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Image: Professor Philip Batterham, Professor Emily Banks and Professor Raymond Lovett have been honored with awards from the NHMRC. Photo: Hilary Wardhaugh Photography. 

A trio of exceptional researchers has been recognised by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for their significant contributions to health research and policy.   

Professor Emily Banks AM received a Biennial Award for her work in smoking-related illness prevention, Professor Philip Batterham was awarded the inaugural NHMRC Peer Review Excellence Award (Senior Researcher) for his contributions to mental health research, and Professor Raymond Lovett received the David Cooper Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Award for his groundbreaking work on Indigenous health. The awards were presented on Wednesday 26 March. Congratulations all on this well-deserved recognition! 
 

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

Image: L to R, Professor Tony Hill, Professor Alison Rodger, Dr Jamie Hicks, Dr Michael Stevens and Dr Brett Schwartz with one of the new solvent recycling machines. Photo: Nic Vevers/ANU 

The ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃResearch 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, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃbecomes the first Australian university to implement solvent recycling, with an estimated 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved annually. As the initiative takes hold, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃis 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. 

exemplifies how to address the challenges of preparing graduates for a dynamic job market by adopting a scaffolding approach to student employability and career success in close partnership with employers. 

Image: Panel members Professor Ed Santow, Professor Geoff Hinchcliffe and Associate Professor Katrina Sluis at the GenAI event. Photo: ANU

The recent GenAI for Social Good? panel, hosted by the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃMcCusker 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 (and fables) on the risks of AI development without guardrails, the utopian and dystopian futures at play, and AI's impact on artists, our public commons, and cultural institutions. The event highlighted the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and education in building the skills needed to engage with AI responsibly. Students interested in creating positive social change can join the McCusker Institute in semester 2, 2025.

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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. Australian National University international law expert Professor Don Rothwell explains.

If you would like to contribute to ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃelection coverage please click here.

Tuesday 15 April, 6-7pm 

What does it mean to live on land taken from others? Bestselling author Kate Grenville explores the complexities of history, land, and legacy in her powerful new book, Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place. In conversation with historian Ann McGrath, Grenville reflects on her family's past, the impact of colonisation, and what it means to reckon with history today. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion. Books available for signing from 5.30pm. 
 
Register now: Meet the author – Kate Grenville  

Writers, researchers, artists and students – if you're working on a project and need some quiet, focused time in good company, come along to weekly ‘Shut Up and Write’ evenings. 

Held in the inspiring setting of the Gallery, these free three-hour sessions include a relaxed break to chat and eat (BYO dinner!). 

Use the energy of community and creativity to build momentum on your writing, and take a moment to enjoy the exhibitions on show. This is a free event, but registration is essential. 

Register here: ‘Shut up and write’ Tuesdays   

Thursday 17 April, 2-3pm  

Why are women more left-leaning than men—and why is that gap growing in younger generations? This study investigates whether Australia's gender gap in political ideology and voting behaviour mirrors international trends, drawing on Australian Election Study data from 1987–2022. 

Using a range of regression models, the research finds that while women across generations are slightly more left-leaning than men, the difference is modest. Rather than being driven solely by modernisation, the gender gap is shaped by issue priorities, political socialisation, and socioeconomic background. With Gen Z increasingly supporting left parties, the findings offer fresh insight into how gender and generational change are reshaping Australia’s political landscape. 

Register here for the virtual event: Exploring Australia’s Modern Gender Gap in Politics 

Wednesday, 23 April, 2-3pm  

In 2023, the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃRespectful Relationships Unit (RRU) launched the Rights, Relationships and Respect (RRR) program—a key step toward the University's goal of a violence-free campus by 2026. Designed for incoming students, the program combined a compulsory online module with in-person workshops at select residential halls, addressing both individual responsibility and the broader systemic drivers of violence. 

To evaluate its impact, POLIS partnered with RRU to conduct a comprehensive review which uncovered key insights into student engagement, motivations, and the cultural dynamics shaping learning outcomes. These findings will inform the ongoing work of RRU and support compliance with the forthcoming National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. 

Register here: Seminar on Rights, Relationships and Respect Evaluation  

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 our  

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. 

Help is available if you need it. If you are dealing with a personal or university-related issue, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃencourages you to seek support through the Student Safety and Wellbeing team by emailing student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or calling 02 6125 2211, Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm.

You can also visit our Urgent Support page for a list of 24/7 and crisis support options.