Image: Kambri, ANU campus, Acton. Photo: supplied

As is true most weeks now, there has been a lot happening. In the world beyond our walls and shores, and here at ANU. I was lucky enough to attend the Press Club last week and hear the Treasurer speak and he reflected on the ways that Australia is in a different kind of moment – one characterised by persistent change, rather than long periods of steady-state. He talked about how institutions and citizens alike might need to orient differently to that kind of world – one that has more change and more instablity. He made clear that, in such a world, resilience was both an important personal attribute but also increasingly a feature of our systems and even our economy. I think about that for us here at the ANU; both for each of us as individuals and for our organisation. And I know that building a robust, resilient organisation takes time and effort.

Read more: VC's update - governance

I’m pleased to share that the first meeting of the Nixon Implementation Steering Group took place on Thursday 12 June. We discussed expectations, governance and support for the Working Groups. I left the meeting feeling very positive about what we can achieve together for our university to be a fairer and safer place to teach, work and learn.

I am now inviting all staff and students to consider submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to join one of seven thematic Working Groups that will advise the Implementation Steering Group.

Read more: Update from the Provost - your invitation to be part of shaping a stronger ANU

Image: The Kambri precinct, ANU, Acton. Photo: supplied

The Australian National University (ANU) has been ranked 32 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and fourth in Australia, reaffirming its position as a global leader in higher education and research. Rankings are based on the overall score that an institution receives across 10 key indicators and ANU recorded its highest overall score in six years, increasing five points to 87.4. 
 
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Lachlan Blackhall said it was pleasing to see improvements across the majority of indicators and that “ANU is moving in the right direction in many areas.” 
 
Read more: ANU 32nd in World University Rankings 

Image: Katelyn representing the ANU Formula Sport Team. Photo: supplied 

Katelyn Czubara has made history as the ANU Formula Sport Team’s first female driver. A former national karting competitor, she’s played a key role in both racing and rebuilding the team’s custom car - while also leading its business operations. Alongside her role on the team, Katelyn is studying a Bachelor of Languages and Arts, balancing her academic journey with her passion for motorsport. 

Now, Katelyn is focused on paving the way for others. With women-only track days and training initiatives underway, the team is working to ensure she’s the first of many. 
 
Read more: Breaking barriers in top gear 

We’re aware of the system issue affecting access to the Graduation Invitation panel on ANUHub and are working to have it resolved by end of day today, Tuesday 24 June. The deadline to submit a ‘Defer’ response has now been extended to Wednesday 2 July. Please note the deadline to action tasks and resolve outstanding fees will still be Friday 27 June. If you intend to be conferred in July 2025, no action is required. This panel is only for students who wish to defer their conferral. 

Image: Dr Tatiana Bur and Dr Shauna Bostock. Photo: supplied

The ABC has announced its annual TOP 5 media residencies, with two ANU researchers among the selected voices. Lecturer and cultural historian Dr Tatiana Bur, a lecturer and cultural historian, joins the Humanities stream, bringing her expertise in ancient Greek and Roman technology to broader audiences. In the Science stream, Dr Shauna Bostock, Indigenous Research Editor for the Australian Dictionary of Biography, will explore new ways of sharing multi-generational Aboriginal histories through public platforms. 

ANU proudly partners with the ABC to support the TOP 5 Science stream, which provides early-career scientists with two weeks of intensive media training at the ABC’s national offices. ANU College of Science and Medicine Dean, Professor Kiaran Kirk, says the program plays a vital role in helping researchers communicate the value of science in solving global challenges

Read more: 2025 ABC TOP 5 recipients announced

Wednesday 2 July, 6-7pm 
 
Join two of Australia's most acclaimed crime writers as Michael Robotham, two-time Gold Dagger winner and twice Edgar-shortlisted author, discusses his gripping new novel The White Crow with bestselling author Chris Hammer. 

The White Crow introduces Police Constable Philomena McCarthy, the daughter of a London crime boss, caught between duty and blood as a chilling case threatens everything she stands for. This new release promises suspense, heart and masterful storytelling. A vote of thanks will be delivered by Canberra crime fiction reviewer Jeff Popple. 

 Register here: Meet the author - Michael Robotham 

Tuesday 8 July, 6-7pm 

Join cultural studies expert Graeme Turner AO and renowned historian Professor Frank Bongiorno AM for a timely discussion on Turner’s powerful new book, Broken: Universities, Politics and the Public Good. 

Described as a much-needed reality check, Broken: Universities, Politics and the Public Good explores the deep-rooted challenges facing Australia's higher education sector - from funding cuts and over-reliance on international students to academic burnout and culture wars. Turner argues for a radical reimagining of the system, urging a return to the idea of higher learning as a public good. Allan Behm, Senior Advisor at the Australia Institute, will deliver the vote of thanks. 

Register here: Meet the author - Graeme Turner 

Thursday 10 July, 5.30-6.30pm 
 
Join former Cleveland Fed President Loretta J. Mester as she explores the benefits of conducting monetary policy independently of short-term political pressures, with a particular focus on the structure and role of the U.S. Federal Reserve System. 

Register here: The benefits of independent monetary policymaking in an uncertain world 

Wednesday 16 July, 3-5pm 
 
Classical singers and training repetiteurs - here’s a unique opportunity to observe or take part in a masterclass with musicians from Opera Australia’s touring production of La Bohème. This show-and-tell style masterclass will take place at the ANU School of Music, Lecture Theatre 2 (Level 5). Attendance is free and open to all. 

Those interested in participating as a singer or training repetiteur should email sarah.mann@anu.edu.au with their full name, repertoire, and a short bio. 
 
Register here: Opera Australia masterclass 

Image: career advisors from all around Australia welcomed in Scholars House. Photo: supplied

To mark the beginning of the Future Students - Discover ANU event for 2025, the Tuckwell Scholarship Program hosted career advisors visiting ANU from more than 20 high schools nationwide - with more than 40 schools represented on day 2 of the event. 

Guests were welcomed with a warm afternoon tea in the inviting surrounds of Scholars House, where they heard directly from Acting Program Director, Lois Carlton about the vision and impact of the Tuckwell Scholarship Program. The visit was further enriched by Scholars Christopher Jackson (2021), hailing from Williamstown, Victoria, and Liam Rees (2024), from Cammeray, NSW.  
 
Read more: Scholars House welcomes career advisors from around Australia 

The $20,000 Watervale Award is a competitive philanthropic grant open to academic staff and research students (including Honours). The Award supports research that focuses on Indigenous languages in public health, Indigenous identity, water, environment, education or development. 

Up to two awards are available in 2025. Applications close on Sunday 3 August. 

Learn more: The Watervale Award 

Image: ANU students at the OzHarvest workshop held in Copland building. Photo: supplied

Last month, 15 ANU students took part in a free five-week cooking and nutrition workshop delivered by OzHarvest in partnership with Student Life. Held in the Community Connect space, the NEST program gave students more than just recipes - it offered real-world skills, social connections and the confidence to cook on a budget. 

Through hands-on cooking, meal planning, and food waste reduction activities, students discovered how easy (and satisfying) it can be to make nutritious meals from scratch. Many had little kitchen experience but by the end, they were proudly preparing shared meals and walking away with a certificate, recipe book, and the skills to keep it going. 
 
Read more: Students cook up confidence and connection with OzHarvest’s NEST program 

In preparation for the opening of round 6 in the National Industry PhD Program, the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Industry and Engagement team are hosting an informal information session which will outline the main features of the program, the eligibility criteria for participants and the application process. 

This session is designed for ANU PhD supervisors, prospective PhD candidates and industry partners who are interested in working with ANU PhD candidates. The information session takes place online on Thursday 26 June from 12.30-1.30 pm.  
 
Learn more: National Industry PhD Program info session

Image: Bilingual Story Time in session. Photo: ACT Libraries

Are you fluent in a second language and have an interest in sharing your skills with others? Libraries ACT are on the lookout for Bilingual Story Time presenters who are fluent in the following languages:

Bilingual Story Time is a valued library service supporting Canberra’s culturally and linguistically diverse community. This program promotes the sharing of language and culture, while fostering bilingualism, which contributes to improved literacy, cultural understanding, and global awareness. The Program targets local families with young children.

For more information, visit the Libraries ACT website.

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship supports students with big ideas looking to pursue postgraduate research or coursework in areas related to sustainability, technology and innovation, social change or Australia’s relationship with Asia. 
 
Future Leaders Scholars receive funding for their postgraduate study and living expenses, gain access to leadership and mentorship programs and have the opportunity to participate in networking experiences with like-minded individuals, senior business leaders and industry-based experts. Applications open on Tuesday 1 July. 

Learn more: Westpac Future Leaders scholarship applications opening soon

Image: ANU+ students help the ANU Landscape team plant drought-tolerant native species that boost campus biodiversity and contribute to a healthier ecosystem. Photo: ANU Green

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been sharing highlights from environmental sustainability action at ANU. 

This week's theme is nature, water and community action:

Learn more about biodiversity and conservation on the ANU Green website, or join the One Small Step challenge to get involved. 

A new ANU study reveals a surprising gap between how concerned Australians are about climate change - and how concerned they think others are. 

Researchers from the School of Medicine and Psychology found that Australians across all backgrounds consistently underestimate the climate concern of their peers, particularly migrants and city-dwellers. The study suggests that this misperception can reduce individuals’ own willingness to engage in climate action. 

The findings highlight a crucial insight: when people believe climate concern is uncommon, they’re less likely to act. Correcting these false beliefs are key to building stronger public support for climate policy. 

Read more: Australians care more about climate change than you think

With the End of Financial Year (EOFY) approaching, scammers are impersonating ANU Payroll, the ATO, and myGov to target tax and payroll areas.

Official ANU Payroll emails come from payroll@anu.edu.au, and government emails like myGov typically end with @my.gov.au. To protect yourself:

Want to know the latest scam tactics, how to spot them, and what to do if you encounter one? Find out more here.

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.