Three exceptional ANU graduates have been awarded prestigious 2026 John Monash Scholarships, recognising their leadership, academic excellence and commitment to creating positive change.

Congratulations to Emersyn Johnson, Nick Bradman and Georgia Leak. Georgia is also an alum of the Tuckwell Scholarship.

John Monash Scholarships are one of Australia’s most esteemed postgraduate awards, enabling scholars to study at leading international institutions and contribute to Australia’s future.

Learn more about the 2026 John Monash Scholars

Associate Professor Azure Hermes, a proud Gimuy Walubara Yidinji woman and Deputy Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics at ANU has been awarded the Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

She has been recognised for her national leadership and world-leading contribution to Indigenous genomics. Her work includes developing culturally appropriate resources about genetics and genomics, including for people experiencing a rare disease, strengthening trust between science and community.

Learn more: Associate Professor Azure Hermes receives Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award

There’s no better gift for a budding musician than growing up in New Jersey – home to one of the world’s greatest jazz scenes.

Music was ever-present in childhood for ANU professor and composer, Kenneth Lampl.

“My parents played music all the time. When I was three, they bought me a little record player I couldn’t stop listening to,” he says.

By sixth grade, Lampl had already taught himself how to play the saxophone and spent his teens tooting through local jazz clubs, parades and jamming with friends.

Learn more: A musical metamorphosis – Kenneth Lampl is mastering the art of reinvention

Astronomers from ANU have revealed how the Milky Way’s hidden gas moves through space, by using the joint power of two of the nation’s flagship telescopes. 

The collaboration, playfully dubbed Radio GAGA, links the Galactic ASKAP survey, on the land of the Wajarri Yamaji people in Western Australia, with the GALAH survey at the Anglo-Australian Telescope, on the land of the Gamilaraay people in New South Wales.

“We’re using stars as lighthouses shining through the Galaxy’s fog and radio telescopes as giant antennas listening to it,” lead author and ANU astronomer Dr Hiep Nguyen said.

Learn more: Radio GAGA – Australian astronomers tune in to the Galaxy’s hidden gas

As we count down to the release of the revised Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–30, we’re showcasing the great work already taking place across ANU that brings the strategy’s themes to life.

This week, we’re revisiting the theme of ‘more care in more ways’ focusing on how strong partnerships across ANU are improving the quality and reach of care.

Fiona Cornforth, Head of the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, shares how embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives supports safer, more inclusive care across our community.

Learn more: More care in more ways

Next week, the University Risk Office will host International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW) with the theme, Preventing Fraud is a Team Effort. 

Everyone has a role in protecting the integrity of ANU by recognising, reporting and preventing fraud through transparency and accountability. 

You can do your part by registering to attend the ANU Fraud and Corruption Awareness Workshop in Zoom on Monday 17 November, 2pm. This workshop will feature a guest presenter from the National Anti-Corruption Commission who will share insights and practical advice on preventing and identifying fraud and corruption risks.

There is also a series of webinars on offer hosted by the Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre. In addition, the ANU Risk Office has worked with the ANU Brand Office to develop an IFAW email signature block to use. You can learn more about fraud and corruption control at ANU by visiting the Risk Office’s webpage.

Friday 14 November, 6.30–8pm

Wisdom of Happiness is His Holiness the Dalai Lama's new movie – a deeply intimate and highly cinematic documentary offering practical advice for navigating the challenges of the 21st century.

Register here for Wisdom of Happiness: a heart-to-heart with the Dalai Lama

Monday 17 November, 6–7pm

Fresh from the toughest job in Australian media, Chair of the ABC, Ita Buttrose AC OBE will be in conversation with Alex Sloan AM on her memoir Unapologetically Ita. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear from one of Australia’s most influential media leaders, with unparalleled insight into our country and its people. 

Register for Meet the author: Ita Buttrose

Wednesday 19 November, 12–1.15pm

A panel discussion with current and former Mongolian Ambassadors to Australia – His Excellency Davaasuren Damdinsuren, Katie Smith and Dr Joseph Mackay, Research Fellow in the Department of International Relations at ANU.

Register here for Connections Between Mongolia and Australia

Wednesday 19 November, 6–7pm

Three multi-award-winning authors, Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein, will be in conversation with Beejay Silcox on their book The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder Trial.

Register for Meet the author: Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein

Early in the evening on Sunday, 26 October 2025, friends and colleagues of Emeritus Professor Anthony (Tony) H. Johns AM received news of his passing, aged 97.

“Emeritus Professor Tony Johns was a towering figure in the humanities, whose scholarship shaped generations of students and colleagues across the world. His contribution set enduring standards of intellectual rigour and cultural understanding that continue to define the College of Asia and the Pacific today. He remained actively engaged with our community as a mentor, colleague and friend, and he will be missed greatly,” said Professor Helen Sullivan, Dean, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific.

Read more: In memory of Emeritus Professor Tony Johns

The On Campus story Touching the ancient – The ANU Classics Museum published last week included outdated information. 

The Attic Black-Figure Amphora referenced in the article is currently the subject of an active restitution process with Italy. The ANU Classics Museum continues to care for and research its collection in line with contemporary cultural heritage and repatriation practices. 

If you have any questions or want to learn about contemporary issues and the changing ethics of museum collections, please contact Dr Georgia Pike-Rowney, Friends' Lecturer in Classics and Curator, ANU Classics Museum, at georgia.pike-rowney@anu.edu.au.

Learn more about the Museum’s collection and current projects

Whether you’re cramming for exams, hunting for the perfect coffee nook or just need a change of scenery, Canberra’s packed with great places to hit the books.

From the lakeside calm of the National Library to late night study sessions at Kita Cafe – ANU Stories has rounded up five of the coolest study spots around the capital, including one right here on campus.

Learn more: ANU Stories – five cool places to study in Canberra

Are you planning your end of year celebrations or getting ahead on 2026 event organisation? Discover how to make your event more sustainable with the Carbon Smart Events Guide.

Events are an important part of the ANU experience, but they can also create significant environmental impact. The good news? There are easy steps you can take to make your event more environmentally friendly.

Explore the Carbon Smart Events Guide for tips on avoiding and reducing waste, engaging sustainable suppliers, minimising food waste and reducing emissions as you celebrate.

Learn more: Big on impact, low on emissions – Carbon Smart Events with ANU Green

This week’s picture comes from Alida Gyory, Senior Consultant, Organisational Development who captured the Dogwood (Cornus Florida) at the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy.

“The Dogwood grove tucked away at the Law building is wonderful. The pink and white blooms last for about two weeks from early to mid-October each year. It's a lovely spot,” said Alida.

Got a photo you’re proud of that you’d love to have featured in On Campus? Send in your picture using this form and include a short description about why it's special to you.

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