From bell bottoms and old-school labs to discoveries that have changed how we understand the world, a lot has happened in 80 years of ANU. Take a look back at eight decades of science and medicine, and the curiosity that continues to drive us forward. 

The ceremonial and social heart of ANU is reopening in time for celebrations marking our 80th anniversary.  

“University House is ready to resume its place in the life of the ANU and the broader Canberra community,” says Master of University House, Professor Peter Kanowski. 

Six ANU School of Art and Design graduates have created new prints for the newly refurbished University House. From Canberra sunsets and family photographs to windows and blankets, each work brings a personal story into the building’s accommodation suites, joining more than 150 works from the ANU Art Collection returning to its walls. 

Congratulations to our recent trivia winners, staff winner, Ray Song and student winner, Rory Bennett. Please contact ANU Corporate Communications to collect your prize. 

Last week’s question and answer:  

What does the ANU Motto mean in English? Answer: First to learn the nature of things. 

Did you know? The ANU motto, Naturam Primum Cognoscere Rerum, comes from the Roman poet Lucretius and his philosophical poem De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things).

The ANU-Civic Loop Bus route and timetable will change from Monday 17 August as the route continues to be tested throughout the pilot phase.

From next week:

Check the latest route map and updates on our website before traveling.

How many languages are really spoken across Australia? ANU researchers have launched the Languages of Australia Survey to build a more accurate picture of the nation’s linguistic diversity beyond what is captured in the Census.

If you speak more than one language, take the short, anonymous survey and help researchers understand which languages are spoken, where they are spoken and by how many people.

On Friday 14 August, a new ANU Strategy, recently approved by Council, will be launched at the newly refurbished University House.  This milestone event follows extensive consultation across our community – thank you to everyone who contributed. Council’s focus now shifts to delivery – starting with a review of the funding envelope, followed by agreeing measures of success and reviewing the implementation plan.

Our governance reforms have fully reconstituted the Nominations, Finance, and Audit & Risk sub-committees with new Chairs appointed. Council is completing its six-month governance review and planning the next phase of reform, alongside our continuing work with TEQSA.

The University’s financial position has improved materially, though student growth has slowed across the sector. Council approved ANU One, as one response, creating new pathways for domestic and international students, and is now reviewing its implementation KPIs and milestones.

Council is also reviewing safety and wellbeing, academic and regulatory matters, and digital and cyber risks.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts and ideas to the Chancellor selection process.  Council received the independent Chancellor Selection Panel's recommendation on Monday and expects to decide by Friday 14 August. An announcement will be made to the community in due course.

Dr Larry Marshall
Interim Chancellor

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has launched an urgent national appeal for people with O+, O-, A+ or A- blood to donate, with blood supplies impacted by the winter flu season. 

Around 80 per cent of Australians have an O or A blood type, and if you don’t know yours, donating is an easy way to find out while helping save lives. 

Here’s just a few of the exciting activities and sessions taking place this Saturday 15 August. 

Discover one of the finest collections of First Nations art held by an Australian university. As part of the Community Day, join a guided tour exploring Indigenous works from the ANU Art Collection and the stories and perspectives they hold.  

Join Ngambri-Kamberri Walgalu -Wiradyuri custodian Paul Girrawah House for a tour of his contemporary tree carvings across campus. Hear Paul share his connection to Country and the stories, knowledge and belonging held within the trees. 

Discover some of the most exciting contemporary glass art from Australia and New Zealand. The FUSE Glass Prize brings 18 established and emerging artists to the ANU School of Art and Design Gallery, showcasing the creativity and possibilities of glass.  

Browse limited-edition prints, ceramics, blown glass and more, all made by ANU students. Find something you love, support emerging Canberra artists and help raise funds for the ANU School of Art ball. 

From “Oxbridge in the Bush” to a much-loved hub for our community, explore more than 70 years of University House through rare photographs, drawings, correspondence and other treasures from the University Archives. 

Celebrate 80 years of ANU and 60 years of the ANU Film Group with a free screening of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Follow Odysseus on his epic journey home, with vengeful gods, deadly monsters and an all-star cast. 

Doors open at 3.30pm for a 4pm film start. No registration or membership required – first in, best dressed. 

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