It’s been nearly 175 years since the first university opened its doors in Sydney. It’s been a little over 150 years since the first legislation passed in Melbourne creating the conditions for compulsory education for children between the ages of six and 15. Which means by the time Australia federated in 1901, there were universities and an entire infrastructure of primary and secondary schools in every state. And that remains true today.

Read more: VC message, making certainty

VSS process update

Information and outcomes from the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) have been progressively communicated to staff, with most notifications shared last week and some continuing into this week. Supervisors are providing support to those who submitted EOIs. For those with approved EOIs, there are several steps to work through to formalise the process, with a smooth transition of work remaining a key priority. We acknowledge this period brings change, and thank all staff for their continued engagement, care for one another and contributions to shaping the future of our University. 

Change principles: consultation paper update

As has been recently communicated to all staff by the Chief Operating Officer, the University remains committed to progressing the next phase of Renew ANU. The NTEU has submitted a dispute in relation to our Renew ANU 2025 Change Principles: Consultation Paper. ANU continues to engage in discussions with the NTEU and remains committed to progressing these matters as quickly and constructively as possible. The University is grateful for all the engagement and feedback received on the consultation paper from staff, with over 140 pieces of feedback received overall. A summary of the feedback received will soon be shared with staff, prior to the release of the associated proposed Implementation Plan.

Open letter response

ANU has formally responded to the open letter submitted by approximately 430 members of ANU staff. The response acknowledges the concerns raised and reinforces the University's commitment to ongoing consultation and respectful engagement. You can read the full response here.

Over the past 18 months, the Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy Taskforce has worked with staff and students to shape a new five-year strategy. Ahead of its official launch in September, we’re inviting your feedback.

Throughout our consultations, one message came through clearly: how we do things and treat each other—through meetings, teaching, and services—impacts wellbeing. It’s also clear that fostering a supportive and respectful environment enhances performance, research, innovation and learning outcomes. You will see these insights reflected in the strategy.

At a time when our community is navigating significant challenges, your input is more important than ever. We want to know:

Your feedback will help us refine the strategy ahead of the official launch, guide our immediate priorities, and inform leadership decision-making. Feedback is open from 8 April to 6 May and all responses are deidentified.

Learn more: ANU Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

US tariffs and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine are among the foreign policy issues continuing during the federal election. This presents unique challenges while the government is in caretaker mode as Australian National University international law expert Professor Don Rothwell explains. 

If you would like to contribute to ANU election coverage please click here.

Applications are now open for our next Dean, ANU College of Systems and Society. This is an opportunity for a dynamic and accomplished leader with a proven track record in academic leadership and a strong reputation in their field.  

The Dean will play a significant role in building the culture, performance and sustainability of the new College of Systems & Society through internal leadership, external advocacy and partnership with Government, business, and communities.  

A key member of the University Leadership Group, the Dean will report to the Provost and Senior Vice-President and assume the role of the Chair of the College Executive Committee.  

Applications close on 6 May 2025 with the selection process to be finalised towards the mid of 2025. Perrett Laver is partnering with ANU on this recruitment process.   

Our thanks to Professor Stephen Eggins for assuming the role of Interim Dean while our extensive search process is undertaken and for his exceptional work and leadership as interim Dean, ensuring continuity for the College during this search process.  

Apply Now: Dean, ANU College of Systems and Society 

The University has systems and tools to support operational activities, including ES Financials and the Human Resources systems. As per the University's acceptable use of information technology policy, access or use of these systems for purposes not specified by ANU is strictly prohibited. Identified breaches of this policy and related documents will be investigated under the ANU Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action. This includes unauthorised access or misuse of personal or business information, breaching commercial in-confidence arrangements, or accessing files outside of your role and appropriate delegations. If you are unsure of your obligations, please speak with your supervisor.

Dr Liz Allen has resigned from ANU Council, effective 7 April 2025. 

The Chancellor has noted, “I acknowledge Liz Allen’s contribution and on behalf of Council thank her for her service".  

The Council will begin the formal process of holding an election to fill the casual vacancy, which will open to eligible staff later this week. 

Monday 14 April, 3:30-5:30pm  

As the world’s largest archipelagic state, Indonesia faces ongoing challenges in shaping a cohesive maritime strategy, power struggles between key actors complicate strategic direction. The central debate between these key actors is whether Indonesia seeks to establish itself as a maritime power or remains focused on its identity as an archipelagic state. This lecture will explore Indonesia’s evolving maritime strategy and its implications for regional security and strategic policy. 
 
Read more: Indonesia's evolving Maritime Strategy in the changing Indo-Pacific Region

Tuesday 15 April, 6-7pm  
 
What does it mean to live on land taken from others? In Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place, acclaimed author Kate Grenville embarks on a personal and historical journey to confront this question. Join her in conversation with historian Ann McGrath as they explore family, colonisation, and the weight of inherited history. Books available for signing from 5.30pm. 

Register here: Meet the Author – Kate Grenville

Wednesday 30 April, 10-11am

Learn how formal university committee documents are structured, understand the responsibilities of a secretary for university committees and master tips of efficient note taking at this free webinar. This online workshop is designed for new employees or those whose work may involve secretariat or committee management responsibilities. 

Register now: being a committee secretary

A trio of exceptional ANU researchers have been recognised by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for their significant contributions to health research and policy. Professor Emily Banks AM received a Biennial Award for her work in smoking-related illness prevention, Professor Philip Batterham was awarded the inaugural NHMRC Peer Review Excellence Award (Senior Researcher) for his contributions to mental health research and Professor Raymond Lovett received the David Cooper Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Award for his groundbreaking work on Indigenous health. The awards were presented on Wednesday 26 March. Congratulations to our researchers on this well-deserved recognition. 
 
Read more: ANU trio recognised with national awards for health research

The ANU Research School of Chemistry is taking a significant step towards sustainability with the introduction of two solvent recycling machines, affectionately dubbed Molly and Wolly. Named after the local Molongolo and Wollogorang rivers, these machines are designed to recycle up to 90 per cent of solvents like acetone and ethanol, which are commonly used in chemistry labs. By reducing the need for incineration, Molly and Wolly help cut down harmful emissions and significantly lower costs. 

In a groundbreaking move, ANU becomes the first Australian university to implement solvent recycling, with an estimated 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved annually. As the initiative takes hold, ANU is leading the charge to inspire other labs to adopt sustainable practices. This is just the start, with plans to further push the boundaries of eco-friendly chemistry. 

Read more: Introducing Molly and Wolly: new sustainability heroes

Could tiny ‘molecular robots’ made from RNA provide personalised cancer treatments – without the harmful side effects? ANU Scientist Associate Professor Tamás Fischer is collaborating with the Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation to develop therapies that target cancer cells with exceptional accuracy.

Despite significant investment in cancer therapies, most treatments still rely on toxic substances that target cancer cells due to their sensitivity, often harming healthy cells in the process. This project could offer a breakthrough by improving how we distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells, potentially transforming cancer treatment.

Read more: revolutionising cancer treatment, the RNA breakthrough which could change everything

The recent GenAI for Social Good? panel, hosted by the ANU McCusker Institute, explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping society, communities and creative industries—and how we must take an active role in shaping it for public good. Expert panellists Professor Ed Santow (Human Technology Institute) and Associate Professor Katrina Sluis (ANU) shared insights on the risks of AI development without guardrails, the utopian and dystopian futures at play, and its impact on artists, our public commons, and cultural institutions.  The event highlighted the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and the need to engage with AI responsibly. Interested in collaborating with the McCusker Institute in semester 2, 2025?

Learn more: ANU McCusker Institute

Graduate employability has become an integral part of higher education curricula. However, universities continue to face significant challenges in supporting student employability and career success due to rapidly evolving technologies, shifting job markets, and the diverse skill sets required by employers.

The College of Business and Economics exemplifies how to address the challenges of preparing graduates for a dynamic job market by adopting a scaffolding approach to student employability and career success in close partnership with employers.

Read more: scaffolding student success, a proven path to employability

Identity Management Day (April 8) is a great reminder to be mindful of our digital identity. Whether we’re scrolling, sharing, or signing up for something new, our online presence is constantly growing.

Learn what digital identity is, why it matters and how to safeguard it from cyber threats. Additionally, explore how hackers use online searches to gather information and stay in control of your online presence.

Learn more: Identity management day

Wi-Fi speed refers to how quickly your internet connection can upload and download data. Download speeds affect streaming and browsing, while upload speeds matter for video calls and file sharing. Think of it as the speed limit on a digital highway, determining how quickly your data travels.  

Fast and reliable Wi-Fi is essential for our University community to collaborate and connect seamlessly. 

Curious about your Wi-Fi speed? Measure your Wi-Fi speed online via SpeedTest. If your Wi-Fi speed is consistency slow, view our top tips to enhance your experience.  

Learn more: Get connected at ANU

ANU Security - (02) 6125 2249 

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialing from an internal phone), then call ANU Security.  

Media hotline 24/7 - (02) 6125 7979 

Contact the 24/7 media hotline for media queries regarding the University and its operations, or to track down experts that aren’t listed in our Experts Guide.  

Help is available if you need it. Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek support through the Employee Assistance Program.

If you need to support a student in distress, please refer to this guide developed by the Student Safety and Wellbeing team.