VC’s update: what remains unchanged

There is a more than average amount of uncertainty in the world right now, and I know for many of us this requires a lot of resilience, fortitude and new ways of staying focused. We have lots of resources available in these moments and this includes our Employee Assistance Program, Advisor to Staff, line managers, friends and broader networks, as well as colleagues. I have certainly been relying on the latter a lot as of late.

I have also been thinking about the things that don’t change; the things that are certain for us here at ANU.

First and foremost: what remains constant is who we are and what we are called upon to do. We were founded to create and transmit knowledge through research and teaching of the highest quality. Simple words, a powerful message. And something to anchor us in this moment. Because that piece of who we are should not change. And frankly, it will not change – despite all of the change around us, and the noise in the system, we will continue to be an extraordinary place for our nation and provide research and teaching that shapes a better world. And we should each be proud of our contributions here.

The last week has seen increased reporting and speculation around the United States and the impact to universities around the world, including here at ANU. We deeply value the opportunity to work with international partners and collaborators and this will not change. We have 16 funded American research contracts right now, which are worth a total $9.3 million AUD ($6.3 million USD). As I confirmed last week, we have seen one research contract terminated and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. To ensure the privacy of the staff and projects, we will not identify these individuals or projects further, but I will confirm we remain committed to our research and supporting our academics.

We are working behind the scenes to provide support and information as best as we can to those potentially impacted and the University is briefing relevant government, departmental officials, our university partners and collaborators. These announcements are causing ambiguity for our researchers, but it also extends to our students here and in the United States.

I was an international student, and know this type of discussion would have created uncertainty about being in another country and far away from friends and family; and it would have made my place feel a little less stable. We are working to support all of our American students, and ANU students studying abroad, and ensuring they have appropriate supports and scaffolding in place. To all of our US staff, students and partners – we will support you as best as we can and provide updates when we have information.

In happier news, last week saw an extraordinary moment for our campus with the gifting of the name ‘Lowitja O’Donoghue’ to our Cultural Centre. The event brought together many amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, our Governor General (and alumna) Her Excellency Sam Mostyn and staff and students from ANU. It was the third ‘naming’ we’ve held since commencing this initiative in 2024, joining the Pauline Griffin Health & Wellbeing Centre and the Skaidrite Daris Building. I want to thank and acknowledge our colleagues from across campus who made it possible to mark our campus with the first, First Nations, person’s name (and signature!). For those who haven’t yet seen the building, I encourage you to visit Kambri and read about her amazing story and contribution to Australia. As the late Dr LowitjaO’Donoghue said, “we must be fearless in our work” – and this initiative is one way we are making our campus whole by acknowledging who we are, where we come from and contribution of many voices.

Finally, this Saturday is Open Day – our largest student recruitment event – and one that every part of our campus contributes too. A big shout out to our College and Central teams who have been working to ensure the day runs smoothly and potential students and their families can see all of the things on offer. ANU is a remarkable place, and we are lucky to be able to share it.

Good thoughts to where this may find you,

G