Following its publication on 16 April 2025, the University extended the feedback period for the Change Principles Implementation Plan until 9 May 2025.

During this period, 24 individual submissions and feedback from the NTEU were received via email. Staff were provided with continued access to resources and support through the Renew ANU website. Further information will be made available in the coming week. 

I have been thinking a lot about strategy recently. During my time at Intel, I spent a lot of time on strategy – from how to build a strategy group to how to increase strategic acumen and to implement strategies, big and small. We used to talk a lot about what strategy was for us: we thought about it as a set of choices that informed coherent actions to deliver on our aspirations. And we would also reflect on how simple that made developing strategy sound. The reality was for us to develop sound strategy, we had to invest in understanding the world around us, and how it was changing, and what those changes meant for our organisation – being data driven and getting outside of your own world view was always important.

Read more: VC's Update: Unpacking strategy

Content warning: This message contains references to sexual assault, harassment and violence. If this content causes you distress or impacts your wellbeing, support is available via the Employee Assistance Program.   

This week, the University has published its fourth annual Sexual Misconduct Report. This release reaffirms our commitment to transparency, accountability and meaningful action in preventing and responding to sexual harm in our community. The report is available on the Respect@ANU webpage. 

A lot of work has taken place over the past year to strengthen our approach, particularly in prevention and education. We’ve introduced the 2024–2026 Student Safety and Wellbeing Plan, endorsed the external review recommendations from UNSW’s Gendered Violence Research Network, and launched the Rights, Relationships and Respect education modules for students, with a staff module to follow later this year. Peer-led prevention is also expanding, with 17 Student Peer Educators now supporting education efforts across campus. 

Professor Joan Leach, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), said: “The release of this report reflects our ongoing commitment under the Sexual Violence Prevention Strategy and the Student Safety and Wellbeing Plan. We are deeply grateful to the students who trusted us with their disclosures and to the many advocates working to make our campus a safer and more respectful place. Your voices are driving change — and we will keep listening, acting and improving.” 

This week, the University will begin scheduling meetings with our student associations to engage in open and direct conversations about the report and hear their insights and concerns. 

If you have enquiries, please contact the Director, University Experience at director.university.experience@anu.edu.au. 

The Great Barrier Reef, like many marine ecosystems, is being damaged by rising ocean temperatures. ANU researchers are investigating a promising anti-bleaching technology to prevent coral bleaching to preserve the reef. The only catch - it burns diesel to work. However, solar photovoltaic panels and batteries may be the solution to heavily reduce emissions.  

Learn more: ANU experts find solar-powered solutions for the Great Barrier Reef

17 May marks the date in 1990 that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation classification of diseases list. Today, IDAHOBIT Day reminds us of the ongoing discrimination still faced by the LGBTIQA+ community. 

It is also a great opportunity to review our inclusive staff resources: 

Inclusive Communities will run LGBTIQA+ Ally Training on Thursday 15 May, which is free to all ANU staff and students.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing harmful behaviour, please reach out to Staff Respect Consultant or submit an identified or de-identified Harmful Behaviours Disclosure. 

The University acknowledges the current military action between India and Pakistan and recognises this may impact members of our community. ANU offers a choice of counselling and advisory services for our staff members and their immediate families. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providers can help you work through a broad range of personal and work-related issues.  

“I don’t even have my lorazepam. I’m going to have to drink myself to sleep.” It’s one of the most viral lines from the third season of The White Lotus. But this moment of social satire has prompted doctors to caution against the misuse of benzodiazepines – sedatives including lorazepam which reduce brain activity. 

Professor Helen Keane, an ANU sociologist says prescription drug dependence today is a wicked problem - “In Australia, there has been a significant increase in the prescription of pharmaceutical opioids since the 1990s and alongside this there has been an increase in overdose deaths since the 2010s... What’s worrying is that many people with prescriptions don’t think of themselves as drug users and don’t think of their medications as powerful drugs.” 

Read more: White wine and lorazepam: the ‘innocent’ face of addiction 

A newly launched ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity will train future scientists to tackle major biosecurity threats—like the Varroa mite—while building public trust and improving emergency responses.

Launched on the International Day of Plant Health (12 May), the Centre is led by Professor Peter Solomon and brings together 27 partners across academia, government, and industry. PhD projects will explore critical issues such as effective science communication, stakeholder engagement, and the use of big data to improve pest surveillance.

Read more: ANU centre to tackle world’s biggest biosecurity challenges

New research led by ANU has revealed compelling evidence of a hidden reservoir of liquid water deep beneath the surface of Mars—potentially reshaping our understanding of the planet’s history and habitability.

The international study, published in National Science Review, analysed seismic data from NASA’s Mars InSight mission. Researchers identified a layer 5.4 to 8 kilometres below the surface where seismic waves significantly slowed—an indication of porous rock saturated with liquid water.

Read more: 'Ocean' of water found deep underground on Mars

Thursday 15 May, 6.30pm 

How do we excite our imagination about science through comics? What do characters like Poison Ivy or the Joker teach us about science? Join us at Smith’s Alternative to experience scholars from Canberra, Sydney and Tokyo give off-the-cuff presentations on science in comics. These presentations will be turned into novel artworks  launched together at a later date.  

Register now: Science goes Pop 

Wednesday 21 May, 11am-12pm 

The Fulbright Program empowers Australian citizens to pursue transformative study and research experiences in the United States. 

Whether you're seeking funding for a Master’s degree, PhD research, postdoctoral fellowship or short-term research program, Fulbright can support you to advance your career at any US institution, in any field.

This information session explores the opportunities available for Australian citizens in 2026/27.

Register now: Fulbright Scholarship information session 

Wednesday 21 May, 6-7pm 

Ian Rankin will discuss his bestselling career in crime writing with Chris Hammer, including a deep dive into the latest instalment of the Inspector Rebus series Midnight and Blue.  

Detective Inspector John Rebus spent his life putting Edinburgh's most deadly criminals behind bars. Now, he's joined them. As new allies and old enemies circle and the days and nights bleed into each other, even the legendary detective struggles to keep his head. That is, until a murder at midnight in a locked cell presents a new mystery. 

Register now: Meet the author, Ian Rankin 

Thursday 22 May, 5.30-7pm 

Dr Hannah Leary will be in conversation with Dr. Simon Copland, to celebrate the launch of his latest book The Male Complaint. In his book, Dr. Copland explains how the manosphere has developed and why it appeals to so many men. This insightful book dares to dig into the corners of incel communities and online spaces where misogyny thrives. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand and do something about this growing and worrying phenomenon. 

Register now: Book launch, The Male Complaint 

Thursday 22 May, 7-11pm 

Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of music with the ANU Orchestra, conducted by Rowan Harvey-Martin, followed by the ANU Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Miroslav Bukovsky.

Audience members can choose how much they pay for each ticket. All proceeds will go to the ANU School of Music Community Outreach Fund. 

Register now: ANU Orchestra & ANU Jazz Orchestra in concert

Tuesday 27 May, 9.30am-12.30pm 

Menopause matters is a symposium exploring workplace issues affecting women experiencing menopause. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with an overlooked aspect of workplace health and gain valuable knowledge about creating inclusive environments for women. Scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, this symposium brings together leading academics, clinicians and workplace advocates to discuss challenges, solutions and best practices. 

Register now: Menopause matters 

Wednesday 28 May, 5.30-7pm 

Join us for the 2025 ANU Archives annual lecture with Professor Brenda L Croft. Professor Croft will draw on her engagement with archives and understanding of personal and family history in her story of the long journeys of ‘Handsome’ Joe Croft – the nickname shared by her grandfather and father. 

The Noel Butlin Archives Centre at ANU holds records from Victoria River Downs, one of Australia’s largest pastoral stations in the early 20th century. These archives are an important part of understanding the ongoing story of this influential site.

Register now: 2025 ANU Archives annual lecture 

Thursday 29 May, 9.30am-4.30pm 

In this advanced-level training session, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the AGILE methodology for project management within the University context. This workshop will build on an existing understanding of project management, allowing learners to share real-life examples and experiences, while developing their framework of applied AGILE project management. 

Register now: AGILE project management training 

 

Semester 2 is just around the corner, and with most courses transitioning to our new learning management system, Canvas, it's the perfect time to get prepared. 

Join us throughout May for a series of interactive online workshops designed to help course conveners, lecturers, and College support staff set up their Canvas course sites for success. These hands-on sessions will cover: 

These workshops are a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, practice in Canvas, and gain the confidence you need for a smooth transition in Semester 2. 

Learn more: Get ready for Canvas in Semester 2 

A new travel system and online booking platform, set to replace the current Travel Approval eForm will launch in a month. The updated platform will be customised to meet the University’s specific requirements and will significantly improve user experience. The new provider's technology will offer access to a broader range of travel options, accommodation choices and travel related services, leading to improved cost and time efficiencies. 

Before launching, we will offer training sessions tailored to specific user groups; including travellers, travel arrangers and delegates. Invitations will be sent to School Managers and announced in future On Campus editions. 

Additional sessions will be scheduled to provide training on the online booking tool, covering self-booking, booking for others and small group bookings. Training sessions will be recorded and will be available on the updated the University travel webpage. Contact travelservices@anu.edu.au for any questions regarding travel. 

Abstract submissions are open for the Biometrics in the Bush Capital conference, to be held on Monday 24 November – Friday 28 November 2025. The conference is a forum for biometricians, statisticians and those interested in the development and application of statistical and mathematical theory and methods to problems in the biosciences. Abstracts should be a maximum of 250 words, written in English, presented either as a talk or a poster. 

Submissions are due by Monday 14 July. 

Learn more: Biometrics in the Bush Capital 

The date to submit abstracts via ConfTool for the Digital Humanities Australasia 2025 conference has been extended to Friday 6 June. The conference welcomes papers on: 

For further details, please visit the conference website.

A huge thanks to everyone who has been dropping me emails or teams messages about On Campus. It's been great to hear what you like and what you want to see a little more of. You can reach me directly at editor.oncampus@anu.edu.au or alternatively share your thoughts via this form. I'll schedule some time for in-person feedback in the next few weeks.

Lou Adena, Editor, On Campus

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