On Saturday 18 October, senior Ngambri-Kamberri Walgalu custodian Paul Girrawah House provided cultural authority and partnership for the ANU Landscape and Conservation team to conduct a cultural burn on Acton Peninsula. Cultural fire management uses First Nations knowledge and responsibility to care for Country, supporting new growth, protecting native habitat and reducing bushfire risk. The fire activity is a right reflected in a number of Articles of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) endorsed by ANU.

Thanks so much to everyone who attended the Nixon Review Presentation Day on Friday. The seven Implementation Working Groups and the Community Reference Panel shared their final recommendations after 12 weeks of work.

It was great to see our staff and students come together, focused on creating solutions to complex, long-standing challenges. A clear theme throughout the day was learning from best practice, both from within ANU and beyond, to shape practical recommendations that can be scaled across the University.

This work will help shape our next University strategy and create a living document of our values, behaviours and relational qualities as the standard we will hold ourselves to, with opportunities for community input to come.

You can view all recordings and slides from the day here.

Kind regards,

Professor Rebekah Brown FASSA
Interim Vice-Chancellor & President

A new fossil fuel site approved for development off Western Australia’s coast is estimated to contribute 876 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the course of its lifetime, according to new research led by The Australian National University (ANU) in collaboration with the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century.

The researchers argue that although this level of additional warming may seem small on paper, it would have major consequences for Australia and the world.

Learn more: New Australian fossil fuel site will have major impact on people and the planet

Dengue fever is spreading faster than ever. In 2024, the world recorded 14.1 million cases, double the number from just a year earlier. Peru shows just how quickly the potentially deadly disease can rise.

PhD candidate Wil Laura has been researching Peru as one of the countries hit hardest by dengue, to understand how climate and weather conditions drive outbreaks.

“What my colleagues and I found offers valuable lessons for Australia, where dengue has already made its presence felt.”

Learn more: Lessons from Peru – what Australia can learn about the growing risk of dengue fever

As we lead up to the release of the revised Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-30, we’ll be highlighting work already happening among our diverse community that aligns with the Strategy’s key themes.

This week Dr Lina Koleilat, Academic Fellow in the Residential Experience Division shares the importance of building inclusive, respectful communities across our residences and how this work strengthens connection and belonging at ANU.

Learn more: Strength in connection

When Jiaqi Zhou, known as Eunice, chose to study a Juris Doctor at the Australian National University (ANU), she was searching for more than a qualification.

She wanted a place to sharpen her academic skills, grow personally and be part of a community that felt like home. Canberra, with its balance of peace and opportunity, delivered just that.

Learn more: Student stories – Jiaqi Zhou on building a future in law and a life at ANU

The SELT survey opened on Monday 20 October and will be available until Sunday 16 November. Please check your emails for links to available surveys. All feedback is confidential.

Learn more: Semester 2 Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) survey is live 

ANU Counselling is offering a one-hour group session on Zoom to assist you in enhancing your performance in both preparing for and sitting exams. The session focuses on recognising and managing anxiety responses during this stressful time.

Upcoming sessions:

Attendees are required to keep their cameras on and participate during the session.

Learn more: ZOOM Workshop – Handling Exam Anxiety

The ANU Information Security Office is hosting a month of tips, events, workshops and prizes for all staff and students as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month.

This week’s focus is software updates:

Cyber security is for everyone, not just the tech-minded.

Learn more: Cyber Security Awareness Month – Software updates

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Aaron Quigley as the new Dean of the ANU College of Systems and Society.

Professor Quigley is an internationally recognised leader with over two decades of experience across academia and industry in Australia, Europe, Asia and North America. He has pioneered research, strategic innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration and brings a visionary approach to understanding and shaping the interplay between technology, society and systems. His research spans human–computer interaction, pervasive and ubiquitous computing and information visualisation.

A Distinguished Member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Professor Quigley joins ANU from CSIRO’s Data61, where he served as Science and Deputy Director. He has also held senior leadership roles at UNSW, the University of Sydney, the University of St Andrews and the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA).

Professor Quigley will formally commence as Dean in January 2026.

We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Stephen Eggins for his dedicated leadership as Interim Dean. Over his three-year term, he has led the College with great distinction. His commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and respect has greatly shaped the College and the University. We wish him all the best for his well-earned retirement.

Friday 24 October, 5.30–7pm

Join Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown this Friday at Badger & Co for a talk on the ANU Roadmap, the final 2025 event in the Lectures in the Pub series presented by the ANU Society for Arts and Social Sciences.

Register for SASS Lectures in the Pub with ANU Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown

Wednesday 22 October, 6–7.30pm

An evening celebrating the life of Brendan Sargeant and to consider his big idea of 'Strategic Imagination'.

The book will be launched by Greg Moriarty, Secretary of the Department of Defence. Hear from some of the authors and Brendan's daughter, Sita Sargeant.

Register for Strategic Imagination: Essays in Honour of Brendan Sargeant

Wednesday 22 October, 5.30–7.30pm

Celebrate the winner of the 2025 People's Choice Award at the exhibition's Closing Reception.

To take part, visit the Gallery and use the QR code to vote for your favourite artwork, or vote now using this link.

Learn more about the ANU School of Art and Design Drawing Prize: People's Choice Announcement

Wednesday 22 October, 7–9pm

Enjoy a variety of contemporary sounds from the diverse world of jazz, along with original works by the University’s talented Jazz and Contemporary students.

Register for the Jazz and Contemporary Ensembles Concert

Monday 27 October, 5.30–8.15pm

Enjoy a special screening of Ninavau, the debut feature film by Malaysian director, Bebbra Mailin. Stay after the screening for an in-person conversation with Bebbra.

Register for the Malaysian Film Night and Director Q&A – Ninavau by Bebbra Mailin

The Canberra Writers Festival is back, bigger and bolder than ever. More than 200 writers, thinkers and creators will take part in over 100 events across Canberra's most iconic cultural institutions and venues.

In a previous edition of On Campus we asked you to describe your favourite book using only six words for the chance to win one of 10 double passes to the festival.

Congratulations to our winning entrants below! Can you guess the book titles? Answers will be revealed in next week’s edition of On Campus:

Learn more: Canberra Writers Festival

Hidden within the ANU School of Music lies a collection that feels almost secret, a quiet chamber where history hums beneath your fingertips.

The Keyboard Institute and Collection houses Australia’s largest assembly of historic pianos and keyboards. From a delicate 1770 Henri Henrion square piano to a 19th century Viennese Sewing Table Piano, whose keys are tucked inside what looks like an ordinary piece of furniture. 

Visitors and students can play replicas of early keyboards, discovering the subtle touch and resonant sounds that once inspired composers centuries ago. Step inside, and the faint echo of old melodies lingers in the air, waiting for curious fingers to awaken them. 

If you would like to know more about the collection, or become involved, please email the School of Music for further information.

Learn more: Whispers of the keys – ANU Keyboard Institute and Collection

Managing your finances can be tough, especially while studying. If you're feeling the pressure, you're not alone and support is available.

Saver Plus is a free, confidential program that helps eligible students and families build lasting savings habits and receive up to $500 in matched funds for education costs.

How it works:

This is one of several support options available to help students take control of their financial wellbeing.

Learn more: Take control of your finances with Saver Plus

It’s National Water Week and your final chance to take on a sustainability challenge. Complete a water-saving action, submit your evidence and you could be recognised in the 2025 ANU Green Awards.

Evidence submissions close on Friday 31 October.

Learn more: Make every drop count: National Water Week x ANU Green Awards

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.

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialing from an internal phone), then call ANU Security at (02) 6125 2249