On Friday 15 May the Latin American Night Markets, hosted by the ANU Latin American Students' Association, brought students and the wider Canberra community onto University Avenue to share in Latin food, music and culture.

Larry Marshall (Interim Chancellor) and Andrew Metcalfe (Acting Pro-Chancellor) wish to thank the ANU community for engaging in the recent feedback survey, which asked for your thoughts on the attributes of our next Chancellor.

A total of 588 responses to the survey were received from the community, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, staff, and alumni.  

The feedback will now be shared with Council and with the Chancellor Selection Panel, chaired by Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake. 

Three ANU scientists have been recognised for their extraordinary work by being elected Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science.

Distinguished Professor Yun Liu, Professor Jochen Brocks and Professor Robert Furbank are among 28 new members admitted to the Academy.

Their work is helping revolutionise the design of future technologies, improve crop yields and deepen our understanding of early life on earth.

The University has established a steering group to oversee its implementation of the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. This project will further strengthen safety, support and respectful behaviours across our community. 

To learn more about how ANU is ensuring compliance with the new legislation and what changes mean for you as a staff member, visit the project page. Information sessions and community-wide consultation opportunities will be announced in future On Campus editions, and on the project webpage where you can join the contact list for updates direct to your inbox.

From Monday 25 May, a new self-service functionality will be available in HORUS, enabling staff to request payment for a range of allowances directly in the system.  

User guides and support materials will be available on the HR Online Remote User System webpage once the functionality is available. 

Information sessions will be held via Zoom on the following dates and provide an opportunity for staff to learn more about the new functionality and to meet the People Services Team.  

When University House opened in 1954, every chair, table, sideboard and armchair was crafted specifically for the building, designed from scratch by Fred Ward, one of Australia’s most significant mid-century designers. 

Now, as University House prepares to reopen in August, those same pieces are returning. They have been restored rather than replaced and carry a design philosophy that still feels quietly radical.

This week’s trivia question is: 

What is the common name of the duck breed seen most on the ANU campus? (Bonus points for knowing the scientific name.)

Congratulations to our recent trivia winners, staff winner Jeny Jose and student winner Nathan Azriel Veracruz. Please contact ANU Corporate Communications to collect your prize.

Last week’s question and answer:

What are the three elements represented in the ANU Crest? Answer: Sea, Sky and Australia

Did you know? The ANU crest has featured the same three elements for more than 75 years. The most recent refresh was completed by Sydney design agency For The People, with designer Pete Conforto sharing the ANU logo’s evolution over the years.

Thanks to all the trivia buffs engaging in our 80th quiz; here's our leader's board:

As the cooler months settle in, there is still plenty growing in the ANU Kitchen Garden.

In the latest episode of our A Season of Change mini-series, we explore how the garden prepares for autumn and winter, which crops thrive at this time of year and the role biodiversity, compost and soil health play in supporting the space.   

We’ll also be sharing seasonal gardening ideas and practical tips and winter recipes you can try at home.  

The University’s Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) will be unavailable from Wednesday 27 May, 12pm to Thursday 28 May, 5pm AEST due to scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

Staff who need access to documents stored in ERMS are encouraged to save local copies of any critical files before the outage begins.

For assistance, contact the ANU Service Desk on +61 2 6125 4321 during business hours or log a ticket via ANUConnect.

Recent challenges at ANU are a reminder of why wellbeing, respectful leadership and clear communication matter across our community. Prolonged stress and uncertainty can affect both wellbeing and performance, making it important to prioritise self-care, set realistic boundaries and access support when needed.

Upcoming webinars and events for staff and supervisors include sessions on manager support, staff wellbeing, burnout and UniSuper’s 360Health Program.

Support guides and wellbeing resources are also available through the Employee Assistance Program.

Join short, practical workshops on staff wellbeing and how to have safe, supportive conversations with colleagues experiencing mental health difficulties, while protecting your own wellbeing.

These free webinars are open to all staff, regardless of role.

Drop-in sessions are available to support academics intending to apply for promotion and to answer questions about the application process. Find upcoming session dates and further information linked below.

Professor Rhodri Davies has been appointed as the Director of the ANU Research School of Earth Sciences, commencing Monday 22 June.

Professor Davies is a geodynamicist whose research explores how processes deep within the Earth shape the surface world we live on, from plate tectonics and volcanism to sea-level change and the formation of critical mineral systems.

His work brings together high-performance computational modelling, data assimilation and Earth observations to better understand the evolution of our planet across space and time.

As Director, Professor Davies will work with staff, students and partners to strengthen RSES as a leading centre for Earth sciences, with a focus on research excellence, sustainable education growth and building new opportunities in areas of national and global importance.

Interim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)

A key member of the University Executive, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) provides strategic leadership across teaching and learning, student experience and academic governance, while fostering collaborative relationships across the University and with external government, regulatory and sector stakeholders.

Expressions of interest close on Monday 1 June 2026, 11.55pm. 

Thursday 28 May, 11am–12pm

Professor Peter Yu, ANU Vice-President (First Nations), will deliver this year’s Parliamentary Library Reconciliation Week lecture.

Professor Yu will explore what reconciliation looks like in the post-Referendum landscape, drawing on more than 40 years of experience in Indigenous development and advocacy.

Friday 22 May – Sunday 24 May

Sign On Screen is a rare opportunity for those working in the Australian screen industry to network and build bridges with Deaf and Hard of Hearing key creatives.

Tuesday 26 May, 11–12pm

Join the Walk for Truth as it moves through our University campus. Students, staff, alumni and the broader community are invited to walk together from Barry Drive to Chifley Meadows, where a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony will take place.

Thursday 28 May, 3–5pm

Come along for open conversation, tailored activities and shared reflections on collaboration and community building. Designed to be energising, nourishing and fun, the event welcomes both experienced collaborators and the collaboratively curious.

Saturday 30 May, 9–10.30am

Start your morning with movement, good vibes and great company at the ANU Sport Fun Run. Whether you’re running for fitness or just to hang out with mates, everyone is welcome.

The first 20 ticket holders will receive a free Fun Run t-shirt.

Shaun Micallef will be in conversation with Adam Shirley.

Monday 25 May, 6–7pm

Stan Grant will be in conversation with Fiona Jenkins.

Tuesday 2 June, 6–7pm

The Corporate Communications team is currently loving Savoir French at the School of Arts and Design (the coffee and pastries), Craft Beans at the Marie Reay Teaching Centre (great cold brew) and Spice Sizzle in Joplin Lane, Kambri (the curry chicken and crispy chicken are standouts).

We’ll be featuring rotating staff and student recommendations in upcoming editions of On Campus, helping the ANU community discover new spots and support local favourites.

Have a favourite worth sharing? Add it to our quick form and help build the ultimate campus food 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.