To celebrate our 80th birthday in August this year, we’re launching a weekly quiz testing your knowledge of the University’s history, milestones and community. 

From March to August, a new trivia question will be released each week. Submit your answer via the trivia form. The first person to submit the correct answer will win a small prize, and you can also see how you rank on the monthly leaderboard.

This week’s question:

In what year was The Australian National University established? 

The monthly leaderboard will be published in On Campus at the end of April.

This week marks both the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) and Harmony Week in Australia. While Harmony Week invites us to celebrate our multicultural communities, it is also an opportunity to reflect on racism, inequity and the systems that allow discrimination to persist.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has released updated IDERD resources highlighting the importance of recognising systemic racism and strengthening anti‑racism efforts.

ANU remains committed to building a safe and respectful community for all.

Learn more at the University’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) 2026 webpage.

Join the Inclusive and Respectful Communities Team at events throughout the week to learn and take part in conversations about how we embed respect in our community.

Respect@Uni Week is an opportunity for the ANU community to engage, connect and reflect on how we build a respectful campus together.

ANU celebrated International Women's Day last week with a special evening panel on Wednesday 11 March.

Dr Claire Hansen, Senior Lecturer in English at ANU, has received a national Australian Awards for University Teaching honour from Universities Australia. The award recognises outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and leadership and enhance the student learning experience.

Dr Hansen is recognised for her innovative teaching approach, which encourages creativity, curiosity and meaningful engagement with literary studies.

On Wednesday 11 March, the First Nations Portfolio and Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre hosted a morning tea to celebrate Dr Matilda House-Williams OAM.

The event honoured this highly respected and much-loved member of the ANU community following her latest accolade: the Medal of the Order of Australia, awarded in January 2026 for service to the Indigenous communities of the Canberra region.

Scientists from ANU and the Taronga Conservation Society Australia have successfully restored the lost traditional song of one of Australia’s most endangered birds, offering new hope for the survival of the critically endangered regent honeyeater. 

The new study reveals how targeted “song tutoring” at Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo has revived a disappearing cultural trait vital to the species’ survival. 

New analysis of ancient parrot DNA has revealed vibrant Amazonian parrots were transported alive across the Andes to coastal Peru centuries before the Inca Empire, highlighting a sophisticated pre-Inca, long-distance trade network spanning rainforest, highlands and deserts.

The international team of researchers, including scientists from ANU, analysed parrot feathers that were discovered at Pachacamac, Peru.

ANU staff have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Converge, a free and confidential support service available to help with personal or work-related challenges.

The service offers short-term counselling, wellbeing support and practical guidance on issues such as stress, workplace concerns, relationships and life changes. Support is available for staff and their immediate family members.

The latest ANU Health and Wellbeing Newsletter is now available, featuring updates and resources to support staff health and wellbeing, including information about several important awareness events held in March:

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the strengths, talents and contributions of neurodivergent people in our community.

Staff can explore a range of resources including:

Together we can learn more about neurodiversity and build a more inclusive and supportive community at ANU.

With the launch of the ANUConnect portal, staff and students now have an improved way to access IT support and submit issues. ANUConnect provides faster support, clearer request tracking, improved security and privacy, and access to self-service guides.

To support this transition, ANUConnect training resources are now available and include how to create a ticket.

From April 2026, you will be able to reset or change your University ID password without needing to contact the ANU IT Service Desk.

The new self-service password management process will use a multi-factor authenticator app to verify your identity. For the best experience and full support, we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app.

ANU offers a range of training and development opportunities to support your professional growth and capability. These include programs in change management, project management and leadership development designed to build practical skills and support your professional journey.

Half a day is all it takes to:

The People Manager Essentials program is designed for new and existing people managers, introducing the basics of effective people management at the University. No prior leadership course is required.

Following last week’s On Campus article, the link to the Certificate in AI for Higher Education has been updated. Staff are invited to complete the new program, designed to support the ethical and effective integration of AI into University work.

The 20-hour certificate includes core modules and electives covering AI fundamentals, real-world applications in higher education, ethical and inclusive practice and change management. The program will be available for the next 11 months.

The Leadership in Practice program creates intentional space for reflection, learning and connection with peers across the University.

Designed as a cohort-based experience, the program brings together a group of participants who commit to shared conversations and learning over time. This continuity supports deeper reflection and practical insight into leadership practice.

ABC Radio National’s TOP 5 – ABC Media Residency Program is now open for applications. The program offers 15 early career researchers the opportunity to spend two weeks working with ABC journalists and producers to develop skills in communicating their research to broader audiences.

Residencies are available across three streams: Humanities, Arts and Science and are tailored to each successful applicant across ABC Audio, TV and digital platforms.

Tuesday 17 March and Tuesday 24 March, 5.30–6.30pm

The ANU Myanmar Research Centre Dialogue Series brings together scholars to present and discuss current research on Myanmar. Open to researchers from any discipline, each session features a presentation followed by discussion, creating a space to share ideas, explore new perspectives and engage with the latest scholarship on Myanmar.

Thursday 19 March, 12–1pm

Psychological Safety – Beyond the Buzzword is an interactive Community of Practice session exploring what psychological safety is (and isn’t), why it matters in complex university environments and how it can be intentionally cultivated.

Thursday 19 March, 5–7pm

Professor Terry Kleeman will deliver the 86th George E. Morrison Lecture in Ethnology at ANU. His lecture, Daoism as a New Religious Movement, explores the origins of organised Daoism and the communities that shaped the religion in early China.

Thursday 26 March, 4.30pm–6pm

Join us for an afternoon celebrating a Butterfly, the latest work by Dr Sean Perera, Sub-Dean, ANU Graduate Studies. Featuring a conversation with the author about the book’s themes and inspirations, followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Meet the author - Stephanie Alexander

Wednesday 25 March, 6 –7pm

Meet the author - Patricia. A. O'Brien

Wednesday 1 April, 6 –7pm

University Council members eligible to vote have unanimously approved the appointment of current Council member Dr Larry Marshall as Pro-Chancellor and Ms Karen Iles as external Chair of the Council’s Safety and Wellbeing Committee. Both appointments take effect immediately.

Minutes from the November 2025 ANU Council meeting are now available on our website. Publishing the minutes supports transparency and gives staff and students greater insight into the University’s governance and decision-making.

Chief Operating Officer . Michael Schwager will join the University as Chief Operating Officer on a two‑year secondment from the Australian Public Service, commencing Monday 23 March 2026. Currently Director‑General of IP Australia, Michael has led significant organisational reform over the past seven years, building a high‑performing, internationally recognised agency focused on customer service, digital delivery and an inclusive workforce. His experience in governance, operational leadership and reform in complex public‑sector environments positions him well to lead the University’s Services Portfolio.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health and Medicine). Professor Imogen Mitchell has been appointed as PVC (Health and Medicine) in the Education Portfolio, commencing Friday 1 May for a two-year appointment. In this role she will provide strategic leadership for health and medical education, strengthening programs, partnerships and workforce training across the University. As a clinician, educator and health system leader in intensive care medicine, Professor Mitchell previously served as Dean of the ANU Medical School and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022 for service to intensive care medicine and higher education. 

Interim Director, John Curtin School of Medical Research. Professor David Tscharke has been appointed Interim Director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR). He joined ANU in 2006 and has held senior roles across the Research School of Biology and JCSMR, including Associate Director (Education) and Head of the Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases. An internationally recognised researcher in virology and immunology, Professor Tscharke has published more than 100 papers and secured fellowship funding from the NHMRC and ARC.

Director, Experience, Wellbeing and Inclusion – a key member of the Education Portfolio Senior Leadership Team and the University Leadership Group. The Director is responsible for the strategic direction of the EWI Division, shaping the future of student wellbeing, inclusion and community life and leading transformative initiatives that support a vibrant, inclusive and connected student experience across the University. Applications close on Sunday 12 April 2026, 11.55pm AEST.

Following recommendations from the ECA Working Group, the University has updated its ECA process, effective from Semester 1 2026. The changes aim to improve the transparency, accessibility and consistency of the process for students and staff.

For more information refer to the ECA webpage and for questions, contact examinations.officer@anu.edu.au.

Did you ride your bike to school? National Ride2School Day is this Friday, the perfect excuse to get back on your bike and ride to ANU.

With many bike paths across Canberra and end of trip facilities across campus, cycling is a simple way to get some fresh air, boost your mood and start the day feeling energised.

Whether you choose to ride your bike or not, check out the University’s Carbon Smart Commuting webpage for tips and local information to help make your commute more sustainable.

The QuEST team are inviting people aged 18–44 to participate in a simulated telehealth consultation. The simulation will take approximately 30 minutes at the Acton campus, followed by a questionnaire a few days later.

No prior experience is required and participants will receive a $50 Prezzee gift voucher.

For more information email QuEST.SMP@anu.edu.au

Help welcome future students and their families to campus on Saturday 28 March for ANU Open Day. Share your insights, answer questions and help visitors explore what ANU has to offer during a day of events and activities. Flexible shifts are available so you can choose a time that suits you.

Evoenergy will undertake mandatory testing of the University’s electrical network on Saturday 21 March, 6am–4pm. Exceptions include:

Backup systems will operate during this time. In the unlikely event of a fault, power outages could be widespread and take time to restore.

Contact FixMyCampus.fs@anu.edu.au, or your Building Custodian, with any questions regarding potential impacts on essential operations in your area.

ANU Sport will host Australian Sports Camps for Term 1 school holidays with AFL, Rugby Union, Soccer, Netball and Basketball on offer. Camps begin from Wednesday 8 April and run for three days.

How did you come to be at ANU?  

I never really knew what I wanted to do. I worked in a few different jobs outside ANU before stumbling across a role in the Prizes and Scholarships Office. Twenty years and a few different roles later, I’m still at ANU working at the Tjabal Centre and managing scholarships.

What are you most passionate about in your work? 

I enjoy supporting students as they navigate their way through university. It’s not just about paying scholarships – it’s answering questions, talking through challenges, hearing about their little wins, or simply being available when they need someone to listen. I also love learning about Indigenous culture and history from the staff and students in the Tjabal Centre.

What is your favourite spot on campus and why?

Of course I love the Tjabal Centre. The people, the vibe, the culture (and the food) make it a great place to be and work. Outside the Centre, I also enjoy the little space between the stepping stones and South Oval. It’s a beautiful shady spot in spring and summer.

This week’s picture comes from Tim Fardell, Project Coordinator from Campus Environment, who captured Canberra’s iconic Telstra tower.

“I took this photo in 2016 when I was a Security Guard, living in Weston Creek. I was totally unaware that 10 years later I’d be living in a different unit with the exact same viewpoint.”

Got a photo you’re proud of? Send in your picture using this form and include a short description about why your snap is special to you.

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.

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.