2025 ANU Commencement: New Student Address, at Llewellyn Hall, The Australian National University (Crystal Li/ANU)

This is my third semester as VC and it is no less extraordinary 14-months into the job. The start of semester is part of university life, with thousands of students moving into residential halls and finding their way to classes. I’ve already met many students at the Commencement: New Student Welcome event, the International Student Welcome, the Postgraduate Welcome, and the Sir Roland Wilson Commencement Dinner - and I have more welcome events to kickstart this semester in the upcoming fortnight. 

Read more: VC message - Familiar beginnings

Following interest from staff in 2024, ANU will be introducing a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS). The VSS will provide continuing staff with the opportunity to express an interest in leaving the University on a voluntary basis.   

The VSS has been designed to help achieve necessary financial sustainability while supporting staff who may wish to explore new opportunities outside ANU. Participation is entirely voluntary, and applications will be considered based on operational requirements.  Details of the scheme are currently being finalised, and the University is engaging in consultation with the NTEU.  

Details such as eligibility criteria, application processes, and key dates, will be released to ANU staff by Tuesday 25 February. 

ANU is aware of the alleged cyber security incident reported on Sunday 16 February and is actively investigating with the support of the Australian Cyber Security Centre. We take cyber security seriously and are doing everything possible to assess the situation and protect our community.

In 2024, the ANU Advancement team achieved its most successful year yet, securing a record $38 million in donations and grants and over $20 million in future estate gifts. These funds will support students, research, and education at ANU. 

The team also strengthened gift governance, improved impact reporting, and reshaped alumni engagement. These successes highlight the generosity of our donors and the strong collaboration across ANU. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement. To discuss a project or collaboration, contact Advancement at advancement.operations@anu.edu.au. 

As we start Semester 1 teaching activities, we warmly welcome all our students and staff to our inclusive, open and respectful campus. ANU is a community that values diverse perspectives and academic freedom. We encourage open discussions where different viewpoints—cultural, religious, and intellectual—are shared and debated with respect. This diversity enriches our learning environment and strengthens our academic community. 

Our Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for all members of our community to: 

We are proud that our community actively supports the safety and well-being of others and the values of the University. Let’s make this semester a positive and enriching experience for everyone.

Monday 3 March, 5pm 

In an exclusive ANU Webinar, gain insights from former Australian prime minister and Australia’s Ambassador to the United States the Hon. Dr Kevin Rudd AC regarding the Australia–US relations on key global partnerships shaping diplomacy, including AUKUS, the QUAD, and other major developments from Washington. 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of the University’s most distinguished alumni on topics influencing Australia and the world. 

Register now: Dr. Kevin Rudd on the Australia-US Alliance 

Tuesday 25 February, 6-8pm 

Glean insights on progress of environment policy over the past twenty years as the third edition of Environment and Sustainability: A Policy Handbook (Federation Press) is launched. Co-authors Emeritus Professor Steve Dovers, Professor Karen Hussey and Associate Professor Sarah Clement will be in discussion with Tom Sloan to explore the state of public policy theory and practice in the environment field across the span of the book's previous editions to now.  

Register now: Launch of Environment and Sustainability A Policy Handbook 

Tuesday 25 February, 6-7.30pm 

What happens when humanity’s progress accelerates beyond its capacity to adapt? Associate Professor Christopher Hobson will deliver a lecture expanding on his research into polycrisis and systemic risk, focusing on the 'Great Acceleration,' a term introduced in a 2015 article co-authored by the late ANU Professor Will Steffen.

The next stage in this process might be ‘The Great Disorientation’, reflecting conditions in which socio-economic change and technological development greatly outpaces the capacities of individuals and societies to adjust.   

Register now: The Great Disorientation 

Wednesday 26 February, 11.00-11.40am 

The Schwarzman Scholarships provide a one-year, fully funded master's program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, designed to build a global community of future leaders who will serve to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world. This 40-minute webinar will discuss the program and selection process.  

Register now: A virtual introduction to Schwarzman Scholars 

Thursday 27 February, 5-7.30pm 

Enjoy an in-depth panel discussion to celebrate the launch of this first-of-its-kind -book, Natural Security Law in Australia. This edited volume takes an interdisciplinary approach on national security law in a vast array of contexts. Book editor and author, Associate Professor Danielle Ireland-Piper, will moderate a panel discussion with a selection of chapter authors, followed by remarks from the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, Jake Blight. 

Register now: Book launch, National Security Law in Australia 

Thursday 20 March, 9.30am-4.30pm 

Have you ever wondered why humans find conflict so difficult? In this training you will learn why humans avoid conflict, the emotional and cognitive responses to tough conversations and you’ll develop the skill set necessary to comfortably engage in purposeful and productive tough conversations. If you want to improve your skills in offering feedback, raising sensitive or contentious issues, or managing your own emotions during conflict then this course is for you.  

Register now: The neuroscience of tough conversations 

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship supports everyday people with big ideas who are looking to pursue postgraduate research or coursework in areas related to sustainability, technology and innovation, social change or Australia’s relationship with Asia. 

We are pleased to announce four exceptional recipients of the 2025 scholarships from our ANU community:  

Read the full list of the 2025 scholars with attached bios.  

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Initiatives and Infrastructure), Professor Ute Roessner. Credit: Provided. 

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Initiatives and Infrastructure), Professor Ute Roessner has been appointed as CEO of the Australian Research Council (ARC). During her time at ANU, Ute has overseen and supported the University's research infrastructure, including all ANU NCRIS facilities and cross-disciplinary research initiatives, including Innovation Institutes. She has also lead research in reducing nitrogen loss from fertilisers, which has the potential to revolutionise crop production and protect the environment. Ute has received numerous accolades including being elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, and she won the ANZSMS Morrison Medal in 2023. 

Ute will start her new role at the ARC on 31 March.

On 4 February 2025 the Australian Government banned Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, DeepSeek, on all federal government systems and devices following security and privacy concerns. Prompted by recent government guidance and extant security issues ANU strongly recommends avoiding using DeepSeek. 

DeepSeek is a new AI platform developed to compete with leading AI systems such as ChatGPT or MS CoPilot. Use of DeepSeek may pose risks to personal and organisational data integrity and it is recommended to refrain from using this service and seek alternatives for any official ANU activities.  

The ANU Information Security Office has written an in-depth explainer on DeepSeek alongside cybersafe best practice advice. 

Learn more: What is DeepSeek and why has it been banned? 

We’re inviting nominations for the Indigenous Strategy Working Group to help shape the future of the ANU Indigenous strategy. This is a chance to support and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, voices, and perspectives across our community. 

There are four Professional Staff and four Academic positions available. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to nominate themselves or others. If you're passionate about increasing the visibility of Indigenous culture on campus, we’d love to hear from you. 

To apply, send your Expression of Interest to inclusive.communities@anu.edu.au by Friday 7 March 2025. For more information, view the Working Group Terms of Reference here.

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and secure digital environment for all members of our community, we would like to remind staff of the importance of adhering to the University’s Acceptable use of information technology policy.  

Limited personal use of the University email system is acceptable. However, ANU email accounts should not be used to conduct personal business or unauthorised commercial activity. Staff who use their University email accounts for non-work-related matters and private business—including medical, banking, and social media—could lose access to these personal accounts when they no longer work at ANU.  

Please note that all ANU email accounts, including alumni and auxiliary accounts, are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982, the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles. This means that personal emails shared through work accounts may be monitored or audited.  

Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to the ANU Service Desk. 

The University is seeking new occupational strain liaison officers (OSLO’s) to provide workstation assessments and postural advice to staff. This is a great opportunity to increase your knowledge of workstation ergonomics and to contribute to your workplace community. 

To become an OSLO, you must complete the online Pulse module OSLO Training Module (WHSO08) and attend a 2-hour, in-person session. Register for this practical module by accessing HORUS and using the course code WHSC13. Please send enquiries or questions to injurymanagement@anu.edu.au. 

Learn more: Becoming an OSLO 

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 24/7 - (02) 6125 7979 

Contact the 24/7 media hotline 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. Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek 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.