For Sami, community is not something you can easily define. It is something you feel, build and protect over time. As Head of Wright Hall, he has spent years shaping a residential community where students may arrive feeling uncertain but soon find their people and leave with more than they expected. 

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.

Nine academic subjects at ANU 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). 

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.  

Life doesn’t slow down while you’re studying. Balancing classes, work and relationships can feel overwhelming. Finding Balance is a supportive small‑group program designed to help you build practical skills to stay calm, manage stress and feel more grounded, both on campus and in everyday life. 

Over four weeks, you’ll build practical skills to handle pressure, strengthen resilience and improve focus and confidence in a supportive, student-centred environment. 

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. 

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. 

The ANUSA Postgraduate and Research Network is a newly established body dedicated to strengthening ANUSA’s focus on postgraduate affairs. 

All postgraduate students are invited to attend the inaugural General Meeting, which will include elections for the Board Chair and Board Secretary. The meeting will take place on Monday 30 March at 6.15pm.  

RSVP for location details and further information.  

Looking to apply your skills to projects with real-world impact? The McCusker Institute is now open for autumn semester enrolments, offering for-credit, transdisciplinary projects tackling real challenges with community partners.  

This is an opportunity to do meaningful, hands-on work and have it count towards your degree. Open to students at all stages, with limited places available. 

The ANU Southeast Asian Institute's (SEAI) focus for 2026, SEAI in and with Southeast Asia, reflects a strong commitment to meaningful engagement and on-the-ground immersion in the region.

In line with this focus, SEAI is pleased to offer a new round of research grants to support ANU students enrolled in degree programs with a research component to undertake travel to Southeast Asia. 

Applications close on Tuesday 7 April at 5.30pm AEST.  

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. 

This Program is open to domestic and international ANU PhD candidates within the first 12 months of candidature. Applications close on Wednesday 15 April 2026. 

Fenner PhD scholar Ming Hui Choy is inviting Australian undergraduate students to participate in her research. 

You can contribute by joining a Discussion Group in March or April, with an optional Workshop in May. Participants will receive $25 for their time. 

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 22 April, 6-8.30pm  

This year’s Annual Lecture will be presented by academic, author, art historian and judge of Portrait Artist of the Year, Associate Professor Robert Wellington. Robert will explore our fascination with art as competition – the merits and the limitations. He will also share insights from Australia’s first reality-TV portraiture experience.  

Register now for a special 2 for 1 offer.  

Patricia. A. O'Brien

Wednesday 1 April, 6 –7pm

Candice Fox

Wednesday 14 April, 6 –7pm

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.  

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, with factors like where we live, our roles, caring responsibilities and accessibility, all shaping 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.  

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.