In celebration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) tomorrow (Wednesday 17 May), we are featuring Emily Standen’s story of queering science, why it matters and how we can make science more inclusive and accessible for all. 

Growing up queer in Townsville, Emily Standen knows about the importance of role models. 

“It’s North Queensland, so in terms of inclusive environments and visible role models, both of those things at the time were limited. I don't think that I really thought queer people could be scientists. 

“So from my own experience, I know that it's hard to be what you can't see. You can definitely do it - someone has to be the first - but it's not an easy thing to do.” 

Now with a degree in biomedical sciences, a career in science communication and education, and a PhD project with the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU, Emily feels like she can help to make it easier. 

“I think I’ve lived enough roles that I can actually speak to this now. I can say: we can do this better.” 

Monday 22 May, 5.30-7.30pm 

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin, two self-proclaimed 'brothers' who forged a path of dialogue and reconciliation, rather than hate and revenge, after both losing their daughters. Rami is a Jewish Israeli from Jerusalem who lost his daughter Smadar in a Palestinian suicide bombing in 1997, the same year Bassam’s daughter Abir was born. Bassam, who grew up in Hebron, was a former Palestinian resistance fighter who had spent time in an Israeli jail where he saw the film Schindler’s List that changed his life. His daughter, Abir, was tragically killed by the bullet of Israeli border police. She was aged 10. 

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Thursday 25 May, 3-4pm 

This information session for ANU research, academic and professional staff provides an introduction to preparing and submitting a tender response, including finding out about tender opportunities for Category 2 and Category 3 research funding. 

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Wednesday 31 May, 6-7pm  

Join Professor Marcia Langton AO, PhD and Professor Aaron Corn, alongside Professor Anthony Connolly, for a thought-provoking discussion on their new book, Law: The Way of the Ancestors. Explore how Indigenous law has enabled people to survive and thrive in Australia for over 2000 generations, and how it can inspire new ways forward for us all in the face of global crises. Through this conversation, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the significance of traditional law in all its manifestations, and how it forms the foundation of all Indigenous societies in Australia.  

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Jellyfish as circus animals, violent clowns, parasites in pop culture... With research topics like these you might not expect to find Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens listed alongside scientists in the ANU College of the Science directory. 

But from her colourful, poster-clad office at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at ANU, Anna-Sophie explains that all her research is organised around a central scientific theme: specifically, how science interacts with pop culture. 

“Most people are not scientists, so where do they get their ideas?” asks Dr Jürgens. “Comic books, animated films, TV, comedies, and blockbuster films. These are very powerful mediums to communicate the meaning of science, and ideas about the societal role of science.” 

ANU Student Research Conference Abstract Submissions Now Open 

Connect your undergraduate, honours and Masters students with an opportunity to present their coursework in a supportive conference environment; first-time and experienced presenters are welcome. 

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Student Safety & Wellbeing Workshop 

Tuesday 23 May, 1.30-3pm 

Student success depends on physical, social, spiritual and mental wellbeing. Presented by the Student Safety and Wellbeing team, this workshop will explore factors contributing to mental ill-health for students, resources available for staff, ways to identify students in distress and practical ways to offer support. This workshop is relevant to any academic or professional staff.  

Register here

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Carers' Career Development Assistance Fund (CCDAF) 

CCDAF Round 2 for 2023 opens from Monday 15 May to Friday 9 June at 5pm. 

CCDAF provides financial support for academic and professional staff with caring responsibilities, enabling them to participate in significant national or international conferences, workshops or symposia that contribute to their careers. 

Apply here

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Staff Giveaway - Career guidance through Mentor Walks  

Wednesday 24 May, 7.10-8.30am 

We're excited to announce a giveaway for five women staff members to win free registration for the upcoming Mentor Walks event. You’ll have the opportunity to seek great advice from women CEOs, directors, executives, entrepreneurs and leaders in their fields who want to help women succeed and get the career help they need. This is a safe space to discuss any career challenges you may be facing and enable growth and development in your current role. Fill out the entry form for your chance to win a spot at this event next week. 

If you are interested in other mentor opportunities check out the ANU NECTAR Mentoring Program or the Professional Mentoring Program.  

Planning and Service Performance Division – Service Effectiveness Assessment (SEA) 

The SEA is split into two parts covering 70 key University services. ANU conducted Part 2 of the assessment for the first time in May 2022. This will be our second time undertaking the Part 2 set of questions, giving us an opportunity to see where we are improving and where we are not over the last year. Part 1 questions are collected during our October/November assessment. 

Results from similar surveys in previous years have helped several service improvements at ANU. Your feedback will help us understand which services meet your needs and where we need to improve our services. For more details about services covered across part 1 and 2 of the survey, please visit our Service Effectiveness webpage. 

A new resource called Supporting Students in Distress has been developed to assist University staff in providing step-by-step guidance for supporting students in need. This resource includes a flipbook and an online counterpart, covering topics such as managing personal well-being, responding to student distress, and referring students to additional help. To request a flipbook contact student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au.

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