This week, ANU marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a time to recognise the outstanding contributions of women across research, teaching, leadership and professional roles within our university. 

The IWD theme this year is #AccelerateAction and highlights the urgency of creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. At ANU, we’re proud to support the 12,906 female students and 2,803 female staff members who bring innovation, leadership, and dedication to our community. Their impact extends beyond ANU, shaping industries, policies and societies.

So throughout this edition of On Campus, you’ll find inspiring stories showcasing the achievements and contributions of women across our University.

Yorta Yorta woman Dr Lisa Conway is creating a more inclusive and culturally safe future for the Australian Public Service.

ANU scientist Professor Caitlin Byrt is harnessing the power of plants to create a sustainable future for people and the planet.

Dr Yen Le’s time amongst the picturesque mountains and glaciers in Ladakh highlighted the health risks of climate change.

This fortnight has been another busy time for our campus. Last week, ANU was called to Senate Estimates which is an extraordinary experience, and one that takes real time across the organisation to prepare for. I want to thank our 80 or so colleagues who are involved in this process in the lead up to, and on the night itself, and a special shout out to Tony, Grady and Michael for representing ANU with me. You can read the opening statement on our Parliamentary engagement page.

Read more from the VC: Senate Estimates and DVCA news

We are inviting our trusted ANU experts to share their knowledge, perspectives and analysis during the federal election and the consequences of the results.

The ANU Media team will help to coordinate ongoing federal election-related, public-facing material inviting contributions focused on four streams:

1. ANU expert media commentary
Academic staff are encouraged to provide election-related comments to the media via interviews.

2. ANU Expert Explainer Video
A short, 3-minute video to explain a common but complex term or idea.

3. ANU Expert Perspective
An expertise-informed, first-person perspective to introduce and/or contextualise an issue linked to the federal election.

4. ANU Expert Analysis
A short, sharp translation of research-informed findings.

Contribute to the ANU 2025 Federal Election coverage

As part of the recently announced Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS), the Chief People Officer will be holding virtual all-staff information sessions this week. These sessions will include a presentation on the VSS, followed by a Q&A. Staff are encouraged to attend to gain a clearer understanding of the scheme and its implications. These sessions will be recorded with the links added here.

Thursday 6 March 2025, 11.45am (45 minutes) Register here

Additionally, UniSuper will be hosting webcasts this week to help staff understand superannuation considerations when expressing interest in a voluntary separation. All staff are welcome to attend, even if you are not a UniSuper member. 

Thursday 6 March 2025, 12.30pm (1 hour)  Register here 

Learn more: Voluntary Separation Scheme

In 2024, the University commissioned Professor Christine Nixon to conduct an independent Review of matters of gender and culture in the (former) ANU College of Health and Medicine and its constituent schools, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, the School of Medicine and Psychology, and the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health.  

The review was finalised in January 2025, and the University received the final report in February 2025. The Executive is working through the recommendations, which will be provided to ANU Council for endorsement. A summary of the recommendations and University response will be made available to the ANU community in early Q2, 2025.

Aerial view of Kambri, ANU Open Day. Credit: Jamie Kidston/ANU

Help us welcome future students and their families to campus for ANU Open Day on Saturday 29 March. It’s a chance to share insights, answer questions, and help visitors explore what ANU has to offer. With a packed schedule of events and activities, it’s set to be a big day for prospective students. 

Why volunteer? 

Support future students – Many visitors are making big decisions about their next steps and your insights can make a difference. 

Be part of a major event – Open Day brings thousands of people to campus and creates a vibrant atmosphere. 

Showcase the campus – For many students, seeing ANU in person helps them picture their future here. 

Engage with the community – Whether you enjoy connecting with people or just want to lend a hand, your contribution is valued. 

Register your interest to volunteer

As you are aware, in 2024 the University took deliberate steps to address our excess leave provisions in accordance with the ANU Enterprise Agreement.

In 2025, we will continue with a phased approach to address excess annual and long service leave balances. This plan includes two rounds of notifications for excess annual leave, one round for excess long service leave, and notifications for academic staff to manage their 2025 annual leave accrual. 

People & Culture will coordinate these notifications and collaborate with staff and supervisors, ensuring that dates are considerate of teaching breaks and school holidays.

As we work towards a more robust approach to leave management, it is important to remember that we all play a key role in ensuring the success of this initiative, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of our colleagues. Regardless of any leave management activity coordinated throughout 2025, it is essential that everyone works with their supervisor proactively to find some appropriate time for a break.  This could include anything from a holiday abroad, spending time with friends and family, or even just a day of relaxation at home.

As part of our commitment to fostering a healthier and more supportive work environment, we have outlined the dates for key leave management activities to be implemented throughout 2025.

Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens uncovered the research gap in the intersection of circus, science and technology.

Defying gravity: Dr Elise Stephenson is engineering a more equal future on Earth and in outer space.

ANU PhD scholar Maureen Montalban is helping reimagine military service to be more inclusive of motherhood.

New season of A Podcast of One’s Own starts on 6 March

In celebration of International Women's Day, we're pleased to announce the launch of the new season of A Podcast of One’s Own, hosted by The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership Chair and former Prime Minister, The Hon Julia Gillard AC.  

The first episode, releasing on 6 March, features Julia in conversation with Welsh First Minister, Eluned Morgan. On 20 March, Julia and co-host Sarah Holland-Batt will discuss the newly released novel Wild Dark Shore in their inaugural book club episode. The Podcast dives into the challenges and opportunities women face in leadership today, featuring expert insights on gender equity, policy change and leadership pathways.  

Read more: A Podcast of One’s Own 

Friday 7 March, 10-11.30am 

Presented by ANU College of Science & Medicine, join Agrifood Innovation Institute Deputy Director Alison Bentley for an insightful conversation with women driving change in agriculture. With ambitious targets for sustainable and economically beneficial food production, the sector needs innovation and a diverse workforce to tackle challenges like climate change and global instability. 

Register now: Celebrating Women Building a More Food-Secure World 

Wednesday 12 March,10-11am 

Join the ANU Safety and Wellbeing Team for a 1-hour information session and morning tea, sponsored by UniSuper, to discuss key topics on menopause, the outcome of the senate inquiry, diversity and inclusion, and UniSuper 360 menopause services. 

Register now: Let's talk menopause 

Wednesday 12 March, 6-7pm 

Robert Dessaix will be in conversation with Andrew Leigh on his new book Chameleon: A memoir of art, travel, ideas and love, a book that reflects on pleasure, art, sex, literature, infatuation, happiness, music, life, death and all the rest. 

Register now: Meet the Author Robert Dessaix 

Friday 14 March, 2.30-4pm 

Can AI solve society’s biggest challenges and drive positive change? Join leading AI experts, researchers, and change-makers for an engaging panel discussion on how AI is shaping our communities and addressing real-world issues. 

Hosted by the ANU McCusker Institute, this event explores the power of transdisciplinary collaboration in turning bold ideas into meaningful impact. Whether you're passionate about technology, policy, ethics, or community leadership, this discussion will inspire you to think beyond the classroom. 

Register now: GenAI for Social Good 

Nearly a year ago, ANU launched its first Gender Equity Strategy, led by Professor Fiona Jenkins, convenor of the Gender Institute, and developed by the ANU Gender Equity Plan Taskforce.

Some of our key progress to date includes expanded policies to remove barriers to gender diversity and improved flexible working and caregiver supports. We’ve also continued to enhance some of the most progressive parental leave entitlements in the sector.

ANU implemented mandatory training on respectful conduct, gender equity and bystander intervention while embedding gender-inclusive practices in leadership programs. Support systems have improved with better complaints and appeals processes and we have expanded resources on gender equity and identity, including workshops for our senior leaders.

We’re fostering a more inclusive culture through education campaigns on gendered pronouns, inclusive language and trans and gender-diverse experiences. We’ve also achieved breastfeeding-friendly workplace accreditation.

To honour remarkable women past and present, we’ve also been rolling out a building renaming project highlighting those who have helped shape our community.

These steps mark meaningful progress, but our work continues. Achieving gender equity is an ongoing effort, and through collaboration, transparency, accountability and data-driven action, we will continue to build a more gender inclusive, respectful, and diverse ANU community.

 

Peter Anstee, First Assistant Secretary for Cyber and Technology Security Policy at the Department of Home Affairs and ANU alumnus, has been awarded a 2025 Fulbright Scholar Award. He will develop methodologies for managing foreign interference risks in high-tech industries at the University of California, Berkeley. Peter's work will also strengthen collaboration between Australian and American technology experts. 

The Fulbright Program is one of the world’s most prestigious academic exchange initiatives, fostering research collaboration between Australia and the United States. Since 1949, it has supported scholars in advancing knowledge and addressing global challenges. 

Read more: Fullbright Scholar – Peter Anstee 

Caption. IEEE Asia Pacific Region Director Prof Takako Hashimoto, IEEE President Prof Kathleen Kramer, HIAF Scientific Director Prof Mahananda Dasgupta and ANU Research School of Physics Director Prof Tim Senden. Credit: Provided.

The Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) at ANU has received the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Milestone Award, becoming the fourth recipient in Australia. HIAF, the highest energy ion accelerator in Australia, has enabled world-leading research in nuclear science, climate, environment and biomedicine for over 50 years. 

The official ceremony to unveil the IEEE milestone plaque took place last Wednesday. The IEEE delegation was led by President Professor Kathleen Kramer and IEEE Australia Council Vice-Chair Dr Ambarish Natu. Attendees included the ACT Government Business and Innovation team, Heavy Ion Accelerators Board members and ANU Research School of Physics staff. 

Read more: ANU accelerator receives international recognition

Today the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) will release information regarding median gender pay gaps and average remuneration by gender per quartile for private sector organisations with 100 employees or more. This includes the gender pay gaps for ANU. Our results have improved since 2020. However, we know there is more work to be done to continue to address the gender pay gap. The action we have taken over the last few years provides a solid foundation to continue to address this issue and make positive change.

Key changes to the gender pay gap data being released include the inability for direct comparisons with prior year data as CEO or equivalent, Heads of Business and casually employed managers’ remuneration is included in gender pay gap calculations for the first time in 2024.

The gender pay gap is a vital initiative and an important step in ensuring that all organisations make pay fair and equal across the board. We fully support WGEA’s publication of gender pay gaps as part of national efforts to advance gender equality.

As an institution, we continue to be committed to upholding and leading our community with a values-led approach, and we are committed to having difficult conversations when we fall short of our own expectations, and holding ourselves to account to improve gender equity, along with a range of other social and societal issues. Although we have made progress and commitments to address and lead change, work remains to be done, which will require our entire community to support and deliver.

For details of our gender pay gap that you will see as part of WGEA’s release, to help you understand what this data represents and how we are working to improve our position, please read our employer statement.

Read more: WGEA gender pay gap employer statement

Dr Samira Nazar is showing women in the world’s most vulnerable regions can turn adversity into business success.

ANU expert Dr Eunice Khoo is researching how superstitions can significantly impact financial decision-making

Dr Alison Bentley, Dr Sarah Clement, Dr Georgy Falster and Dr Amanda Parker have all been recognised as Superstars of STEM. 

I’m delighted to share that after a competitive recruitment process, we have appointed Julian Doak as the Chief Information Security Officer. 

Julian brings over 25 years of experience in information security and technology management within Australian Government departments and internationally. He most recently joins us from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), where he served as the Chief Information Security Officer, playing a role in developing and implementing the agency’s information security strategy. This included safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of ABS’s critical data and systems, and ensuring the security of Australia’s national statistical infrastructure including the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey and the 2021 Census. 

As CISO at ABS, Julian led the development and execution of comprehensive security policies and protocols, managed risk assessment and mitigation efforts, and spearheaded incident response initiatives. His strategic approach to information security helped protect ABS from evolving cyber threats and supported the agency’s mission to provide reliable and accurate statistical information. He also played a role in securely enabling ABS's migration to the cloud, implementing a robust security framework to protects sensitive data while maximising the benefits of cloud technologies. He has established a strong working relationship with the Australian Signals Directorate, leveraging their resources and expertise to ensure data safety. 

Before his tenure at ABS, Julian held senior security roles in various organisations across the public sector and at the International Monetary Fund, managing complex security environments and leading initiatives to enhance organisational resilience.  Julian is an active member and respected authority in the domestic and international cybersecurity community, regularly participating in industry conferences and forums to discuss best practices, emerging threats, and advancements in information security. 

Please join me in welcoming Julian, who will commence his role on 17 March 2025. 

Did you know that ANU staff have access to a free artificial intelligence (AI) tool? Microsoft Copilot is included in your Microsoft product suite, and we encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with how this tool can assist you in your work.

Learn more: Meet Microsoft Copilot

The Digital Plan Learning & Teaching Stream is pleased to share a timeline to guide academics and Education Support staff prepare for teaching in Semester 2 and Winter 2025 using our new learning management system (LMS), Canvas. 

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) Geoff Hinchcliffe says, “This is a major milestone in our move to Canvas and it’s so exciting to see staff accessing their sites. Many have been exploring their sandpit sites over the past three months, and I’m eager to see how they put their lessons to work in their Semester 2 and Winter term course sites." 

Academics and Education Support staff preparing for Winter and Semester 2 courses have access to training and support resources available via the Learning & Teaching SharePoint site. 

Learn more: It’s time to prepare your course site in Canvas 

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.