, which will run until June 2018.
PART 3 operating environment
Figure 10
NHMRC governance structure
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Chair of Council/Council
Research Committee
Australian Health Ethics Committee
Health Innovation Advisory Committee
Office of the NHMRC
Health Translation Advisory Committee
Embryo Research Licensing Committee
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