Background on Australia's Key Research Funding Bodies
The Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) play central roles in supporting research across the country. The ARC funds a wide range of disciplines through its National Competitive Grants Program, while the NHMRC focuses on health and medical research via the Medical Research Endowment Account. Both bodies have long emphasised integrity, originality and responsible conduct in line with the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research.
The Announcement of Updated Generative AI Policies
On 28 April 2026 the CEOs of the ARC and NHMRC issued a joint statement releasing revised policies on the use of generative artificial intelligence in grant applications and peer review. The updates apply immediately to ARC and NHMRC schemes and reflect the rapid evolution of AI tools while safeguarding research quality and trust.
Core Principles of the New Policies
Both policies position generative AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. Applicants may use AI to assist with drafting, editing or organising ideas, provided they retain full responsibility for accuracy, originality and integrity. All content must undergo human verification to meet the standards of the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research. Transparency about AI assistance is encouraged where it adds clarity, though the policies stop short of mandating disclosure in every case.
Guidance for Grant Applicants
Researchers preparing proposals are advised to treat AI outputs with caution. Fact-checking remains essential because AI-generated text can contain inaccuracies or outdated information. Applicants must ensure that intellectual content remains their own and that any use of AI does not compromise confidentiality, privacy or intellectual property. The policies highlight risks such as data leakage when prompts are entered into public AI systems and urge users to avoid sharing sensitive project details.
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Rules for Peer Reviewers and Assessors
Peer reviewers face stricter limits. Generative AI may help with grammar, clarity or summarising comments, but evaluating, critiquing or scoring applications is reserved for human assessors. The NHMRC policy explicitly states that using AI for these core review functions would breach principles of peer review. Both bodies stress that final decisions and assessments must reflect independent human expertise.
Alignment with Existing Research Integrity Frameworks
The new guidelines reinforce obligations already set out in the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research. Researchers must continue to uphold standards of honesty, rigour and accountability. Any misuse of AI that leads to plagiarism, fabrication or breaches of confidentiality could trigger institutional investigations or funding sanctions. The policies therefore serve as a practical extension of long-standing integrity requirements rather than a radical departure.
Implications for Australian Universities and Researchers
University research offices are updating internal training and support materials to help staff navigate the changes. Early-career researchers and PhD candidates applying for their first grants are particularly encouraged to seek advice from grant development teams before final submission. The policies aim to level the playing field so that responsible AI use does not disadvantage applicants who prefer traditional methods.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Sector Response
Feedback from the sector has been broadly positive, with many welcoming the clarity after months of uncertainty. University associations and research integrity offices have praised the balance between innovation and caution. Some commentators note that the policies align Australia with similar guidance emerging from other national funders while remaining firmly grounded in local research ethics frameworks.
Practical Steps for Researchers Moving Forward
Applicants are advised to document their AI use internally, verify all facts and figures, and maintain human oversight throughout the writing process. Institutions may develop checklists or workshops to embed these practices. Peer reviewers should likewise ensure that any AI assistance is limited to mechanical tasks and never influences substantive judgments.
Looking Ahead: Evolving AI Use in Research Funding
As generative AI capabilities continue to advance, the ARC and NHMRC have indicated they will monitor developments and update guidance as needed. The current policies provide a stable foundation that supports responsible experimentation while protecting the core values of Australian research. Researchers who stay informed and prioritise integrity will be best placed to benefit from these tools in future funding rounds.
