Nine academic subjects at the University have been ranked in the global Top 20 in the competitive QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. 

The number of ANU subjects ranked in the Top 20 rose from six to nine in the prestigious global rankings, which QS produces by analysing the reputation and research output of more than 6,200 institutions.  

The University of Melbourne holds the highest number of narrow subjects ranked first nationwide among Australian universities (19), followed by ANU in second place (11). 

Colleges and Divisions are invited to express their interest in hosting an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student intern in 2026. This paid internship program supports employment pathways, career development and meaningful workplace experience for students, while giving host areas the opportunity to support emerging Indigenous talent across the University. 

Congratulations to last week’s trivia winners, staff member Clare Campbell and student Sesil Bou. Contact ANU Corporate Communications to collect your prize. 

This week’s trivia question is: What is the name of the student accomodation inaugurated in 2019?

Put your knowledge to the test and see if you can claim the title.  

The ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the ANU Institute for Space is partnering with NASA as it prepares to send astronauts back to the moon as part of the Artemis II mission – the space agency’s first crewed mission beyond Earth’s orbit in more than 50 years. 

NASA will fly an optical (laser) communications system aboard the Orion spacecraft to test the technology’s operational utility to support human spaceflight operations. 

In support of the demonstration, the ANU Quantum Optical Ground Station (QOGS) at Mount Stromlo Observatory will track, transmit and receive communications from Orion. This unique opportunity will test optical ground station capabilities with the potential to support future lunar-based missions for NASA.

The 10-day Artemis II test flight is scheduled for no earlier than Thursday 2 April Canberra time. Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts to explore the moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.  

Online manosphere influencer Harrison Sullivan, known as HSTikkyTokky or HS to his large online following, reacted critically to Louis Theroux’s latest documentary, Inside the Manosphere.

HS was featured heavily in the documentary, and his responses to Theroux’s questions show how the journalist managed to undermine, often subtly, the misogyny preached by these extremist anti-feminist online communities and influencers.

What if dice, cards and tokens that usually belong on the kitchen table on game night could be used to help improve collaboration in the workplace? 

That’s the idea behind a new initiative developed at the ANU by Dr Maya Haviland, Professor Mitchell Whitelaw and Sejul Malde. 

Called ‘Cobeo’, this innovation distils years of creative collaboration research into an accessible, hands-on way to navigate the messy, unpredictable business of working in tandem. 

What are the legal implications of Australia’s participation in the Gulf? Is International Law being undermined by the US? How are the powers of influence tipping the scales of justice? 

Leading international law expert Donald Rothwell joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the legal implications of the Iran war.

Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, Assure, is making access to support easier with online bookings within the Wellbeing Gateway.  

The new online booking experience gives you the option to pick the location and format of your appointment, select a clinician who matches your preferences (such as expertise or gender) and choose a time that works best for your schedule, making appointments easier to book and manage. 

The ANU Disability Research Network is launching a monthly Neurodiversity Reading Group, open to research students and staff across ANU. Sessions will explore the broad landscape of neurodiversity research and theory. All are welcome, with no prior knowledge required.

Contact Yvonne Simons or Laura Davy for more information. 

If your Wi-Fi is slow, a network loop might be the reason. A network loop occurs when cables or connections form a circular path. For instance, if two devices, such as Wi-Fi routers, are connected by multiple cables, data can circulate endlessly. This continuous flow overwhelms the network, leading to significant slowdowns. 

Think of it like a traffic roundabout with no exit – this can slow down your Wi‑Fi and even impact people nearby.  

Photo: ANU 

Staff intending to apply for academic promotion in 2026 are reminded that expressions of interest for the Academic Promotion Mentoring Program close on Monday 31 March. To submit an EOI as a mentor or mentee, email academicpromotions@anu.edu.au. 

Information sessions about the 2026 academic promotion process commence on Wednesday 1 April. Registrations are required to attend. 

Registrations are now open for the 6th Professional Services Leadership Forum (PSLF). 

The PSLF is sponsored by the Chief Operating Officer and delivered by a volunteer committee across the University, who are committed to building knowledge, capability and networks across professional service areas to support best practice and innovation.  

Find out more on the PSLF Team site.  

How do we teach transdisciplinarity? This session unpacks the ANU Transdisciplinary Problem-solving Framework, explores international resources on transdisciplinary training and showcases tools to support course design. Drawing on the experiences in the room, there will be an open discussion about what it takes to create and run an excellent transdisciplinary course at ANU. 

The RRTN is a collaborative initiative supported by the NSW Government, connecting universities and partner institutes across NSW and the ACT to strengthen RNA research capability and workforce development. The program supports high-calibre PhD candidates whose projects align with RRTN priority areas, and who will contribute to, and benefit from the network’s training and engagement activities. 

Open to domestic and international ANU PhD candidates within the first 12 months of candidature. Applications close on Wednesday 15 April. 

Wednesday 1 April, 12-1pm  

This lecture-recital by Dr Le-Tuyen Nguyen showcases new Australian guitar works inspired by Vietnamese traditions. Each composition explores the musical and technical possibilities of the guitar as an expressive medium, weaving together Vietnamese material and Western art music styles.

Wednesday 15 April, 9.30am-5pm  

ANU researchers, particularly those at the early-mid career stage, are invited to attend a showcase highlighting the diversity and importance of mental health research across eight schools and centres at ANU.  Register by Tuesday 31 March. 

Patricia O'Brien

Wednesday 1 April, 6–7pm

Candice Fox

Tuesday 14 April, 6–7pm

An opera singer, a vet and a winemaker walked onto a stage.  

It sounds like the start of a joke. Instead, what unfolded on stage was a thoughtful discussion about curiosity, collaboration and the unpredictable path to scientific discovery.  

Presented by ANU in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Australia, the event brought together three Nobel Laureates in medicine and physics to explore the ideas, discoveries and experiences behind world-leading research. 

With fuel prices continuing to rise, many people are feeling the impact on their daily commute. How we travel isn’t always a simple choice, factors like where we live, our roles, caring responsibilities and accessibility, can all influence what’s possible. 

For those who are able to make a change, even one day a week can make a difference. 

Some ideas to consider that may suit your circumstances: 

Looking for healthier food choices on campus? Depending on what you like, there are a range of options available, offering fresh, lighter meals and drinks. 

The ANU Food Co-op’s Lunch of the Day is a standout at $10 for students, offering one of the best-value meals on campus. Each day features a unique, healthy dish made with organic ingredients available in-store. 

Other outlets offer healthy options if you look closely. Some favourites include: 

This week’s picture comes from Marana May Akkaranithi, Intern, People and Culture featuring a tucked away cockatoo.  

“This is a random female gang gang cockatoo I found on campus parking lot. It's special because I love birds. And it's the gang gang cockatoo.”  

Got a photo you’re proud of? Send in your picture using this form and include a short description about why your snap is special to you.  

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 – (02) 6125 7979 

Contact the media hotline during business hours or email media@anu.edu.au 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. The University has a range of information and services that can be accessed by managers and staff.

Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek counselling 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.