Last week, ANU hosted the Australian launch of the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials. This Centre sees ANU as part of a global partnership to transform the way materials are sourced, processed, used and recycled to make them more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

Our research capability extends beyond the sciences – it also includes how we engage with, respect and acknowledge the culture and voice of our First Nations people.

Read more: VC Message - Rites of passage

All ANU students are required to complete the Rights, Relationships and Respect program. The program covers concepts relating to sexual consent and respectful relationships, as well as important information about ANU care and support services. By completing the program, you will be helping to make ANU a safer, more respectful, and more inclusive place for everyone. The program will take you around one hour to complete.  Remember to watch all videos in the program to achieve 100 per cent completion. 

Learn more: Rights, Relationships and Respect program 

The University is thrilled to announce the long-anticipated launch of its childcare centres University Preschool Child Care Centre (UPCCC) and Heritage Early Childhood Centre (HECC). The new facilities officially opened on Monday 3 February and the children and staff are settling in well.  

Chief Campus Environment Officer Jeremy Matthew says the Campus Environment Division is very excited to see childcare within our University transition to state-of-the-art modern facilities. “Whilst the project had challenging timelines, it was delivered successfully. This wouldn’t have been achieved without the tremendous support and dedication of our ANU staff, childcare providers and our consultant and contracting teams.” 

Both centres currently have vacancies. Families seeking childcare services should contact the centres directly.

For this Faces of ANU feature, meet Alikhlas Lahaya, a driven and determined student who embarked on a joint Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy at ANU in June 2024.  With nearly ten years of experience working in different institutions back home, this new chapter has brought both challenges and opportunities, broadening Alikhlas view of the world. 

Learn more: Alikhlas Lahaya's journey at ANU

Monday 10 February, 9.30-11am 

Kick off O-Week by attending the 2025 Commencement: New Student Address. Hear from key speakers, including our Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Genevieve Bell, ANU alumna and TV presenter Lee Constable, Dr Weliton Menário Costa, a transdisciplinary Latin-queer artist, scientist and ‘kangaroo whisperer’ and enjoy a Welcome to Country by Mr Paul Girrawah House, senior Ngambri-Ngunnawal custodian of the Canberra region.

Registration is mandatory to attend this event.   

Register now: 2025 Commencement Address 

Monday 10 February – Friday 14 February, 8am–11.59pm 

Register for the O-Week Discovery Trail, an interactive self-guided adventure around campus for students commencing their studies at ANU in Semester 1, 2025. Discover the services and resources available to support your studies and wellbeing and go in the draw to win one of ten ANU O-Week T-shirts. 

Register now: O-Week Discovery Trail 

Monday 10 February, 4-6pm 

Join us for the Birch Lecture featuring Roberta Sessoli from the University of Florence, a leading expert in single-molecule magnets and quantum technologies. Sessoli will discuss her career achievements in her presentation, Spins in Molecules: A Versatile Platform for Quantum Technologies. 

The lecture will be followed by a reception with drinks and canapés. 

Register now: 2025 Birch Lecture 

Thursday 13 February, 5-7pm 

Join Professor Mark Howden, Director of the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions for his final Climate Update as he concludes a decade of leadership. The event will present the latest climate research, including global temperature records, climate impacts, and emission challenges. 

Reflecting on key changes during his tenure, Professor Howden will share insights and a vision for a better path forward. 

Register now: ANU Climate Update 2025 

The McCusker Institute is a groundbreaking initiative designed to give students the chance to tackle real-world challenges, make a positive social impact and grow as community-minded leaders. This initiative is made possible by a generous $5 million donation from the McCusker Charitable Foundation and support from the National Priorities Industry Linkage Fund.

Sign up for Info Sessions during O-week to find out about the McCusker Institute’s SoCIETIE curriculum initiative and join the first cohort in Semester 1.

Learn more: Join the McCusker Institute at ANU

The University's Smoke-Free Policy prohibits the use of all smoking products (tobacco products, herbal products, personal vaporisers or personal vaporiser products) on all ANU campuses. This includes residences, buildings, properties, grounds and study and workspaces.  

There is a range of support services available to assist in reducing or quitting smoking. You can also access counselling services through ANU, visit the ANU Medical Centre or talk to your own health care practitioner for support.  

Learn more: ANU is a smoke-free campus

PaperCut, a new Follow-Me printing system, is coming. Print from any Multi-Function Printer on campus with your ANU ID card. From early February 2025, you’ll see PaperCut gradually rolled out in libraries and residences, followed by the rest of the University. 

We are also making a few improvements to your printing experience: 

- Top up credit and ask for refund in one place. 

- Report printing issues through a dedicated Service Desk ticket. 

- Install the new ‘Print-At-ANU’ queue to print directly from applications such as Word, Excel, etc.

Students’ printing quota remains the same. Any existing balance will be carried over to the new system. Instructions are now live on the ANU website. Check it out so you know how to use the new system.

Learn more: PaperCut a new printing experience   

ANU is pleased to announce that Australian Red Cross has been contracted to provide First Aid training to ANU students and staff. Red Cross will commence service on campus mid-February 2025 offering an extensive range of First Aid training courses. Sessions are designed to equip first aiders with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies.   

Costs associated with required training for designated first aid officers will be covered by the University. See the 2025 timetable for Red Cross First Aid training.  

Please contact whs@anu.edu.au if you have further queries. 

Help is available if you need it. If you are dealing with a personal or University-related issue, ANU encourages you to seek support through the 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.