On Campus

Staff Edition

Thursday 11 June

All the important campus news, events and opportunities for ANU staff. 

Series of images of Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, visiting Fenner School of Environment and Society

Images: On Wednesday 3 June, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, visited the Fenner School of Environment and Society to discuss the challenges facing Australian native birdlife in context of renewable energy infrastructure, with Dr Dejan Stojanovic and PhD candidate, Stacey Taylor. Photos: Jamie Kidston/ANU

At a glance

  • The examination period began on Thursday 4 June and ends on Saturday 20 June. Please be mindful of those sitting exams by keeping noise to a minimum. 
  • June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities and recognise their histories, contributions and achievements. Across ANU, we are committed to fostering an inclusive community where everyone feels safe, supported and valued for who they are.
  • Free flu shots are available for all staff to support a healthy campus this winter.

Council news

A picture of a Lizard found on campus

An opportunity to observe ANU Council

The next meeting of the University Council will be held on Friday 19 June. Staff, students and alumni can register to observe the open session via a live Zoom link from 9.30–10.30am. This initiative supports transparency and provides the ANU community with an opportunity to engage with University governance.

Read more button linking to An opportunity to observe ANU Council

Bulletin

 Dr Pat Turner AM at the ANU College of Asia & the Pacific 12th July Graduation ceremony.

Image: Dr Pat Turner AM at the ANU College of Asia & the Pacific 12th July Graduation ceremony. Photo: Crystal Li/ANU

Outstanding ANU community members receive King’s Birthday Honours

Emeritus Professor Prema-Chandra Athukorala, a global trade and development expert, and Dr Pat Turner, former head of Australia’s peak Aboriginal health organisation, are among 25 ANU community members recognised in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.

Read more button to Outstanding ANU community members receive King’s Birthday Honours
ANU Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor's awards graphic

Nominations open – Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor Awards 

Nominations are now open for the Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor Awards. This is your chance to spotlight individuals who demonstrate exceptional achievement, leadership or service. Submit your nomination and help us celebrate the inspiring people shaping our community.

Read more button linking to the awards and recognition webpage.
Professor Christian Downie standing outdoors on campus.

Photo: Governing Energy Transitions (GET) Lab 

Christian Downie awarded ARC Linkage Project grant 

Professor Christian Downie from the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) has been awarded an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project grant to lead a major collaborative study examining energy transition dynamics across Southeast Asia and Australia’s role in the region.

In partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the project will generate new insights to support Australia’s transition as a renewable energy superpower and strengthen future trade and investment relationships with key regional partners.

Read more button linking to Christian Downie awarded ARC Linkage Project grant 
Walk for Truth event

Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU

Reconciliation Day wrap up

Last week, the University’s First Nations Portfolio marked National Reconciliation Week by taking part in a range of events and discussions across Australia and internationally. Highlights included Vice-President Professor Peter Yu delivering keynote addresses on Indigenous sovereignty and economic empowerment, supporting the Walk for Truth in Canberra and presenting the 2026 Parliamentary Library Reconciliation Week Lecture. 

Learn more button linking to National Reconciliation Week 2026 at ANU
University staff wearing high-visibility vests gather outside University House during an accessibility awareness activity.

Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU

Staff experience accessibility first-hand at University House

On Wednesday 20 May, staff from across the University took part in a guided accessibility tour of the newly renovated University House, gaining first-hand insight into how inclusive design has been incorporated into one of our most iconic buildings.

Facilitated by Professor Peter Kanowski, Master of University House, the tour brought together staff with lived experience of disability and colleagues interested in accessibility and inclusion. Participants explored the design features and decisions that have helped create a more welcoming and accessible space for all.

Learn more button linking to Staff experience accessibility first-hand at University House
ANU's 80 Years Together anniversary graphic featuring the university's 1946–2026 milestone branding.

Graphic: ANU 

Get involved in Community Day

Staff are invited to get involved in the University's 80th Anniversary Community Day on Saturday 15 August, by sharing engaging, family-friendly experiences that showcase their work and help celebrate 80 years of ANU impact, curiosity and discovery. Submit an EOI by 30 June.

Share your photos and stories

Staff, students and alumni are invited to share a photo and a reflection of what ANU means to them. Your photos and stories will help celebrate the people and experiences that have shaped Australia's national university over the past 80 years. Submit your story and photo via this form and learn more about how they will be used.

Take part in ANU Trivia

This week’s trivia question is:

What was ANU ranked in the 2025 QS World University Rankings? 

Read more button linking to quiz

Congratulations to our recent trivia winners, staff winner Dr Paul Burke and student winner Bridget McCormack. Please contact ANU Corporate Communications to collect your prize.

Last week’s question and answer:

What is the name of the creek that runs through ANU?  Answer: Sullivan’s Creek

Did you know? Sullivan's Creek is older than ANU itself. Long before the University was established in 1946, the creek flowed through the area and helped shape the landscape that would become the ANU campus. Today, it runs for around 13 kilometres from the foothills of Black Mountain to Lake Burley Griffin and is home to ducks, turtles, fish and other wildlife.

A picture of a Lizard found on campus

Student Discipline Framework Review Recommendations Report

The final Student Discipline Framework Review Recommendations Report has now been released. The review included significant feedback from the ANU Community and is documented in two consultation reports also available to view.

Together these three reports outline how the feedback received shaped the final report, key recommendations and next steps. Implementation of the recommendations is now underway under oversight of the Registrar.

Learn more button linking to Student Discipline Framework Review Recommendations Report
Learn more button linking to Student Discipline Framework Review Recommendations Report

National Code Gender-Based Violence Implementation Project 

ANU is implementing the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence 2025 to strengthen safety, support, and respectful behaviours across our community. This whole-of-university implementation project will review and monitor the University’s compliance with the Code across prevention, response, governance and culture-setting activities. 

Updated Student Code of Conduct

In response to feedback from the Student Discipline Framework Review and to improve alignment with the National Code, the Student Code of Conduct has been updated with improved formatting to enhance readability. 

Staff are invited to provide feedback via this survey by Monday 30 November. 

National Code information sessions 

Information sessions for students, staff and the broader ANU community are now available to help you understand the new code and learn more about the University's response to it. 

Do you manage, work or interact with contractors, volunteers or other non‑ANU workers?

An information session for non-ANU workers on the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑based Violence will be held on Monday 22 June.

Please share the registration link with relevant individuals in your work area and encourage them to attend.

Questions about the session can be emailed to NCGBV@anu.edu.au.

Learn more button linking to Do you manage, work or interact with contractors, volunteers or other non ANU workers
Sabeena Shaikh smiling outdoors on campus.

Graphic: Crystal Li/ANU

A beacon of hope: Katie Sutton is illuminating the past and future of LGBTIQ+ history

Associate Professor Katie Sutton is bringing to life the overlooked histories of queer, gender-diverse and neurodivergent people.

Sutton grew up in regional Australia in the 1990s. As a neuroqueer kid, they never felt quite at ease at school, during a time when LGBTIQ+ representation was conspicuous by its absence.

Now, as a leading Australian voice in global discussions on gender, neurodiversity and health humanities, Sutton's research is a beacon of hope for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Read more button linking to A beacon of hope: Katie Sutton is illuminating the past and future of LGBTIQ+ history
Banner image linking to ANU Reporter.
Sabeena Shaikh smiling outdoors on campus.

Photo: Gouri Banerji/ANU

Speaking Volumes: Meet Sabeena Shaikh

When Sabeena Shaikh began university, she thought medicine was her future. Then a place in the Hindi-Urdu Flagship Program sparked a new passion. A study experience in India deepened her connection to the language, culture and history of her ancestors, transforming a curiosity into a calling.

Read more button linking to Speaking Volumes: Meet Sabeena Shaikh

Annual Report 2025

The ANU 2025 Annual Report is now available, highlighting the University’s key achievements, financial performance and progress against strategic priorities.

Senate Estimates Opening Statements

ANU Executives and members of ANU Council appeared before Senate Estimates on Thursday 4 June.

Read Interim Vice-Chancellor Rebekah Brown's Opening Statement

Read Acting Chancellor Andrew Metcalf's Opening Statement

Health and wellbeing

Participants performing reformer Pilates exercises in an indoor studio.

Image: ANU Sport

Reformer Pilates short course 

ANU Sport is launching a new five-week Reformer Pilates short course from Monday 22 June. Running twice weekly in small groups, this beginner course helps participants build strength, flexibility, posture and confidence on the reformer.

Spaces are limited, so register early to secure your spot.

Learn more button linking to Reformer pilates short course 

Professional development

Comcare psychosocial hazards training 

Comcare psychosocial hazards training modules are now available in PULSE. This training helps staff recognise and manage workplace risks such as stress, high workloads and poor communication, leading to safer, healthier and more supportive environments for staff and students.

Learn more button linking to Comcare Psychosocial Training 

Volunteer for Tuckwell Interview Weekend 

The Tuckwell Scholarship Program is seeking volunteers to support Tuckwell Interview Weekend for a couple of hours across 11 and 12 July. As the final stage of the scholarship selection process, the weekend welcomes 50 outstanding students from across Australia to ANU. Volunteers will help greet students, provide directions and contribute to a positive visitor experience. Complete the survey to indicate your availability.

Learn more button to Volunteer for Tuckwell Interview Weekend 

ANU Experts in the media

As Australia's birth rate continues to fall, Dr Liz Allen, of POLIS, told The Nightly that Australia was at a "tipping point'' due to several policy failures. In The Conversation, Dr Allen asked, “how is it that we’ve allowed society to become so hostile that children are out of the question for so many who want them?”

In The Conversation, Dr Pandanus Petter, of the School of Politics and International Relations, examined the practicalities and likelihood of One Nation founder Senator Pauline Hanson becoming Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Professor Andrew Blakers, of the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions, discussed the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project with ABC News.

In a week where the news agenda was dominated by politics and world news, more than 10 ANU experts spoke to the media about a range of issues, including younger voters, Australia-New Zealand relations, The Ukraine and Iran wars, and Israeli politics.

What's on

Do you know how AI works?

Thursday 11 June, 4–6pm and Wednesday 24 June, 12–2pm 

Join Large Language Models Unplugged workshops to explore what happens behind the scenes when you interact with AI chatbots – no technical background required.

Register for free using the discount code ANULLM. Limited places. 

Register here button linking to Do you know how AI works?

Information session – Master of Applied Cybernetics 2027

Tuesday 16 June, 5pm and Tuesday 4 August, 5pm

Interested in how technologies interact with society and the world around us? Join an online information session to learn more about the Master of Applied Cybernetics, hear from the teaching team and get advice on the application process.

Register here button linking to Applications now open - Master of Applied Cybernetics 2027

Australia’s strategic engagement with the southern Indian Ocean islands

Thursday 18 June, 2–3pm

Join Ashton Robinson for a seminar marking the release of Strategy Amidst Indifference: Australia and the Indian Ocean Islands 1803–2025.

The book examines the southern Indian Ocean as a growing strategic vulnerability for Australia, exploring the region’s history, Australia’s engagement and the implications of emerging geopolitical and security challenges.

Register here button linking to Strategy Amidst Indifference: Australia’s strategic engagement with the southern Indian Ocean islands 1803-2025

Common Wealth ACT Premiere + Q&A

Friday 26 June, 6–8pm

The ACT premiere of the documentary Common Wealth will be followed by a discussion with director Kane Guglielmi, Senator David Pocock and ANU alumna Katherine Trebeck.

Common Wealth explores the economic and political systems that shape modern life and considers how societies might build greater equity and connection in an increasingly divided world.

Learn more button linking to Common Wealth ACT Premiere + Q&A

Meet the Author

David Solomon will be in conversation with Michelle Grattan. 

Tuesday 16 June, 6–7pm

Register here button linking to Meet the author - David Solomon

Ed Coper will be in conversation with Mark Kenny. 

Tuesday 23 June, 6–7pm

Register here button linking to Meet the Author – Anna Goldsworthy

More upcoming events 

  • Sustaining the Commitment: Australian Army Logistics in South Vietnam, 1962–1973 – Monday 22 June, 5.30–6.30pm
Banner image linking to Experience ANU.

Before you go

Shop ANU signage displayed on a glass storefront surrounded by indoor plants.

Photo: ANU

End of Semester One Sale

Shop ANU has official ANU merchandise, from clothing and stationery to gifts and student essentials, all in one on-campus spot on Joplin Lane. 

With their End of Semester One Sale on now until stock clears, it's a great time to grab an ANU jumper or hoodie to keep you warm.  And look out for their range of new products in Semester Two.

Erica Walls-Nichols standing on a footbridge surrounded by trees on campus.

Photo: Bryant Evans/ANU

Three questions with Erica Walls-Nichols

How did you come to be at ANU?

I returned to ANU in August last year after quite a long and enjoyable stint at the other university up the hill. I previously worked at ANU from 2006–2014, in the Registrars Division and CASS, so it feels a bit like coming home. I returned to ANU as Project Manager for the ANU-Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials, which was incredibly interesting. I’ve recently started a new role as Executive Officer to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Training, which is an area of work I am very familiar with.

What are you most passionate about in your work?

I’ve worked in the Higher Degree Research space for much of my career, and I find it an incredibly rewarding space to work in, with the opportunity to contribute to shaping the ways in which we support and develop our future research leaders.  

What is your favourite spot on campus and why?

I had forgotten how beautiful ANU campus is, particularly in the warmer months. Whenever I get a chance to, I try to explore parts of campus I have never visited before, or rediscover places I had forgotten about. A favourite spot I’ve come across recently is the Lake Burley Griffin end of Sullivans Creek, near JCSMR and NCI. When the ducklings are about it’s beautiful and peaceful.

Hand using the Stamp Me rewards app on a smartphone screen.

Photo: Bryant Evans/ANU

Enjoy rewards at Cafe Mantra

Cafe Mantra is now on Stamp Me. Collect stamps using the app with every visit and enjoy rewards plus a birthday surprise. Click below to get the Stamp Me app and ask the team how to get started on your next visit.

Learn more button linking to Stamp Me for Android
Learn more button linking to Stamp Me for iPhone
Close-up of a bee collecting nectar from a bright pink flower.

Photo: Sarena Bunce/ANU

Scene on our Campus

This week’s picture was taken by Sarena Bunce, an Executive Search Business Partner from the People and Culture portfolio who captured this bee gathering nectar.

“Life on campus is sweeter when you actually look around. Bee in the moment (and save the bees!)”

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.

 

Key contacts

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.

Do you need support?

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.

 

The Australian National University, Canberra 

ANU is a smoke-free campus, with all smoking products prohibited under the University’s Smoke-Free Policy.

TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906

The Australian National University acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

Have an article or event for On Campus? Submit your content via this form.

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Privacy Policy |  Email Preferences