There is a lot of misinformation still circulating campus about our finances and our financial sustainability. The reality is, we continue to spend more money than we earn and have been doing this year-on-year since the pandemic. I encourage our community to use the Renew ANU website as the place for reliable, relevant and timely information. If you still have questions, please reach out.

As you will have seen, the University has now released the ANU Renew Change Principles Implementation Plan, coupled with a timeline for possible future change. I know this is unsettling, and I know this period is tough. Our community has been asking for certainty, and the leadership and I discussed whether providing these dates would help provide more clarity or unease. On the balance, I wanted to provide this timeline, so you have the same working information as I do. The journey we are on is complex and hard, and although we have a final state – to be financially sustainable – there remain many choices as to how we get there. I am committed to continuing to work with our community to make these decisions together.

Read more: VC’s Update: Unpacking strategy and update on Nixon report

The CFO has provided an update on our savings progress under 'Renew ANU'. You can read the full update here.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Renew ANU 2025 Change Principles consultation process. Your constructive engagement has helped shape a stronger and more inclusive outcome.   

On 16 April, the University released the Renew ANU Change Principles: Implementation Plan. The University has carefully reviewed all feedback received, and on 23 May, confirmed that implementation will commence as proposed.  

Further information on the consultation process can be viewed here.  A summary of the feedback received and the University’s response can be viewed here.

From June, a number of areas across the University will start releasing formal change proposals aligned with the confirmed Change Principles. These proposals will outline potential changes to structures, roles and processes to improve service delivery and ensure long-term sustainability.  

To support planning, a high-level implementation timeline has been published. This timeline provides more detail about which areas are expected to consult on changes throughout the remainder of 2025 and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.  

The University anticipates that any formal change proposals required in 2025 will be released by 31 October 2025.  

Further updates will be shared through On Campus and the Renew ANU webpage. This includes information about individual change proposals, updated timelines, and staff support resources.  

May saw an increase in total leave provision of $650k. This was a smaller increase than the same time last year, where the provision increased over $1.2m. 

ANU proudly marks the start of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June 2025). This year’s theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’ and invites reflection on the enduring connection between past, present and future and how we can all play a role in building a more just and equitable Australia. 

Throughout the week, ANU will spotlight a range of events, initiatives and stories that support reconciliation.  

Learn more: National Reconciliation Week 2025

In September 2024, the Vice-Chancellor and I commissioned a review into matters of gender of culture in the then ANU College and Health and Medicine. This was to better understand the culture, and to provide actionable recommendations for how we could improve the experiences of our staff and students.  The review was undertaken by Professor Christine Nixon. The final Report was released to the three Schools yesterday, and I want to thank the staff, students and former members of our community for engaging with Professor Nixon and providing your experiences and perspective. 

A copy of the full report, and next steps is now available to all staff on our website.

Read more: Message from the Provost on the Nixon Review report 

For the past 35 years, Emeritus Professor Chennupati Jagadish has pioneered nanotechnology research at the Australian National University (ANU). But when speaking about his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society, generosity and kindness are the focus.  

Jagadish, the current President of the Australian Academy of Science, grew up in a small village in India and studied by the light of a kerosene lamp. Jagadish’s journey to becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society is shaped by passion, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for those who supported him along the way 

Read more: Generosity and kindness, the hallmarks of top ANU scientific leader

As the first Indigenous academic at ANU to be named a Distinguished Professor, Asmi Wood credits his success to community and collective support. A leading voice in Indigenous legal education, Professor Wood’s work champions inclusive teaching and culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. From supporting the Tjabal Centre to reshaping law curricula, his efforts have led to increased Indigenous graduation rates and greater access to higher education. “That’s what universities are about,” he says. “Allowing people to flourish.”

Read more: Making university better for everyone, including Indigenous peoples

Two exceptional scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to science.  

Professor Mark Howden and Professor Rob Mahony have been elected Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science.  

Both experts, elected by their peers, are among the most distinguished scientists in Australia. 

Read more: World-class ANU scientists join the best of the best at the Academy

Friday 30 May, 4-5pm  

You're invited to a unique one-hour workshop celebrating Aboriginal culture through art and storytelling.

Led by artist Jessy Currie, you'll learn the meaning of traditional Aboriginal symbols, create your own Dreamtime story, and paint it onto a wooden boomerang to take home. All materials are provided, including paints, brushes and a symbol guide. 

Register now: Paint Your Boomerang: an art journey that
comes full circle

Friday 30 May, 7-8pm 

Mount Stromlo Observatory in conjunction with the Canberra Astronomical Society invite you to attend our public observing nights of 2025. Come and see the craters of the moon, planets, and beautiful star clusters. Object visibility will vary depending on the night.

There will also be talks inside the Visitor Centre, along with warm drinks and food in the cafe. Bookings essential.

Register now: Mt. Stromlo public astronomy night 2025

Tuesday 3 June, 12.30-2pm 

Indonesia’s healthcare disparities persist due to everyday politics like clientelism, as shown in this study of three cities. It reveals how patronage distorts services, what protects health systems from political capture, and how context moderates clientelism’s effect on health outcomes.

Register now: Clientelism and Public Health: Explaining Variation in Healthcare Services in Three Indonesian Cities

Wednesday 4 June, 6-7pm 

Join internationally renowned epidemiologist Professor Raina MacIntyre as she discusses her powerful new book Vaccine Nation with infectious diseases expert Dr Sanjaya Senanayake. Explore the science behind vaccines, the rise of misinformation, and why restoring public trust in vaccination is more urgent than ever.  

Books will be available for signing from 5:30pm.   

Register now: Meet the author, Raina MacIntyre

Wednesday 4 June, 6pm 

In a bleak 2027, Children of Men follows Theo and Julian as they escort a miraculously pregnant woman through a world unravelled by infertility and conflict.

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity), the film explores themes of collapse, control, and hope.

Join us after the screening for a discussion on population, migration and protest, as part of the Science. Art. Film. series with the ANU Centre for the Public Awareness of Science.

Register now: Science. Art. Film.: Children of Men 

Tuesday 10 June, 10am-12pm

This advanced workshop is designed to build capability in better practice approaches to policy development, consultation and communication. You'll gain practical tools to develop your own policy plans and engage effectively with stakeholders.

Ideal for senior managers, policy practitioners, college and service division staff, and anyone aspiring to work in policy. Completion of the Introduction to Policy Governance workshop is a prerequisite.

Learn more: Effective Policy Development, Review and Consultation (Policy Training Series 2/2) – CGRO03

Wednesday 4 June (Zoom), Tuesday 10 June (in-person)

The academic promotion round for Levels B to E1 is now open and runs until 30 June 2025. 

To support applicants, several drop-in sessions are available for staff who are considering submitting an application These sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with the Academic Promotions team.

No registration needed. The team is also happy to find a time to meet with you individually. Reach out to academicpromotions@anu.edu.au to arrange a time. 

Learn more: Academic Promotions Drop-In Session

 

Wednesday 11 June, 6-7pm  

Join leading AI researcher Toby Walsh as he discusses his new book The Shortest History of AI with economist and MP Andrew Leigh. Traversing the origins and future of artificial intelligence through six key ideas, Walsh explores AI’s evolution — from the imaginative work of Ada Lovelace to the rise of ChatGPT — and its impact on human creativity, culture, and society. 

Timely, accessible, and engaging, The Shortest History of AI reveals how decades of research underpin today's 'overnight' breakthroughs and invites readers to consider what lies ahead.  

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm.   

Register now: Meet the author: Toby Walsh 

Friday 20 June, 2.30-4pm 

Visiting Japanese archaeologist Professor Hirofumi Kato will explore the ongoing struggle for the repatriation of Ainu ancestral remains and significance in the broader context of Indigenous reconciliation. Despite official recognition in 2008, the Ainu people remain a marginalised Indigenous group in Japan, with a long history of dispossession and cultural erasure.

Register now: The Road of Reconciliation: Recovery of Rights, Indigenous Participation, and Responsibility of Academia

Thursday 26 June, 9.30am-4.30pm 

Are you stepping into a leadership role for the first time? This workshop is designed to help new professional staff supervisors lead with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Led by renowned leadership coach Abby Rees, this session will give you the tools to build strong team dynamics (including routines, expectations and practices) that will foster collaboration and productivity in a conscious, strategic and deliberate manner.

Register now: Supervisor development program workshop

Following a competitive recruitment process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Kenna as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. Shannon brings over 20 years of leadership experience in government communications, policy and stakeholder engagement. We thank and acknowledge Steven Fanner for his leadership and commitment over the past year as Interim Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. Shannon will commence on 3 June 2025. Please join us in warmly welcoming Shannon.

Help shape how the University takes action on climate change, nature and the circular economy. Consultation is now open for the next iteration of the Environmental Sustainability Plan for 2026-2030. 

Register now for one of our in-person workshops this June or participate anytime online by viewing the explainer and summary slides, then share your feedback through an online form. 

Curious about progress so far? The 2024 ANU Environmental Sustainability Report is now online. See what happened last year in environmental sustainability at the ANU. 

Learn more: Community consultation for the next ANU Environmental Sustainability Plan. 

Explore a defining moment in the University's early history through this online exhibition from the Archives Library. The Easter Conference offers a rare glimpse into the landmark 1948 event that helped shape the academic direction of Australia’s national university—months before it officially opened. 

The exhibition showcases original documents, rare photographs and correspondence that captures the energy, ambition and intellectual collaboration of the post-war era. It provides valuable insight into the ideas and people who laid the groundwork for a national centre of learning. 

Online exhibition: The Easter Conference (April 1948) 

Scattered quietly across campus are living works of cultural heritage: scar trees. Carefully carved by Ngambri and Ngunnawal custodian Paul Girrawah House, these carvings hold deep meaning for Country, culture and connection.

"Tree carving is a part of our identity, our connection to Country and reclaiming of Ngambri (Kamberri) Country." Says House.

House, who learned this cultural practice from his mother, Elder Dr Matilda House, describes the carvings as acts of respect—for the tree, for spirit, and for story.

As you walk across campus this week, try to spot one of the scar trees and take a moment to reflect on the stories they carry.

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.