Image: Sam Watson. Credit: supplied by subject.

Growing up in small-town Ulverstone in Tasmania, Sam Watson may not have envisioned that one day he would be walking through the doors of the prestigious Oxford University on a full scholarship.  

And yet, the recent recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship – which provides fully paid tuition, a stipend, and return airfare – will commence his postgraduate studies there in 2025. 

The prestigious scholarship recognises outstanding all-round students. For Sam, it’s the culmination of all of his hard work and dedication to his values. 

Read more: A lifetime of advocacy leads College of Business and Economics alumnus to Oxford University

Set4ANU mentor registrations for Semester 1, 2025 are now open. Mentors play a vital role in welcoming new students to the ANU and assisting in their transition. Set4ANU provides opportunities for students who mentor to improve communication and relationship building skills, all while helping new students at ANU. 

Registration closes Thursday 21 November. 

Learn more: Become a Set4ANU Mentor in 2025 

Monday 4 November, 5.30-7.30pm 

Join the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions at the 2024 ANU Solar Oration to hear the Director of Climate Energy Finance, Tim Buckley, explore the global solar energy shift, including Australia's innovative strides in solar and wind generation. Discover how technology and international cooperation are reshaping the future of energy. 

Register now: ANU Solar Oration 2024 

Tuesday 5 November, 5.30-7.00pm 

The 85th George E. Morrison Lecture in Ethnology will be presented by Professor Leigh Jenco from the London School of Economics who will be exploring act of transmission in Chinese political theory. 

Register now: Theorizing Transmission in Chinese Political Thought

Wednesday 6 November, 5.30-7pm 

The 2024 Coral Bell School Annual Lecture on Indigenous Diplomacy will be delivered by Professor Sheryl Lightfoot, North American Member on the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

Register now: When the ordinary becomes radical, Indigenous participation at the UN 

Wednesday 6 November, 5.30-7.00pm 

Join a public lecture by ANU Research School of Social Sciences visiting fellow in sociology, Professor Karen Throsby, on The Biopedagogies of Sugar. Discover the hidden truths about sugar and its impact on society. 

Register now: The Biopedagogies of Sugar 

Thursday 7 November, 6-7.30 

The ANU School of Politics and International Relations invites academics, students, and interested attendees to join an expert panel discussion on the 2024 presidential election and its potential implications for the future of American democracy and beyond, the realities facing women and minority groups, and the role of the United States on the global stage. 

Register now: The 2024 USA Presidential Election 

Friday 8 November, 9am–5pm 

This one-day workshop hosted by the ANU School of History will bring together scholars working at ANU and other institutions from around Australasia to present research papers investigating women’s experiences of gender-based violence in different contexts, particularly in the political, domestic, legal, and ecclesiastical spheres. 

Register now: Women, Gender, and Violence from Antiquity to the Middle Ages 

Photo Credit: Kassapa Senarath/ANU

The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) marked its 75th anniversary with a symposium on 24 October 2024, celebrating its transformative journey in advancing medical research in Australia. Founded in honour of Prime Minister John Curtin, JCSMR has grown into a leading research institution and the proud home of three Nobel Laureates. 

This milestone event welcomed JCSMR's own Nobel Laureate distinguished Professor Peter Doherty as the guest of honour, who emphasised the importance of great institutions in driving scientific innovation. 

Read more: Celebrating 75 years of groundbreaking discovery 

The ANU Information Security Office is introducing a brand-new Cyber Sense Training series featuring ANU alumnus and comedian Chris Ryan plus a few other familiar faces. Right now, you can watch the Cyber Sense Introduction Training video here. Coming in November are three exciting modules on phishing, protecting your privacy, and protecting your device. So, stay tuned as ANU out these important modules, especially during Cyber Security Awareness Month. 

Learn more: New Cyber Sense Training Series

Events are an important part of the university experience, but they also produce a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Good news is there are easy steps we can take to have a positive impact.  

Explore the Carbon Smart Event Guide for suggestions such as ANU tree tours, potluck picnics and a cycling tour of key Canberra sights.  

Learn more: Carbon smart end-of-year events

John Safran will be in conversation with Professor Kim Rubenstein on his new book Squat, in which he recounts his time squatting in a Hollywood celebrity’s abandoned mansion.

Enter now for a chance to win one of two copies of Squat. Plus have your copy signed on the night of Tuesday 12 November. 

The competition closes at noon AEDT on Friday 8 November.

Enter now: Meet the Author John Safran Giveaway

If you are dealing with a personal or university-related issue, including distress related to the conflict in the Middle East, the University encourages you to seek support through the ANU Student Safety and Wellbeing team by emailing student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or calling 02 6125 2211, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm.

You can also visit our Urgent Support page for a list of 24/7 and crisis support options.