On Campus

Staff Edition

Tuesday 3 February

All the important campus news, events and opportunities for ANU staff. 

Graduates in academic gowns chat and laugh with family members outdoors at an ANU graduation ceremony

Image: We congratulate all students graduating this week and thank all staff and volunteers helping to make this a special occasion. Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU.

The rundown – information you need at a glance

  • Register here for the State of the University Address and Staff BBQ, Monday 9 February from 10.30am.
  • Reminder: ANU is a smoke-free campus, with all smoking products prohibited under the University’s Smoke-Free Policy.
  • Please be aware of increased traffic on campus due to the start of the new academic year.

Bulletin

Document with pen

College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Implementation Plan update

The CASS Implementation Plan will now progress following the resolution of a dispute with the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). Updates will be shared with College staff.

To access the Implementation Plan, visit the Renew ANU Change Proposals and Consultation page.

Two people celebrating

Leadership in Practice Program – connect, reflect, grow

Leadership in Practice is an in-house training program at ANU which provides a space to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and reflect on your own experiences in a supportive environment.

Designed specifically for ANU, the program helps leaders to develop essential skills to lead with clarity, confidence and purpose. Invest in your professional growth.

Register now button for Leadership in Practice Program – connect, reflect, grow
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Facilities Management System – staff training

The University's Facilities Management System goes live soon. From Wednesday 4 February, staff can attend role-specific user training sessions, to become familiar with the new system.

For more information please contact CE.FMS@anu.edu.au.

Panel discussion recorded live at a venue, with speakers seated at a table facing an audience and microphones, branded Democracy Sausage.

Image: Located in the ANU Kambri District, the Badger & Co Pub buzzes with a live recording of Democracy Sausage. Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU.

Anatomy of a conservative crisis 

In this episode of Democracy Sausage, political scientist, Dr Jill Sheppard unpacks coalition infighting and conservative divisions.

The University's long-running politics podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at Australian politics in a relaxed, conversational format.

Learn more button linking Democracy Sausage: Conservative crisis
Graduation merch pop-up shop promotional graphic with a teddy bear in graduation attire.

Graphic: ANU Brand and Marketing Services.

Merchandise pop-up on Joplin Lane for Graduation

ANU graduation merchandise is available at the pop-up shop on Joplin Lane. Graduating students can purchase a range of favourites, including stuffed toys, clothing and giftware.  

Open daily from 8.30–4.30pm until Friday 6 February.

Unfortunately, pre-paid and online orders are not available for Graduation.

News will be shared next week about the ongoing availability of ANU merchandise on campus.

Two men standing side by side indoors against a timber wall.

Image: Professor Tim Senden (left) stands with Honorary Professor Brian Robson (right) to recognise Robson's 65-year legacy at ANU. Photo: ANU Advancement.

Honorary Professor Brian Robson establishes Theoretical Physics Award

Honorary Professor Robson’s name is synonymous with Theoretical Physics at ANU. His career has spanned nuclear theory, particle physics and cosmology: shaping a generation of researchers.

Now in retirement, his impact continues through a philanthropic gift, establishing the Brian Robson Award in Theoretical Physics. “My whole idea by donating is to try and bring back more theoretical physics,” he says.

Learn more button linking to Honorary Professor Brian Robson establishes Theoretical Physics Award
White ANU Green shuttle bus parked on campus roadway.

Image: The service uses a 49-seat, wheelchair accessible bus and is available to anyone on campus. Image: Photo: ANU Green.

Free campus bus supports sustainable commuting

From 9 February, ANU is trialling a bus service to make getting around campus easier, more accessible and sustainable.

During the initial six-month trial, buses will operate on weekdays (excluding public holidays), between 7.30am – 7.30pm, running every 20 minutes and stopping at Rimmer, Alinga, Marcus Clarke and Liversidge Streets and Daley and Garrad Roads.

Infrastructure upgrades to ensure wheelchair accessibility at all stops will be completed during the first week of operation.

Hop on board button that links to Free campus bus supports sustainable commuting

ANU in the news 

  • BBC: John Warhurst, Emeritus Professor of Political Science, says Australian society and politics is very different than it was 30 years ago.
  • NT News: Art Cotterell, Research Associate at the ANU School of Regulation and Global Governance, discusses US and Chinese plans to establish a permanent human presence on the moon.
  • The Conversation: History Professor Emerita, Angela Woollacott, details the ten key Australians who helped shift our attitudes to race.

Senior leadership updates

Director, Research School of Biology

Professor Ulrike (Uli) Mathesius has been appointed Director of the Research School of Biology, the first woman to hold this position. She joined the University in 1993 and previously served as Head of the Division of Plant Sciences within the School. Professor Mathesius has also been the Bachelor of Philosophy (Science) Program Convenor since 2015.

Uli’s contributions to student learning and to the field of biological science have been recognised through numerous awards, including the Academy of Science’s Fenner Medal, the Australian Society of Plant Scientists’ Goldacre Medal, an Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, and a Vice‑Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

Director, Research School of Physics

Professor Jodie Bradby has been appointed Director of the Research School of Physics and will be the first woman to hold this role. Since completing her PhD at ANU in 2003, Jodie has held several senior leadership roles within the School. She most recently served as Interim Director after her role as Head of the Department of Material Physics. 

She is a respected leader in Australian science, having previously been President of the Australian Institute of Physics and a Board member of Science and Technology Australia. 

Applications open

Pro Vice-Chancellor – International and Future Students.

As a key member of the Chancelry Executive, the University Leadership Group, and the Portfolio Leadership Team, the Pro Vice-Chancellor contributes to strategic decision making at the highest levels and plays a pivotal role in defining the University’s international outlook and future student cohort. Applications close on Sunday 8 March, 11.55pm.

What's on

Satellite view of northern Queensland’s river systems before major flooding.

Image: From satellites to soil, the 2026 ANU Climate Update looks at how Australia adapts to climate extremes. Photo: Michala Garrison/NASA.

ANU Climate Update 2026

Thursday 12 February, 9.30am–12pm 

The 2026 ANU Climate Update will explore Australia’s climate challenges in 2025, most notably the simultaneous flooding in northern regions and drought in southern regions.

This update will focus on adaptation, using the latest data, research and perspectives from leading experts and how we can shape our response to this rapidly evolving challenge.

Register here button for ANU Climate Update 2026
Speaker addressing an audience

State of the University 2026

Monday 9 February, 10.30–11.30am

Staff are invited to this event which sets the scene for the University’s future ambitions and reflects on recent challenges. A staff BBQ will follow outside Llewellyn Hall.

Register here button linking to State of the University 2026
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UniSuper 360Health service

Wednesday 11 February, 12.30pm

Join this UniSuper interactive webcast about virtual care platform 360Heath. Everyone is welcome, you don’t need to be a UniSuper member.

Register here button linking to UniSuper 360Health service
Multiple people on their laptops

Engaged Research and Impact Strategy implementation design workshop #2

Monday 9 February, 12.30–2pm

This workshop series is focused on co-designing practical activities to implement the ANU Engaged Research and Impact Strategy. Open to all ANU staff and students, this session invites participation in shaping the Strategy’s delivery.

Register here button linking to Engaged Research and Impact Strategy implementation design workshop #2
Globe

Australia-Taiwan Relations: What policy options and priorities for engagement?

Thursday 5 February, 5.30–8pm

Join the United States Studies Centre for the launch of a major report on Australia’s relationship with Taiwan.

Register here button linking to Australia-Taiwan Relations: What policy options and priorities for engagement?

Meet the Author

Book cover of The First Albanese Government, featuring Prime Minister Anthony Albanese standing at microphones outside Parliament, with bold red title text on a dark background.

Meet the Author – Michelle Grattan, John Halligan and John Hawkins

Tuesday 3 February, 6–7pm

Register here button linking to State of the Meet the author – Michelle Grattan, John Halligan and John Hawkins
Book cover of Like, Follow, Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt, featuring bold green lettering and social media reaction icons on a dark, glitch-style background.

Meet the Author – Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Tuesday 24 February, 6–7pm

Register here button linking to Meet the author – Ashley Kalagian Blunt.

More upcoming events

  • Sharing Stories Arts Exchange – Tuesday 24 February, 5.30–6.30pm 
  • Meet the Author – Andrew Leigh – Thursday 26 February, 6–7pm
  • Meet the Author – Louise Milligan – Wednesday 4 March, 6–7 pm
  • Meet the Author – Amy Remeikis – Tuesday 10 March, 6–7pm
Banner image linking to Experience ANU.

Further notices

Chart showing ANU’s annual leave balance rising through 2025, then dropping sharply by January 2026, with markers for the $46m target and current position.

Image: ANU is on its way to hit the $46 million leave balance target. Graphic: ANU.

Leave tracker and leave balance update – January 2026

Last week, On Campus featured an update about our leave balance for December. This week we have the figures for January, which show our balance down $5,657,746 from the previous month, and down from the same period the previous year.

Thanks everyone for taking a break, which is good for you and good for our University’s financial liabilities.

Two people sitting down across from each other with a book on the table

Research Ethics drop-in sessions

Planning future research requiring ethics approval? The Ethics Office will hold fortnightly drop-in sessions throughout 2026. 

Find dates and more information on the Ethics website.

Register here button for Research Ethics drop-in sessions
Smiling woman seated at a desk with a computer, abstract artwork on the wall behind her.

Image: Professor Merryn McKinnon, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) in her office. Photo: Bryant Evans/ANU.

Three questions with Merryn McKinnon

How did you come to be at ANU?  

I first came as a postgrad student to the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) in the early 2000s which fundamentally altered my career plans. I never wanted to be an academic, but after about 10 years I found myself working as a lecturer overseas and loving it so when CPAS advertised an academic job in 2012 I had to apply! 

What are you most passionate about in your work? 

Making a difference. To have the ability to influence students’ thinking about issues or potential career paths, or to solve problems and make things better - that’s the best (and often most challenging!) part of my job. 

What is your favourite spot on campus and why?

Anywhere near Sullivan’s Creek, especially in duckling season, or Craft Beans in Marie Reay when caffeine is required.

Know someone with a great story to tell? Email the On Campus team at on.campus@anu.edu.au.

A long, covered campus corridor with repeating concrete columns and windows, receding into the distance and creating a strong sense of perspective.

Image: Warrick remembers attending many lectures in the Manning Clark Centre. Photo: Warrick Schofield.

Scene on our campus: Long hall

This week’s picture comes from Warrick Schofield from the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

“After finishing university and not visiting the main campus for several years, I came across this familiar corridor,” said Warrick. “It was interesting stepping into a place that felt both different and familiar, yet still somehow settled in, like it had been this way forever.”

Got a photo to share? Send it in using this form.

Key contacts

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 – (02) 6125 7979 

Contact the media hotline during business hours or email media@anu.edu.au for media queries regarding the University and its operations, or to track down experts that aren’t listed in our Experts Guide.

Do you need support?

Help is available if you need it. The University has a range of information and services that can be accessed by managers and staff.

Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek counselling 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.

 

The Australian National University, Canberra 

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The Australian National University acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

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