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It’s been nearly 175 years since the first university opened its doors in Sydney. It’s been a little over 150 years since the first legislation passed in Melbourne creating the conditions for compulsory education for children between the ages of six and 15. Which means by the time Australia federated in 1901, there were universities and an entire infrastructure of primary and secondary schools in every state. And that remains true today.

Read more: VC message, making certainty

VSS process update

Information and outcomes from the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) have been progressively communicated to staff, with most notifications shared last week and some continuing into this week. Supervisors are providing support to those who submitted EOIs. For those with approved EOIs, there are several steps to work through to formalise the process, with a smooth transition of work remaining a key priority. We acknowledge this period brings change, and thank all staff for their continued engagement, care for one another and contributions to shaping the future of our University. 

Change principles: consultation paper update

As has been recently communicated to all staff by the Chief Operating Officer, the University remains committed to progressing the next phase of Renew ANU. The NTEU has submitted a dispute in relation to our . ANU continues to engage in discussions with the NTEU and remains committed to progressing these matters as quickly and constructively as possible. The University is grateful for all the engagement and feedback received on the consultation paper from staff, with over 140 pieces of feedback received overall. A summary of the feedback received will soon be shared with staff, prior to the release of the associated proposed Implementation Plan.

Open letter response

ANU has formally responded to the open letter submitted by approximately 430 members of ANU staff. The response acknowledges the concerns raised and reinforces the University's commitment to ongoing consultation and respectful engagement. You can read the full response .

Over the past 18 months, the Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy Taskforce has worked with staff and students to shape a new five-year strategy. Ahead of its official launch in September, we’re inviting your feedback.

Throughout our consultations, one message came through clearly: how we do things and treat each other—through meetings, teaching, and services—impacts wellbeing. It’s also clear that fostering a supportive and respectful environment enhances performance, research, innovation and learning outcomes. You will see these insights reflected in the .

At a time when our community is navigating significant challenges, your input is more important than ever. We want to know:

Your feedback will help us refine the strategy ahead of the official launch, guide our immediate priorities, and inform leadership decision-making. Feedback is open from 8 April to 6 May and all responses are deidentified.

Learn more: ANU Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

US tariffs and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine are among the foreign policy issues continuing during the federal election. This presents unique challenges while the government is in caretaker mode as Australian ¾«¶«´«Ã½app University international law expert Professor Don Rothwell explains. 

If you would like to contribute to ANU election coverage please .

Applications are now open for our next Dean, ANU College of Systems and Society. This is an opportunity for a dynamic and accomplished leader with a proven track record in academic leadership and a strong reputation in their field.  

The Dean will play a significant role in building the culture, performance and sustainability of the new College of Systems & Society through internal leadership, external advocacy and partnership with Government, business, and communities.  

A key member of the University Leadership Group, the Dean will report to the Provost and Senior Vice-President and assume the role of the Chair of the College Executive Committee.  

Applications close on 6 May 2025 with the selection process to be finalised towards the mid of 2025. Perrett Laver is partnering with ANU on this recruitment process.   

Our thanks to Professor Stephen Eggins for assuming the role of Interim Dean while our extensive search process is undertaken and for his exceptional work and leadership as interim Dean, ensuring continuity for the College during this search process.  

 

The University has systems and tools to support operational activities, including ES Financials and the Human Resources systems. As per the University's , access or use of these systems for purposes not specified by ANU is strictly prohibited. Identified breaches of this policy and related documents will be investigated under the  and may result in disciplinary action. This includes unauthorised access or misuse of personal or business information, breaching commercial in-confidence arrangements, or accessing files outside of your role and appropriate delegations. If you are unsure of your obligations, please speak with your supervisor.

Dr Liz Allen has resigned from ANU Council, effective 7 April 2025. 

The Chancellor has noted, “I acknowledge Liz Allen’s contribution and on behalf of Council thank her for her service".  

The Council will begin the formal process of holding an election to fill the casual vacancy, which will open to eligible staff later this week. 

Monday 14 April, 3:30-5:30pm  

As the world’s largest archipelagic state, Indonesia faces ongoing challenges in shaping a cohesive maritime strategy, power struggles between key actors complicate strategic direction. The central debate between these key actors is whether Indonesia seeks to establish itself as a maritime power or remains focused on its identity as an archipelagic state. This lecture will explore Indonesia’s evolving maritime strategy and its implications for regional security and strategic policy. 
 

Tuesday 15 April, 6-7pm  
 
What does it mean to live on land taken from others? In Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place, acclaimed author Kate Grenville embarks on a personal and historical journey to confront this question. Join her in conversation with historian Ann McGrath as they explore family, colonisation, and the weight of inherited history. Books available for signing from 5.30pm. 

Register here: Meet the Author – Kate Grenville

Wednesday 30 April, 10-11am

Learn how formal university committee documents are structured, understand the responsibilities of a secretary for university committees and master tips of efficient note taking at this free webinar. This online workshop is designed for new employees or those whose work may involve secretariat or committee management responsibilities. 

A trio of exceptional ANU researchers have been recognised by the

The ANU Research School of Chemistry is taking a significant step towards sustainability with the introduction of two solvent recycling machines, affectionately dubbed Molly and Wolly. Named after the local Molongolo and Wollogorang rivers, these machines are designed to recycle up to 90 per cent of solvents like acetone and ethanol, which are commonly used in chemistry labs. By reducing the need for incineration, Molly and Wolly help cut down harmful emissions and significantly lower costs. 

In a groundbreaking move, ANU becomes the first Australian university to implement solvent recycling, with an estimated 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved annually. As the initiative takes hold, ANU is leading the charge to inspire other labs to adopt sustainable practices. This is just the start, with plans to further push the boundaries of eco-friendly chemistry. 

Could tiny ‘molecular robots’ made from RNA provide personalised cancer treatments – without the harmful side effects? ANU Scientist Associate Professor Tamás Fischer is collaborating with the

The recent GenAI for Social Good? panel, hosted by the ANU McCusker Institute, explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping society, communities and creative industries—and how we must take an active role in shaping it for public good. Expert panellists Professor Ed Santow (Human Technology Institute) and Associate Professor Katrina Sluis (ANU) shared insights on the risks of AI development without guardrails, the utopian and dystopian futures at play, and its impact on artists, our public commons, and cultural institutions.  The event highlighted the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and the need to engage with AI responsibly. Interested in collaborating with the McCusker Institute in semester 2, 2025?

Graduate employability has become an integral part of higher education curricula. However, universities continue to face significant challenges in supporting student employability and career success due to rapidly evolving technologies, shifting job markets, and the diverse skill sets required by employers.

Identity Management Day (April 8) is a great reminder to be mindful of our digital identity. Whether we’re scrolling, sharing, or signing up for something new, our online presence is constantly growing.

Learn what digital identity is, why it matters and how to safeguard it from cyber threats. Additionally, explore how hackers use online searches to gather information and stay in control of your online presence.

Wi-Fi speed refers to how quickly your internet connection can upload and download data. Download speeds affect streaming and browsing, while upload speeds matter for video calls and file sharing. Think of it as the speed limit on a digital highway, determining how quickly your data travels.  

Fast and reliable Wi-Fi is essential for our University community to collaborate and connect seamlessly. 

Curious about your Wi-Fi speed? Measure your Wi-Fi speed online via to enhance your experience.  

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 24/7 - (02) 6125 7979 

Contact the 24/7 media hotline for media queries regarding the University and its operations, or to track down experts that aren’t listed in our .

If you need to support a student in distress, please refer to developed by the Student Safety and Wellbeing team.