Nomination form for NHMRC /MRFF Advisory Committees 2027-2030

FAQs

When do the appointments take effect?

Most appointments will commence on or after 1 July 2027. Some committees may not be announced or start until late in 2027. Appointments will be for up to three years.

What expertise is being sought?

A range of expertise and experience is required across the various committees.

Nominees are usually exceptional and recognised leaders in their domain – which may be research, community/consumer involvement, philanthropy, business/industry or healthcare and health services – with an interest research and/or a passion for improving health outcomes for the Australian community. It is also important that the diversity of our community is reflected in our committees.

Specific expertise is required for the Australian Health Ethics Committee, including people with expertise in philosophy, the ethics of medical research, public health and social science research, clinical medical practice and nursing, disability, law, religion and health consumer issues.

Specific expertise is required for the Embryo Research Licensing Committee, including people with expertise in research ethics, research, assisted reproductive technology, law, consumer health issues, the regulation of assisted reproductive technology, and embryology.

How will I hear the outcome of my nomination?

All appointments are in-confidence until announced by either the Minister for Health and Ageing or the NHMRC CEO (in conjunction with the Department and/or ARC, as applicable). Unsuccessful nominees will not be notified in advance of these announcements. We invite you to subscribe to NHMRC's Tracker newsletter and the MRFF newsletter to receive notification about the announcement of appointments.

Does this nomination process cover all NHMRC and MRFF advisory committees?

No, NHMRC and the MRFF maintain a range of committees that are established through different processes and with different start and end dates.

This nomination process excludes AMRAB, MRFF expert advisory panels and any other working committees not listed above.

How will my expertise or suitability be verified? Do you check with referees?

NHMRC, the Department and ARC have several avenues to confirm the information provided in nominations, including information on the public record and enquiries made through our networks and existing members.

I may have a conflict of interest – can I still be considered?

Recipients of, or potential applicants for, NHMRC, ARC and/or MRFF grant funding are not excluded from participating in NHMRC Council, Principal Committees, NHMRC-MRFF joint advisory committees or NHMRC-ARC joint advisory committees.

As members are appointed for their expertise and experience, this can on occasion give rise to an actual, or perceived, conflict of interest. Disclosure of interests by members, prior to, and throughout the life of an appointment, is a requirement of appointment. Shortlisted members will be invited to complete the Private Interests Declaration form.

Further information is available in the following policy documents:

• NHMRC Policy on the Disclosure of Interests Requirements for Prospective and Appointed Committee Members
• MRFF Declarations of Interest Policy Statement (health.gov.au)
• Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Policy | Australian Research Council

Embryo Research Licensing Committee members must not hold a pecuniary interest in a body that undertakes uses of human embryos in research, including the use of excess embryos from assisted reproductive technology or the creation and use of human embryos created by processes other than fertilisation.

What is the time commitment / workload?

The time commitment varies by committee and may include participation in sub-committees or working groups, as well as formal meetings and meeting preparation.

As a general guide, most committees, including the NHMRC-MRFF joint advisory committees, generally meet around 3 times per year for at least 5 hours or up to a full-day at a time. NHMRC Council and NHMRC Research Committee usually meet for two-full days at a time (3 times per year).

Meeting preparation involves reading and considering agenda papers (in advance) and may include preparing material for presentation at meetings or in working groups.

Where are meetings held?

Meetings may be held via videoconference or in person usually at NHMRC’s Canberra office.

Are members paid for their time?

Members are considered part-time holders of public office and are remunerated for their meeting attendance in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 (NHMRC Act) and guidance from the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal.

A person may not be eligible to receive remuneration if they are employed on a full-time basis by:

• the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
• an entity established by or under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation.

This generally means that members employed by government agencies, legislatively established universities, public hospitals, health services, or certain medical research institutes may not be eligible for remuneration, if already employed on a full-time basis. Part-time employment is not relevant to establishing remuneration eligibility for NHMRC committees.

NHMRC and the Department values lived experience as a form of expertise. Consumer and community representatives who contribute to NHMRC committees, advisory groups and peer review processes should be appropriately recognised and remunerated for their time and expertise, consistent with legislative requirements and Commonwealth remuneration arrangements. Consumer and community representatives, where eligible, receive remuneration in accordance with the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal determination, which may include remuneration for substantive preparation work undertaken before meetings.

What other expenses are covered?

Members are entitled to NHMRC-funded travel to attend in-person meetings; this includes transport and accommodation booked by NHMRC and the provision of meals or a meal allowance as specified by the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal. Members may be reimbursed for incidental expenses associated with meeting attendance, such as taxi fares and airport parking.