Image: ANU campus in Acton, Canberra. Photo: ANU

Hi everyone,

Yesterday the University hosted a visit by the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Honorable Feleti Teo OBE and members of his government. A distinguished alumni from the School of Law, Prime Minister Teo was in Canberra to open the new Tuvalu High Commission. He took time to meet with key members of the College of Asia and the Pacific and also the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, before giving a public lecture in the Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre – you can find his speech here. 

Read more: VC's update - connections

Right now, nothing is changing. The University is currently consulting on proposed changes, and students are encouraged to provide feedback as part of this process. If any changes go ahead, we’ll make sure you know what’s happening and what it means for you.

Consultation on proposed changes to the ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences (CASS) and the ANU College of Science and Medicine (CoSM) has been extended to 12pm, Thursday 7 August. You can view all proposals and submit feedback via the Renew ANU website.

Updates are also being shared about changes in professional divisions including the Academic Portfolio, Information Technology Services (ITS), Information Security Office (ISO) and Planning & Service Performance (PSP). These proposals relate to administrative areas of the University, rather than colleges or teaching areas. You can stay informed via the Renew ANU website. 

Got questions? Check out the student FAQs.

This week the ANU 2024 Annual Report was tabled in the federal Parliament. You can review the ANU 2024 Annual Report, and Annual Reports dating back to 1999, on the University website. Annual Reports prior to 1999 are available through the ANU Archives.  

Image: Chenke Zang presents at the 2025 ANU 3MT finals. Photo: ANU

Following on from last week's profile of the 2024 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) winner, this week we profile the winner of 2025 – ANU PhD scholar Chenke Zang. Forget romantic comedies or childhood crushes – when it comes to learning about love, Chenke says we should be looking to fish for answers.  

Speaking at the ANU final of 3MT competition, Zang unpacked her studies in mosquitofish and reproduction in just 180 seconds.   

Read more: Love lessons from mosquitofish - tales from the ANU 3MT competition 

Image: Wild Kenyan guinea fowl.  Photo: ANU

Like humans, animals can become stressed when trying to lead a group of peers in a particular direction, a new study from ANU shows.  According to study co-author Associate Professor Damien Farine, many animal groups make decisions in a very democratic way, taking a “majority rules” approach.   

While effective, it can also take a toll. 

Read more: Leading the way comes at a cost for feathered friends 

Image: Dr Bin Lu, Research Fellow at the ANU School of Engineering. Photo: ANU

Our electric vehicles (EVs) and hot water systems could become powerful assets for the electricity grid and help turn Australian cities into giant batteries, new research from ANU has found. According to lead author Dr Bin Lu, when used smartly, these technologies can help reduce strain on the grid during peak usage times.  

“Cities are often seen as energy-hungry giants,” Dr Lu said.   

“But with widespread electrification, they could also become giant batteries - managing energy, not just consuming it.” 

Read more: Electrified cities could become giant batteries - ANU study 

Image: Joel Radcliffe, Respectful Relationships Unit manager.. Photo: ANU

Joel Radcliffe isn’t just a team leader or a staff member at ANU. He is a bridge-builder, a storyteller, and someone with a deep passion for creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. As Manager of the Inclusive and Respectful Communities team, Joel has carved out a career dedicated to fostering understanding, equity, and respect, all while weaving his creative touches into everything he does. 

Read more: Faces of ANU – Joel Radcliffe

Wednesday 30 July, 5.30-7.30pm 

ANU Society of Arts and Social Sciences proudly presents Lectures in the Pub, a new series designed to bring students, staff and academics together for open, engaging conversations in a relaxed setting. Our first event features Nobel Laureate and former ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt, who will share his insights on the future of higher education, research, and the university. 

Register here: Lectures in the Pub - The future of higher education, research and the university with Brian Schmidt 

Tuesday 5 August, 5.30-7.30pm 
 
Electrons power almost every aspect of daily life, from your toaster to your phone. But these devices use only one quantum property of the electrons: their charge. Today, physicists are harnessing other properties such as their 'spin' to advance a new technological revolution. In this talk, Dr Sol Jacobsen will show you how our understanding of spin is changing the way we build devices, from basic principles to state of the art.

Register here: Your quantum future 

Wednesday 6 August, 6-7pm 

Professor Bryan Horrigan will be in conversation with Justice James Edelman on the future of corporate responsibility in a time of global crisis. 

In his new book Corporate Social Responsibility in an Age of Existential Threats, Professor Horrigan explores the critical role businesses must play in tackling climate change, social inequality, and political polarisation.

Register here: Meet the author - Bryan Horrigan 

Friday August 8, 2-3pm 

Catch up with other first-generation students, staff and alumni over coffee at the LAB! Come along to meet others with first-gen experience, network and socialise. Free coffee for each attendee! Registration required.

Register here: First-Gen coffee catchup 

Swing by the Marie Reay Teaching Centre from lunchtime Wednesday to check out Bin Appétit, our cheeky new art-meets-waste exhibit that will get you thinking (and smiling) about what goes where.

Next week, we are kicking off the ANU Green Awards, a fun and flexible way to take climate action and earn recognition for it. Want the inside scoop? Come along to our online info session on Friday 8 August, 12.30-1.15pm to find out how to get involved.

Register here to learn more about the ANU Green Awards.

Image: Students on ANU Acton Campus, Canberra Photo: Crystal Li/ ANU

New to ANU? All students commencing coursework programs for the first time at ANU in Semester 2 are invited to respond to the ANU Welcome Survey. Check your email for your invitation and claim a free ANU branded scarf if you participate! Survey closes Wednesday 6 August. 

Learn more: ANU Welcome Survey now open 

Image: International day of friendship Photo: Sadek Ahmed 

July 30 marks the International Day of Friendship – a day to recognise the importance of building bridges between communities through kindness, empathy and connection. 

Read more: International Day of Friendship 

Did you know? Using your personal hotspot in a lecture theatre can affect everyone’s Wi-Fi performance? Avoid doing so and connect to ANU-Secure, the University’s preferred Wi-Fi network to ensure improved Wi-Fi for all.   

Learn more Wi-Fi tips visit Get Connected at ANU here. 

Struggling to get Wi-Fi signal? You could be in a black spot. Black spots are areas where the wireless signal is either too weak or unstable to maintain connectivity. We know that Wi-Fi coverage across campus is patchy and unavailable in some places.  

Good news! We have started fixing the black spots across campus to provide better coverage and a seamless connection for everyone. 

Visit the ANU Services website to learn more. 

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. 

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialing from an internal phone), then call ANU Security at (02) 6125 2249