Image: Kambri, ANU campus, Acton. Photo: ANU

Over the weekend, the King’s Birthday Honours list was announced. I’d like to extend special congratulations to Professor Mark Howden AC FTSE FAA, who received the highest honour, being appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). Mark was recognised for eminent service to environmental science including the global response to climate change, and adaption to both agriculture and tertiary education.

The Honours list recognises outstanding service to community, country and the world. This year, a number of ANU staff, alumni and affiliates have been recognised and we are proud to count such remarkable individuals among our community.

 Please join me in saying congratulations to:

Read more: VC’s update - Kings Birthday Honours

I’m pleased to share that this Thursday the Nixon Review Implementation Steering Group will meet for the first time to begin the task of co-ordinating and transparently reporting on our progress responding to Professor Nixon’s recommendations. You can find the Terms of Reference that will guide the Steering Group here.

I also want to encourage everyone at ANU to consider making an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in one of the Working Groups that will advise the Steering Group across the following areas:

Opening shortly, the EOI process will ask which working group you are most interested in and a few questions about your skills and experience and why you’d like to contribute. Please note that students are particularly encouraged to apply, as student experience and perspective is essential to the success of the Nixon Review recommendations.

There are other ways of contributing - we’ve set up an email address for people who’d like to share their great ideas to be considered as part of the implementation process - please send them through to NixonSolutions@anu.edu.au

Image: The official unveiling of the new Hancock Library sculpture. Photo: David Fanner/ANU

A new sculpture by ANU alumnus Kensuke Todo has been installed at Hancock Library, five years after the 2020 hailstorm destroyed the original artwork. Titled Utsuroi (transience), the brass and bronze piece reflects the connection between nature, knowledge and the passage of time.

Commissioned as part of the hail remediation, the work symbolises a full-circle moment for Todo, who studied sculpture at ANU. The design draws on both the library’s architecture and the Japanese concept of ma, celebrating the spaces between things. 

Read more: Five years after a destructive hailstorm, a new sculpture glimmers at ANU Hancock Library 

Image: Minh-Chau Ho in Japan. Photo: Supplied

From studying ancient civilisations to navigating modern diplomacy, Minh-Chau Ho’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to cultural connection and global understanding. A recent graduate of the ANU with a double degree in Classical Studies and Arts, Minh-Chau is currently teaching English in Japan through the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program.

Her passion for multiculturalism, shaped by early community involvement and enriched by international experience, continues to guide her professional aspirations.

Read more: Faces of ANU - Minh-Chau Ho

Image: Sherice Kazzi, Matthew Holt, Katherine Daniell and Sarah Vallee from the ANU School of Cybernetics. Photo: Supplied

We’re proud to share that the ANU School of Cybernetics has been named a finalist in the 2025 Australian Financial Review AI Awards, under the Research & Education category. This national recognition highlights the school's pioneering work in building a cybernetic approach to AI - one that combines technical excellence with ethical, social and environmental responsibility.

From delivering the world’s only Master of Applied Cybernetics to shaping AI policy and partnering with government, industry and Indigenous-led organisations, the ANU School of Cybernetics is committed to advancing technologies that benefit all.

Friday 13 June, 5.30-6.30pm

Join ABC Chief Election Analyst Antony Green AO as he reflects on 36 years of covering Australian elections. From the chaos of live results to behind-the-scenes moments, Antony shares the highs, lows and unpredictability of election night broadcasting.  

Register here: Bungee jumping on election night - A conversation with Antony Green 

Tuesday 17 June, 6-7pm 

Join Hugh White and Allan Behm as they discuss White’s provocative new Quarterly Essay, Hard new world: Our post-american future. With global power shifting and America stepping back from its leadership role, what does this mean for Australia? White examines the forces reshaping global power and urges Australia to confront an uncertain future with clarity and courage.

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm.  

Register here: Meet the author – Hugh White 

13-22 June, 11am – 4pm 

On display for the first time in Australia, this exhibition of archival photographs captures a significant era in the history of Zenadth Kes (then Torres Strait) during the 1970s - a period of substantial political, social and economic change, marked by the strength, resilience and creativity of local communities. 

Register here: GOTAT | GUTHATH | 時代の潮目 | TIDES

Thursday 19 June, 6-7pm

Join Liz Cameron in conversation with Alex Sloan as she shares her powerful new memoir, Cult bride: How I was brainwashed – and how I broke free. 

As a teenager on a gap year in Canberra, Liz was drawn into the South Korean cult Providence. In this gripping account, she reveals how coercive control shaped her life, how she endured manipulation, and ultimately, how she found the strength to break free. 

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm.

Register here: Meet the author – Liz Cameron 

Since 13 May, the Student Disciplinary Framework Review (SDFR) has approached key student and community groups for feedback on how we manage our disciplinary processes. Amongst other things, we’ve heard strong feedback that you want better communication and transparency surrounding our disciplinary framework. 

Consultation is ongoing and you haven’t missed your opportunity to have your say. We encourage you to submit responses via the online feedback form or, alternatively, via email to SDFR@anu.edu.au. Individual consultation groups can be arranged via email.

Image: Professor Emily Banks AM. Photo: ANU

Professor Emily Banks AM has been recognised by the World Health Organization with a 2025 World No Tobacco Day Award for her outstanding contributions to tobacco control. 

Professor Banks' work has informed national and global action on tobacco smoking and e-cigarette use. Her research highlights the ongoing toll of smoking in Australia and the growing public health risks associated with vaping. 

Read more: ANU Professor receives international recognition for work on tobacco control 

New coursework students were invited to participate in the Semester 1, 2025 Welcome Survey (February) and the Check-in Survey (May). A total of 1,859 students responded, providing valuable feedback to support continuous improvement of the student experience. 

Summaries of key findings from the Welcome Survey and Check-in Survey are now available. 

Image: Bee landing on flower. Photo: Guy Walpole/ANU Green

Want to know what ANU is planning for climate action, nature and the circular economy? 

Come along to an info session to learn more about the draft Environmental Sustainability Plan for 2026–2030. Find out what’s proposed, what’s already happening and how you can help shape the next steps. You can also participate online any time by watching the explainer, browsing the summary slides and sharing your feedback. 

Learn more: Help shape the future Environmental Sustainability Plan for ANU

Image: Students on-campus. Photo: ANU

When university ramps up, so does the pressure. Deadlines, group assignments and long nights in the library can take a toll on your mental and physical health. That's why making time for small moments of calm is essential, especially during the busy exam period.

The good news? Studying at ANU means you're surrounded by great ways to reset. The campus is green and lush and Canberra offers plenty of low-cost, accessible activities that can support your wellbeing without leaving the city behind. Here are six calming, relaxing and healthy activities that can help.

Read more: 6 wellness activities in Canberra for university students 

Please be advised that the LinkedIn account of our Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell, has been compromised. An internal investigation is currently under way, and the matter has been referred to the relevant external authorities. 

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.