Codes and Guidelines

The ARC is committed to the highest standards of integrity in all aspects of research it supports. This includes ensuring that ARC-funded research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks, obligations and standards; as well as the development and support of a research environment that is underpinned by a culture of integrity. To encourage responsible research practices, all Proposals and ARC-funded research Projects are either recommended or required to conform to the principles outlined in the following and their successor documents, as stipulated within the scheme-specific funding rules:

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The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018) 

In June 2018, the ARC, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Universities Australia (the co-authors) issued the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 (the Code) and the Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Code (the Investigation Guide).

The Code articulates the broad principles that characterise an honest, ethical and conscientious research culture. It outlines the expectations for the conduct of research in Australia or research conducted under the auspices of Australian institutions. The new Investigation Guide will assist institutions to manage, investigate and resolve complaints about potential breaches of the Code.

The 2018 Code and Investigation Guide replace the 2007 version of the Code. NHMRC, ARC and Universities Australia expect institutions to meet the requirements of the 2018 Code and Investigation Guide by no later than 1 July 2019.

• Further information relevant to the implementation of the 2018 Code and Investigation Guide is available on the NHMRC website.
   

Supplementary Guides supporting implementation of the Code

The ARC, NHMRC and Universities Australia are developing a series of supplementary guides designed to support institutions and researchers to implement and comply with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (the Code).

The following guides have been released and can be downloaded from the  NHMRC’s website:

• Authorship 
• Management of Data and Information in Research 
• Peer Review 
• Disclosure of Interests and Management of Conflicts of Interest
• Research Supervision
• Collaborative Research
• Publication and Dissemination of Research
• Research Integrity Advisors

ARC Research Integrity Policy

The policy outlines requirements for institutions, and individuals engaged in ARC business, to report to the ARC research integrity matters, and the action the ARC may take in response to reported breaches of the Code. It also describes how the ARC can refer concerns or complaints to research institutions, who, in accordance with the Code, are responsible for managing and investigating potential breaches of the Code.
 

National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research

The National Principles of Intellectual Property (IP) Management for Publicly Funded Research (the National Principles) were developed by a working party of the Australian Government’s Coordinating Committee on Innovation.

The National Principles were developed to assist researchers, research managers and research institutions develop best practice in identifying, protecting and managing IP, thus ensuring appropriate commercial outcomes from publicly funded research.

The intention of the National Principles is simply to improve the commercial outcomes from publicly funded research where a commercial outcome is appropriate. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) publicly announced the adoption of these National Principles in April 2013.
 

The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023)—Effective 1 January 2024

The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2023 was issued on 29 June 2023. The 2023 National Statement will take effect, and replace, the 2007 National Statement from 1 January 2024. Co-authored by NHMRC, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia (UA), the National Statement is Australia’s principal human research guideline setting out the requirements for the ethical design, review and conduct of human research in Australia.

The 2023 National Statement and a summary of amendments can be found on NHMRC's website. The major changes in this update are to Chapter 2.1 and Section 5.
 

Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders

Developed by NHMRC, Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders provides a set of principles to ensure research is safe, respectful, responsible, high quality, of benefit to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people and communities.
 

AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research

The Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies embody the best standards of ethical research and human rights. It is essential that Indigenous people are full participants in research projects that concern them, share an understanding of the aims and methods of the research, and share the results of this work. At every stage, research with and about Indigenous peoples must be founded on a process of meaningful engagement and reciprocity between the researcher and Indigenous people.
 

Creative Australia Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts

These protocols endorse the rights of Indigenous people to their cultural heritage and supports Indigenous creative practice. They encourage self-determination and help build a strong and diverse Indigenous arts sector.

The ARC recognises that the protocols may have broad application, and, as applicable, advises that any researchers accessing, using or reproducing music, literature, arts, images or ceremonies of Indigenous peoples, or Indigenous cultural materials, conduct their research in accordance with these protocols.
 

The Australian Code For The Care And Use Of Animals For Scientific Purposes 8^th edition (2013) - Updated 2021

Endorsed by the NHMRC, the ARC, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Universities Australia the purpose of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes is to promote the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals used for scientific purposes. The ethical framework and governing principles set out in the Code provide guidance for investigators, teachers, institutions, animal ethics committees and all people involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. The Code encompasses all aspects of the care and use of animals for scientific purposes where the aim is to acquire, develop or demonstrate knowledge or techniques in any area of science.
 

Other guidelines relating to the use of animals for scientific purposes, as promulgated by the NHMRC

NHMRC provides additional guidelines and information for Animal Ethics Committees and researchers, relating to particular fields of research or types of animals. These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition (2013). They are available on NHMRC’s website and include, but are not limited to:

• Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes: The assessment and alleviation of pain and distress in research animals (2008); and
• A Guide to the care and use of Australian native mammals in research and teaching (2014). 

Support for ANZCCART’s Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia

The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) launched the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia in August 2023.

The Australian Research Council (ARC) supports this work and the agreement and commits to fostering openness in relation to the use of animals in research. The ARC acknowledges the importance of research involving animals and emphasises the need to ensure animal research adheres to appropriate ethical principles.

All ARC-funded research must comply with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

Individual institutions are responsible for determining whether they become signatories to, or supporters of, the Openness Agreement.