The earliest known evidence of mummification has been uncovered by archaeologists at The Australian National University (ANU), with the remains from burials at sites across southeastern Asia dating back more than 10,000 years.  

According to the researchers, it was common for ancient hunter-gatherer communities in China and Southeast Asia to honour the dead by folding and binding the body and hanging it over a smoky fire for a long period of time.  

Read more: Oldest evidence of mummification uncovered by ANU experts  

The Australian National University (ANU) is proud to announce the fulfilment of a $50 million Kambri Scholars Program endowment to provide life-changing support for Indigenous students, thanks to a landmark donation to the University. 

The $50 million endowment was achieved after a recent $16.33 million donation from Claire and Charles Gibbon through the Gibbon Foundation. 

Read more: Gift of education secured for future generations of Indigenous leaders 

ANU is deeply concerned about recent racist actions on campus. Racism has no place at ANU and we are committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive community for everyone. 

All reports of racism are taken seriously and investigated. When incidents occur, we act quickly, including reporting to and working with the relevant authorities. ANU has significant security resources on campus, including broad CCTV coverage. Given the recent actions, our security team has also increased patrols to ensure the safety of our community on campus. 

If you experience or witness racism, please report it via the Harmful Behaviours Disclosure Tool and seek support from Student Safety and Wellbeing.  

If you feel unsafe at any time, please contact ANU Security on (02) 6125 2249. For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialling from an internal phone), then call ANU Security.   

From Monday 22 September, the ANU Accommodation Services team will be based at the Student Hub in the Di Riddell Student Centre. We're here to support you with any accommodation-related questions or concerns, whether you're living on or off campus.  

Opening hours: 

Want to help shape the University’s student voice? Nominations are now open for the Board of Woroni, our student media association. Positions include TV, Content, Communications, Managing and Art Editors.  

Send your nominations to Returning Officer Richelle Hilton at richelle.hilton@anu.edu.au. Nominations close 5pm, Thursday 2 October 2025. 

Learn more: Woroni editor elections are now open 

Wednesday 24 September, 6–8pm

This lecture series aims to celebrate our esteemed academics and showcase their areas of expertise in research and teaching. This lecture is presented as a part of the 2025 CAP Professional Lecture Series.

Register here: Forensic analysis of linguistic evidence – Issues and opportunities

 

Monday 29 September, 5–6.30pm

Join Adjunct Professor Mark Beeson (UTS, Griffith University) as he explores why world leaders struggle to respond to climate change — the greatest challenge of our time. Drawing on insights from his latest book Environmental Anarchy: International Security in the 21st Century, Beeson examines the political roadblocks and considers whether cooperation with China could be part of the solution.

Register here: Planet saving for Beginners

Tuesday 30 September, 4–6pm

In Violent impacts: How power and inequality shape the concussion crisis, Kathryn Henne and Matt Ventresca examine what is and what isn’t captured in popular discourse, scrutinising how law, science and social inequalities shape depictions and understandings of brain injury. Drawing on research carried out in Australia, Canada and the United States, they illustrate how structural violence centres certain bodies as part of the concussion crisis and pushes others to the margins.

Register here: Book launch – Violent impacts : how power and inequality shape the concussion crisis

Wednesday 1 Oct 2025, 2–5.30pm

Join this year’s ANU Energy Update to hear about recent developments in energy transition research.

This annual event brings together energy researchers, policymakers, industry and the public to discuss energy sector developments and present an update on trajectories to decarbonisation. The theme of this year’s event is Getting to Net Zero: Unlocking Domestic and International Opportunities.

Learn more: ANU Energy Update 2025. Getting to net zero: unlocking domestic and international opportunities

Saturday 4 October, 8–9am (weigh-in), 10am competition start

This is your chance to test your strength and be part of one of the most exciting events on the ANU Sport calendar.

Register here: ANU Sport powerlifting meet

It looks like a silver orb dropped from the sky. Shiny, smooth and oddly out of place. 

Four metres wide, polished steel and heavy enough to anchor itself against the Earth. Step closer and you’ll realise that this isn’t just a sculpture – it’s a map of the stars. 

Created in 2013 by artist Wolfgang Buttress in collaboration with astrophysicist Dr Daniel Bayliss, UNA is pierced with more than 9,000 hand and laser cut holes, each one marking a star visible to the naked eye in the Southern Hemisphere, mapped with scientific precision. The brighter the star, the larger the hole. Together, they form a universe you can walk right up to. 

Lean in, really close, and look through one of those tiny star-holes. Inside, pinpricks of light scatter across the inner shell, reflections flickering like galaxies suspended in darkness. For a fleeting moment, it feels as if you’re floating amongst the stars.  

To find it, wander where science meets the stars. 

Move over, flat whites – there’s a new brew on campus stealing the spotlight. Ambi’s Chai has landed in Kambri and it’s serving up steaming cups of spiced goodness that taste like a warm hug. 

From the rich, spiced masala chai to delicious eats, Ambi’s serves up authentic flavours that feel like home.  

Next time you need a pick-me-up, follow the sweet, spicy aroma and let Ambi's Chai do the magic. 

Mojo Cycles is a new bike repair shop located on campus. Run by well-known Canberra bike mechanics with five years’ experience in the local bike community, Mojo Cycles offers reliable bike repairs and second-hand bicycles. More than just a workshop, Mojo Cycles is community-focused and passionate about sustainability. Mojo Cycles also now host regular Cycle Jams – free, volunteer-led bike workshops that encourage riders to look after their bikes.

Learn more: Mojo Cycles now open on campus

Come along to a Sustainable Commuting Fair and discover how easy and rewarding sustainable commuting can be.   

Explore active travel and public transport options at one of three Fairs to learn practical tips and understand how sustainable commuting benefits both you and the campus community. Drop by Kambri, chat with the ANU Green team and find new ways to make your everyday journeys healthier, cheaper and greener. Supported by Pedal Power, Transport Canberra, Mojo Cycles and SEE Change.  

Sustainable Commuting Fair date and time:  

Can’t make it? Explore our Carbon Smart Commuting Guide for tips on sustainable transport to ANU. 

Want to welcome refugee students to ANU? Skill Path is looking for students and staff to join a Student Welcome Group. These groups get involved with airport welcome and set up, practical support and social connections for new ANU students from refugee backgrounds. If you’re interested in making connections, developing your leadership skills and making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. 

Learn more: Join a Student Welcome Group

The University’s Poster Policy is now undergoing its scheduled six-month, campus-wide review following implementation. Since implementation, a number of dedicated noticeboards have been installed across campus for community use. We invite all members of the ANU community to share feedback on how the policy is working in practice and any suggestions for enhancement. Please send your comments or recommendations to fixmycampus.fs@anu.edu.au. 

Feedback closes on Tuesday 7 October 2025. 

Voting for ANUSA is now underway. Make sure you have your say in who represents you. Find out how to vote and where to raise any concerns about campaigning.  

Voting closes at 12pm on Thursday 25 September.  

Learn more: ANU Students’ Association (ANUSA) voting underway

University life can be rewarding, but it can also bring challenges. The Uni Student Wellbeing Survey is your chance to share what it’s really like to be a student at ANU, both in terms of your wellbeing and your academic experiences. 

The survey asks about things like stress levels and workload, support from teachers and peers, sense of belonging at university and how valuable and engaging you find your courses. 

Why should you do it? 

Your voice makes a difference. The results are used to: 

It’s anonymous, takes around 10 minutes and there are prizes on offer.  

Take the Uni Student Wellbeing Survey here. 

Do you live on campus? How's it going? The Residential Life Survey is now open. Submit your survey and enter the draw to win one of five ANU x Frank Green reusable cups! Check your ANU email for your invitation. 

Survey closes Wednesday 1 October 2025. 

Learn more: Residential Life Survey now open 

We have seen more scams targeting ANU students on external apps like WeChat and others. These scams can look real and often involve: 

How ANU students can stay safe and avoid financial consequences caused by these scams: 

If you think you’ve been scammed, find out what action to take, and who to contact for information or assistance here. 

Read more: Scam awareness 

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