Our university community has recently drawn our attention to investment in companies that derive revenue from arms manufacture and sales. In response, ANU invited staff, students, and alumni to participate in a review of our Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Policy.  

We received almost 900 eForm submissions which informed the recommendations made to the ANU Council. This was followed by a town hall forum attended by more than 100 members of our community.  The town hall provided the opportunity to discuss the University’s investment portfolio and how positive and negative screens operate within the SRI Policy. We have listened to that feedback from our community. 

On 9 August, the ANU Council endorsed proposed updates to the University’s Socially Responsible Investment Policy. 

The Council has resolved that the University’s Long Term Investment Pool will not invest in controversial weapons manufacturers and civilian small arms manufacturers. This resolution adds to existing investment screens relating to coal, gambling, pornography and tobacco. The University will also seek further opportunities to implement positive screenings related to gender equality, First Nations-led companies, and managing modern slavery risks. 

This is an important step. The University will continue to review its policy settings to ensure investment decisions are aligned to our values. The implementation of these changes will take some time as the University works with its external investment managers to ensure they are carried out effectively. 

We will continue to keep our community updated. Thank you to everyone who participated in our consultation, we are proud to see this level of engagement from our community. 

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) has issued a recall after mistakenly handing out ultrasound probe covers in place of condoms. If you received these products on campus, please do not use them. SHFPACT advises anyone who has already used the product to contact SHFPACT on 02 6247 3077 for advice and to schedule a free clinic appointment. You can also book an appointment with a GP or Nurse Practitioner at the ANU Medical Centre.    

Members of the community can access free condoms and lubricant from these places:  

Read more: SHFPACT recalls condoms 

By updating your current contact information within ISIS, the University is best equipped to offer timely support when required and communicate important information about your studies, related administrative processes and emergencies. To ensure that your contact details are up to date please follow the ISIS pathway for updating personal details below:    

NavBar (compass icon) > Menu > ISIS > Personal Details > Personal Information    

If you encounter any difficulty in updating your personal information contact Student Central.

In response to the incredible student feedback, the Respectful Relationships Unit and the Inclusive Communities team merged this year to form the Inclusive and Respectful Communities team. This combined team was developed with the goals to help facilitate change and address a broad range of harmful behaviours within our community here at ANU and to expand peer-led development and delivery of this work.  

Since then, we have: 

Moving into 2025, we will continue to invest in peer-led activities and co-design projects, expand the RRR online program to offer a staff specific module and develop anti-racism specific training resources for students and staff with a goal to initiate real and meaningful change. 

If you would like to request training or explore your community prevention options email Respect@anu.edu.au.

Thursday 15 August, 6-8pm 

Science. Art. Film. is a series that uncovers wacky, weird and wonderful facets of science and art in films. Films are screened for free at the National Film and Sound Archive and are followed by discussions with artists and ANU scholars from different disciplines. 

Enjoy a special National Science Week free screening of the cult classic Blade. With superhuman strength and immunity to sunlight, human-vampire hybrid Blade hunts down vampires to avenge his mother's death. Afterward, delve into the myth and science of vampires and bats as portrayed in film. 

Register now: Blade and panel

Sunday 18 August, 2-3.30pm 

Join us for an afternoon of fun, dance and lessons on kangaroo behaviour with ANU PhD graduate Dr Weliton Menário Costa, known as WELI. As part of National Science Week, WELI is hosting a science communications and dance workshop perfect for kids aged 6-12 and their parents. Meet the cast from WELI's Kangaroo Time music video and participate in a live performance of Kangaroo Time.  

Register now: Kangaroo time children's workshop

Tuesday 3 September, 9am-4pm 

Join the School of Cybernetics for an immersive one-day learning experience. Dive deep into the complexities of AI technologies, exploring their implications and controversies. This program will equip you with the tools to understand and manage AI within societal systems, both now and in the future.  

Spots are limited, so secure yours by Monday 2 September. 

Register now: Decoding AI through Cybernetics

Thursday 15 August, 11:30am-12:30pm 

Feeling the need to escape the daily hustle and relax? Join us for a rejuvenating mindfulness and meditation workshop led by senior Art of Living international faculty, Gaurav Gaur and hosted by ANU Sport. Discover techniques to live a stress-free life and find inner calm through breath work and meditation. 

Register now: Lunchtime mindfulness workshop 

Monday 26 August, 4-5.30pm 

Join Professor You Ji from Xian Jiaotong Liverpool University, China, as he explores how the People’s Liberation Army has continuously transformed its capability. Mainly, through the adaptation of RMA 2.0 and war typology to prepare for AI aided warfare.  

Register now: All For Winning the Next War

Image: Students using the neurodiverse library space. Photo credit: Sarah Biggerstaff/ANU.

ANU librarian Ms Roxanne Missingham and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Grady Venville officially unveiled two new study spaces in the Chifley Library – designed to better accommodate the needs of neurodiverse students.   

The design of these study spaces has built upon work done in other parts of the University in consultation with ANUSA disability representatives and Student Services to discuss how to best support neurodiverse students to feel comfortable in library spaces.  

Read more: ANU Library launches neurodiverse supported study spaces

The Research School of Humanities and the Arts (RSHA) has unveiled its Mid-Year Snapshot, celebrating research excellence across 2023 and 2024. This report highlights the school’s groundbreaking contributions to societal, environmental, cultural, health and economic impact, both in Australia and globally. 

Dive into stories of success and discover how RSHA researchers are driving meaningful change and innovation. 

Learn more: 2024 RSHA Mid-Year Snapshot

Meet the author – Catherine Fox

Tuesday 27 August, 6.30-7.30pm 

Catherine Fox will be in conversation with Michelle Ryan on her new book Breaking the Boss Bias How to get more women into leadership. Despite the surge of women into university, jobs and sitting in federal parliament, why are men still overwhelmingly running the show? In Breaking the Boss Bias, Catherine Fox sounds the alarm. 

Enter now for a chance to win one of two copies of Breaking the Boss Bias and have your copy signed on the night of 27 August.   

The competition closes at noon AEDT on Wednesday 22 August   

Enter now: Meet the Author Student Giveaway 

If you are dealing with a personal or university-related issue, including distress related to the conflict in the Middle East, the University encourages you to seek support through the ANU 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.