At ANU, the conferral and the graduation ceremony are two separate parts of the graduation process:  

Some frequently asked questions include the following:

Do I need to defer the Conferral of Award of my degree in July 2025 to attend the 2026 Graduation Ceremony? 

No - all students who have their degree conferred in July and December 2025 will receive an invitation to the 2026 Graduation Ceremony via their ANU student/alumni email account later this year. 

When will the 2026 Graduation Ceremony be held? 

This information has not been released yet. You will receive the graduation ceremony information to your ANU student/alumni email account later this year. 

What will happen if I defer the Conferral of Award of my degree in July 2025? 

Choosing to defer your conferral in July 2025 will mean that you do not receive your award/s and academic documents. The conferral date on your Testamur will reflect the date you defer your conferral to (which will either be 6 or 12 months in the future). You will only receive your academic documents once your degree is conferred. 

Image: Chemistry Professor Adam Perriman and postdoctoral fellow Dr Peter Johnson. Photo: ANU TV Youtube channel

From lab-grown cancer cells to the future of whole-organ printing, researchers at ANU are using cutting-edge 3D bioprinting to revolutionise medical science. Led by Professor Adam Perriman, the team has developed specialised bio-inks that allow living cells to be printed like plastic - only these grow into real tissue. 

Read more: 3D-printed organs? It’s not as far-fetched as you think 

Image: ANU Professor Nicholas Chilton. Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU

Researchers from ANU, led by Professor Nicholas Chilton in collaboration with The University of Manchester, have developed a record-breaking single-molecule magnet capable of storing data at 100 Kelvin (–173°C) - as cold as the Moon at night. 

This tiny molecule could eventually store thousands of times more data than today’s devices - the equivalent of 40,000 CDs packed into something the size of a postage stamp. While still in early stages, the discovery marks a major step toward the future of ultra-compact, high-capacity digital storage. 

Read more: Chemistry breakthrough could pave the way for next-generation hardware 

The latest status update on the Nixon Review recommendations is now available. Click here to view the report.

There’s still one week left to submit an EOI to join one of the seven Nixon implementation working groups. EOIs will close at 5pm next Tuesday 8 July. If you’re unable to commit to a working group, you can still contribute ideas via NixonSolutions@anu.edu.au.

Image: Kambri precinct on campus, Acton. Photo: supplied

As most of you are aware, we are in a period of formalised change at the University – there are change proposals and various forms of consultation happening all over the campus. I know this has been an unsettling time for ANU and it’s already taken a toll. And while sitting in periods of uncertainty is part of our current higher education environment, that does not make it any better at a human, personal level.

Read more: VC's update - facing into the future

Image: Dr Todd Harple. Photo: supplied

Dr Todd Harple’s journey at ANU began with a PhD in Anthropology and evolved into a lifelong commitment to interdisciplinary thinking and human-centered innovation. 

Now an innovation consultant, Todd has contributed to projects ranging from athlete-focused AI tools for the Paris Olympics to the redesign of medical devices, each shaped by a core principle: designing for human values. 

Read more: Anthropologist. Innovator. Olympic Collaborator. 

Image: Sabrina Fu. Photo: Calo Huang

Meet Yi Ning (Sabrina) Fu, a recent Honours graduate from the ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research, who is helping tackle one of the world’s only contagious cancer - Devil Facial Tumour Disease - which has pushed Tasmanian devils toward extinction. 

Supervised by Professor David Tscharke, Sabrina developed a dual-reporter virus to study how virotherapy could selectively target tumour cells. Her innovative research earned her a University Medal and provides new insight into potential treatment strategies to support conservation efforts. 

Read more: Cool science to save cute devils: Honours student targets contagious cancer 

Image: Sir Roland Wilson PhD scholar Sharon Rosenrauch. Photo: supplied

Sharon Rosenrauch, a Sir Roland Wilson PhD scholar from the School of Medicine and Psychology, has just made history as the first Australian to co-chair the OECD's Behavioural Science in Public Administration Working Group. 

Sharon's PhD research focuses on developing behavioural interventions to increase disability representation in Australian Public Service leadership – work that is resonating on the global stage. Her appointment to this prestigious international position highlights how ANU students are driving meaningful change beyond our campus borders. 

Friday 20 June – Sunday 10 August, 10am-5pm  
 
Join us at the Drill Hall Gallery for the opening of Material Nature, officially launched by Dr Rebecca Mayo, Senior Lecturer at the ANU School of Art & Design. 

This evocative exhibition explores the power of materials to deepen our sensory experience of the natural world. Featuring works by artists including Jahnne Pasco-White, Ros Auld and Savanhdary Vongpoothorn, Material Nature invites viewers to move beyond observation and into a more embodied relationship with the environment. 
 
Read more: Material nature 

Thursday 3 July, 5-6pm  

A visual journey into the silenced harms of witchcraft accusations - honouring memory, resilience, and the call for justice. This powerful photographic exhibition brings into view a global human rights crisis that has long been pushed to the margins of international legal concern. Curated by the NGO International Network Against Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Attacks (INAWARA), the exhibition features 20 evocative photographs, including prize-winning entries, from a global competition. 

Read more: Witch hunts in the 21st century: a human rights catastrophe 

Tuesday 8 July - Tuesday 29 July, 6-9pm 

Students, curators, writers, artists and HDR researchers – if you need dedicated time, company and an alternative venue for a writing project, come and join us on Tuesday evenings for a heads down productive ‘shut up and write evening’. 

Our three hour evening session of writing in the gallery includes a short break for dinner and a chat. Bring your own dinner if you would like to eat during the break. 

Register here: Tuesday night writing sessions in the Gallery 

Join Liz Cameron as she shares her powerful new memoir, Cult Bride: How I Was Brainwashed – and How I Broke Free. 

As a teenager on a gap year in Canberra, Liz was drawn into the South Korean cult Providence. In this gripping account, she reveals how coercive control shaped her life, how she endured manipulation, and ultimately, how she found the strength to break free. 

Register here: Meet the author – Liz Cameron  

Tuesday 22 July, 4.30-6pm  

Join us for the 2025 John Passmore Lecture by Professor Niko Kolodny on Two Concepts of Consent. Niko will explore how consent transforms moral duties and what conditions give it normative force - a compelling discussion on ethics, autonomy, and the power of permission. 

Register here: 2025 John Passmore lecture 

Friday 1 August, 9am-5pm  

The ANU Malaysia Update explores Malaysia’s role in ASEAN, in Southeast Asia, and broadly in the Asia-Pacific. The conference will engage in pressing debates involving Malaysia at a time of political unpredictability, trade and culture ‘wars’, and rapid technological change in the Asia-Pacific. 
 
Register here: ANU Malaysia update 2025: Malaysia's regional role

Image: Coral Reef at ANU, Acton campus. Photo: Sam Eggins

Did you know there’s a living coral reef quietly thriving right here at ANU? Tucked away in plain sight is a secret underwater world - home to vibrant corals, helpful little fish, and a team of scientists keeping everything balanced to the micrometre. 

The reef tank supports cutting-edge research on how climate change is impacting coral growth, but it’s also a surprising slice of the ocean in the middle of campus. No snorkel required - just sharp eyes and curiosity. And yes, the coral gets fed. The fish? Freeloaders with a side gig in algae control. 

Clue to find it: Head to the building where earth’s secrets are studied… then look for the glow of the reef. 

The remit of the Safety and Wellbeing Committee is expanding in the coming months to include consideration of the safety of staff, contractors and visitor as well as students in accordance with the changes proposed to the Charter of the Committee.

Students who wish to be considered for appointment to the Committee should submit an Expression of Interest addressed to the Chancellor via email to director.governance@anu.edu.au.  

Applications close on Friday 11 July. Further information can be found here.

Image: Professor Stephen Dann with Ratticus (left) and Bear Necessities Three. Photo: Crystal Li/ANU

Dr Stephen Dann’s office in the Research School of Marketing is packed with Lego, teddy bears, and a six-foot rat named Ratticus - all part of his mission to make learning playful, expressive and deeply engaging. From trauma bears on loan during exam season to props for sparking creativity in the classroom, every item has a purpose (or is waiting for one).

Read more: Welcome to room 1070, it’s completely normal

ATPI Global is now the ANU approved travel provider, replacing CTM. The new University travel website is the central location to access all travel information including the updated travel policy and handbook, training, FAQs and access to the ATPI Travel Hub booking system

Please note: The Travel Approval e-Form is no longer to be used, except for Fieldwork, which will continue temporarily while updates are made to accommodate these requirements in the new system.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the ANU Travel Services team at: travelservices@anu.edu.au.

Image: Students studying on campus.  Photo: supplied

Grow your potential, equip yourself with global experience and build new or strengthen international research collaborations with a Canadian university through the Globalink Research Award (GRA) program.  

Open to full-time HDR candidates, the award provides funding to enable talented researchers to undertake one 12 to 48 week research project or two 12 to 24 week research projects with a host supervisor at a Canadian university. 

For more information, please read the program details on the Mitacs GRA website or get in touch with eo.pvcgr@anu.edu.au 

Applications are now open for the 2026 Westpac Research Fellowship. Valued at over $400,000, this prestigious opportunity supports early career researchers with flexible funding, global experiences, leadership development, and lifelong networks.  

EOIs are due by Monday 10 July. Please send them to pre-award.philanthropy@anu.edu.au and register for an internal information session. Final applications close on Monday 25 August. 

Read more: Westpac Research Fellowship 

Image: ANU Women in STEM Leadership Conference in session. Photo: supplied 

The ANU Women* in STEM Society aims to support female, femme-aligned, and non-binary undergraduate STEM students through events like the flagship ANU Women* in STEM Leadership Conference (W*ISLC). Applications for the role of 2026 W*ISLC Finance and Logistics Co-Director are now open and will close on Monday 21 July. 

Learn more: ANU Women* in STEM Leadership Conference co-director applications open 

Image: Groups of students enjoying Market Day on University Avenue  Photo: ANU 

How might Australia’s tertiary sector respond to the rising risks and disruptions of climate change? A new report, Navigating Climate Change – Scenarios for Australia’s Tertiary Education Sector, lays out four plausible futures to help institutions explore that question. 

Developed through a sector-wide collaboration led by Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) Climate Scenarios Working Group and supported by 12 universities including the ANU, the report highlights key risks, uncertainties and decision points facing the sector through to 2100. The report is designed to support climate foresight, risk disclosure and resilience-building in teaching, research, infrastructure and governance. 

Read more and explore the scenarios on the ANU Green website. 

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.