Priority area 6: Research and development

Support the development and deployment of evidence-based solutions

Innovation and research are essential for successful AI adoption across NSW Health, and the local development of solutions.

Conducting high quality and relevant research ensures evidence-based approaches, better health outcomes and allows for AI risks and benefits to be effectively evaluated, monitored and managed.

Principles

Evidence-based

Research is critical to the successful implementation of new AI initiatives.

Recognise that research provides a better understanding of clinical readiness and relevance of AI systems.
Commit to safety by using research methods to test, validate and monitor AI implementations.
Translate evidence-based AI systems to improve priority health outcomes and sustainability.

Relevant innovation

Encourage quality AI research and development that is designed to address real-world healthcare challenges.

Advocate for AI research funding opportunities that align with NSW Health priorities.
Promote innovation and research that improves equity and access.
Support growth in AI research capability and understanding for consumers and personnel.

Collaboration

Leading authentic collaboration with stakeholders to grow AI research capability and opportunities across NSW Health.

Prioritise partnerships across industry, academia and with consumers to better understand how AI can contribute to solving problems and improve health outcomes.
Encourage and support personnel to undertake AI research activities.

Policy and guidance

Below are the key considerations for integrating AI, along with current policies and guidance that outline healthcare and technology obligations around research and development.

Topic	Current policies and guidance
Conduct safe and ethical AI research	Research – Ethical and Scientific Review of Human Research in NSW Public Health Organisations Policy (PD2010_055) Sets out the requirements for ethical and scientific review of human research that takes place in NSW public health organisations. Source: NSW Health Research Governance in NSW Public Health Organisations Guideline (GL2011_001) Summarises the principles, standards and requirements for the responsible conduct of quality research; and clarifies the responsibilities and accountabilities of key parties involved in research taking place in NSW public health organisations. Source: NSW Health Research – Authorisation to Commence Human Research in NSW Public Health Organisations Policy (PD2010_056) Sets out the requirements for site authorisation by the chief executive or delegate before human research can take place in NSW public health organisations. Source: NSW Health Policy on Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Grant Applications and Peer Review Guidance on the use of generative AI for grant applicants and peer reviewers. Source: National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 A framework for responsible research conduct that provides a foundation for high-quality research, credibility and community trust in the research endeavour. Source: National Health and Medical Research Council Our policy on research integrity Guidance on maintaining research integrity and complying with the NHMRC's Integrity Policy. Source: National Health and Medical Research Council
Grow an AI research ecosystem and partner with key stakeholders	NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy 2025–2030 Outlines the unique role NSW Health can play in driving research and innovation for health impact over the next 5 years. The strategy guides all research and innovation activities across NSW Health, based on 6 key strategic outcomes. Source: NSW Health AI system implementation issues and risk mitigation: Living Evidence Summaries of the latest international evidence on new and promising innovations in the use of AI to support healthcare. Source: NSW Health Critical Intelligence Unit

Practice

Practice areas	Considerations
Develop an AI research landscape	Leverage existing funding and advocate for targeted funding mechanisms that address key needs for consumers Contribute representative datasets to effectively train AI systems, with appropriate legal settings in place, to enable use of datasets in AI systems Collaborate with key stakeholders nationally and internationally to ensure consumer and clinician input into new AI systems
Generate and translate AI research findings	Build AI research capability by providing support for clinician researchers to collaborate on new AI opportunities Establish a thriving AI lab and pipeline to safely and efficiently transfer AI research findings into practice Consider AI-specific guidance for research ethics and governance practices

Challenges and opportunities

Growing AI research and development requires specific regulatory and ethical frameworks, sustainable funding, a skilled workforce, and secure data-sharing mechanisms to support responsible model development.

Addressing these needs will strengthen AI innovation, clinical trial design and improve recruitment opportunities. Using evidence-based approaches to implement and continuously monitor AI systems will ensure safe, ethical and effective solutions.

Previous:Priority area 5: Safety, ethics and quality

Next:Priority area 7: Industry