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ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃRocketry has taken out the 2026 Australian Universities Rocket Competition (AURC) on the weekend, the University’s first overall title in only its second appearance at the competition. 

Months of hard work, thousands of hours and plenty of late nights, countless setbacks including a worldwide motor shortage and a tight budget, all came together in one very successful launch to secure ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃRocketry the AURC Overall Winner title.  

The student-led team also claimed first place in the 10,000-foot propulsion category with its entry, Project Tempest, which reached 9,380 feet on the day. 

ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃRocketry is a multidisciplinary team of students, and more than half of the team members competing at AURC were women, showcasing the growing role of women in rocketry and STEM. 

A fantastic achievement by the whole team. Congratulations to everyone involved in this well-deserved win!

Listen to the team  about the win (from 04:30 timestamp) and check out their coverage from the weekend at on Instagram.  

Fair Play, a website co-created by ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃand the Youth Coalition of the ACT to help prevent gambling harm in young people, has won a 2026 Australian Good Design Award. 

One year after it launched, Fair Play has been recognised in the Social Impact category, with judges praising resources that "meet young people on their own terms". 

"Producing the evidence is only one part of our job," said Associate Professor Aino Suomi, Director of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCentre for Gambling Research. 

"If that evidence stays in academic papers, it's unlikely to reach the children, families and communities who could benefit from it. Fair Play shows what can happen when researchers, community organisations and the people we're trying to reach work together from the outset. Good design can turn evidence into something people can actually use." 

Australia’s next step in space development has been tasked with delivering a NASA payload to the south pole of the moon. This will be the furthest an Australian spacecraft has ever travelled. 

The countdown to Roo-ver’s lunar landing in 2030 has begun and ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃis pitching in.

Our physicists and astronomers have been developing and exploring new technologies to upskill the entire nation. 
 
Our world-class facilities such as the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility Space Irradiation Beamline, the Wombat XL space and temperature vacuum at National Space Test Facility at Mount Stromlo, and the Quantum Optical Ground Station are all contributing to this landmark lunar mission. 
 
Join us in celebrating Space Week 2026 with the unveiling of Roo-ver, a small rover on a big mission to write a new chapter in Australian space history. 

Consultation is now open on the new ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃanti-racism framework, and all staff and students are invited to contribute. More information, including consultation documents, key dates, support information and updates, can be found on the . 

The University is seeking feedback on definitions of racism, racism towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Islamophobia and antisemitism, as well as the draft statement of commitment, anti-racism framework and a discussion paper on how the new requirements may affect teaching, research, work and study at ANU. 

Three anonymous consultations are open. Every question is optional, and you can take part in any or all of them. 

Feedback will help shape the final definitions, Statement of Commitment and Anti-Racism Framework presented to ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCouncil in late November and will inform how this work is taken forward across the University. 

We encourage all staff and students to read the consultation materials and have their say. 

Our student newspaper Woroni is calling for submissions for its upcoming issues, grime and cicada. Both themes are open to interpretation, with essays, creative writing, visual art, photography and hybrid works welcome from across the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃcommunity. 

Submit your work by Tuesday 20 October to content@woroni.com.au or arteditor@woroni.com.au. 

Find out more about the themes and submission guidelines on the . 

Few people get to live out their childhood dreams. Professor Dougald O’Reilly is among the lucky ones.  

The kid digging holes in his mother’s backyard eventually grew into one of Australia’s leading archaeologists specialising on Southeast Asia.  

Now a Professor of Archaeology at ANU, he's breathing life into the prehistoric pasts of Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. 

is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution that carers make every day across our families, workplaces and communities. 

To mark the week, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃis launching the on Teams, a welcoming community for staff with caring responsibilities to connect, share experiences and help shape a more supportive and inclusive ANU. 

The Network will be led by inaugural Co-Chairs Laura Jayne Robinson and Associate Professor Luca Casagrande. 

Whether you’re a current or former carer, or want to support colleagues with caring responsibilities, you’re invited to join the Network.

Grab your bike and join ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃGreen this Wednesday 14 October for National Ride2Work Day. 

ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃGreen is organising a relaxed group ride from Dickson to a by Pedal Power ACT at Veterans Park, featuring bike checks and giveaways.  

Meet at 8am at the corner of Poppyfield Street and Cowper Street for an 8.10am departure. The easy 15-minute ride will take you to breakfast, followed by a five-minute ride to campus. Whether you’re a regular commuter or getting back in the saddle after winter, everyone is welcome. 

Want to start cycling to campus? Join one of ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃGreen’s free 30-minute online sessions for tips on cycling essentials, navigating magpie season and riding comfortably year-round. 

at 12pm, Wednesday 14 October, or at 12pm, Wednesday 21 October. 

Follow the to stay up to date. 

What can you learn about a stranger in just five minutes? 

This Cyber Security Awareness Month, put your cyber skills to the test and see what you can uncover from the clues someone leaves online. 

by 11.59pm, Monday 19 October for your chance to win one of 10 prizes, with five prize packs each for ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃstudents and staff, including a lunch voucher and Cyber Sense merch. 

The University’s Human Resource Management System (HRMS) is being updated to strengthen functionality, security and the overall experience for staff on Friday 9 October.

This update will go live on Monday 12 October, and will include a refreshed landing page for easier navigation, and enhanced Manager features. 

As part of the update, the University’s HR systems HORUS and HRMS will be unavailable from 10am Friday 9 October to 8am Monday 12 October. 

This outage will affect all system users, including both administrative (HRMS) and HR self-service functions (HORUS). 

If you have questions about the planned outage or need additional information, please email HRSystems@anu.edu.au or phone +61 2 6125 9622. 

Applications for the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃEducational Fellowship Scheme (EFS) are now open. Submit your application, including referee supporting statement(s), by Friday 30 October. 

Application forms, guidance and other resources are available on the webpage. You can also connect with your EFS representative for advice and support throughout the application process. 

Upcoming workshops: 

 
Tuesday 13 October, 2.30–4.30pm 
A focused writing session for all applicants, with experienced Fellows available to answer questions. 

 
Monday 19 October, 10–11am 
For Senior Fellowship applicants. 

New to people management at ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃor looking to strengthen your skills? The ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃPeople Manager Essentials Program provides the foundational knowledge, tools and resources to help you succeed in your role. 

Connect with fellow managers, learn to navigate the employee life cycle and discover the resources and support available to you. 

Planning an event or activity for young people? You could receive up to $2,500 through the ACT Youth Week Grants program. 

Community organisations, schools and youth groups can apply for funding to run youth-led activities during ACT Youth Week, from 6–18 April 2027. 

Youth Week celebrates the talents, achievements and contributions of young people aged 12–25, with opportunities to connect, learn, participate and lead. 

Applications close 10 November.  

The University and bargaining representatives met again today and will meet again next Thursday and Friday, 15 and 16 October. 

 While discussions for the next Enterprise Agreement progress, we’re continuing to highlight provisions in the current Agreement and how they support staff. 

 Did you know you have a right to disconnect? 

Time away from work matters. Under , staff are not expected or required to respond to work communications outside their normal working hours or during approved leave, except under limited circumstances, for example, authorised overtime, call back or paid on call arrangements, significant employment matters that cannot wait until you return, and genuine emergencies. 

Staff and supervisors are encouraged to discuss expectations about contact outside normal working hours in accordance with this clause, including when a response may be needed and how matters would be communicated. Clear expectations can help everyone plan appropriately and respect time away from work. 

 You can also learn more about the right to disconnect in the . 

You can send questions or feedback regarding the current EA clause to the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃBargaining Team at enterprise.bargaining@anu.edu.au. 

For bargaining information and updates, visit the .  

Director, Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) 

Applications are now open for the Director, Research School of Social Sciences.  

Reporting to the Dean of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCollege of Arts and Social Sciences, the Director will provide strategic leadership and drive excellence in research, education and engagement, while championing innovation, collaboration and growth. 

Applications close 11.55pm, Sunday 1 November 2026 (AEDT).  

Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick from the Fenner School of Environment and Society spoke to  about a breakthrough online tool that measures the environmental and economic damage associated with new fossil fuel projects. The tool aims to provide policymakers, businesses and communities with a clearer understanding of the long-term impacts of carbon emissions and climate change. 

Marta Yebra from the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃBushfire Research Centre of Excellence and Laura Alonso from the Fenner School of Environment and Society wrote in about a new satellite-based system designed to help communities better prepare for the upcoming bushfire season. Ryan Edwards from the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃDevelopment Policy Centre spoke to about the role of remittances in supporting families and communities overseas and their significance to Australia's migrant communities. 

During the week, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃexperts also provided commentary on , , and . 

Saturday 17 October, 5–10pm 

Don’t miss After Hours, a huge outdoor concert celebrating 80 years of ANU. Presented in partnership with ANUSA, the night will feature Genesis Owusu, Rum Jungle, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Chloe Parché, and ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃBig Night Out winner Lamb Legz. 

Get your friends together for a fun night of live music and celebration and make some great memories along the way. Grab your tickets and don’t miss out! 

Tuesday 13 October, 10am–3.30pm 

Ada Lovelace Day is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Join the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃcommunity to celebrate the achievements of women in STEM and recognise those shaping its future at ANU. Connect with staff and students, share ideas and be inspired through a range of activities.

Wednesday 14 October, 11.15am–12.45pm 

Join President of the Republic of Palau, Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., as he shares a Pacific perspective on some of the defining challenges of our time, from climate change and ocean protection to energy independence and shifting geopolitics.

He will reflect on the Pacific’s role in safeguarding our planet, global responses to island nation challenges, and opportunities for Australia and the Pacific.

Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 October 

The Canberra Writers Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary under the theme For the Love of Books, featuring international, national and local authors, its biggest-ever children’s and family program, and conversations, storytelling and ideas for all ages. 

As a Foundation Partner, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃstaff and students can receive 10% off their total order with code ANU26 at checkout. Excludes events sold by third parties. 

Wednesday 4 November, 1.30–3pm 

What does it take to create change that lasts across generations?

Join June Oscar AO, Chair of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice, and Dr Elise Stephenson, Deputy Director of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃGlobal Institute for Women's Leadership, for a conversation exploring First Nations women's peace-building practices and global gender equality research.

From conferences and workshops to team celebrations and end-of-year functions, University House offers flexible event spaces, tailored catering and accommodation right here on campus. 

End-of-year dates are filling up fast, so get in touch with the Events and Sales team to discuss your plans and secure your preferred date. 

ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃSecurity - (02) 6125 2249   

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialling from an internal phone), then call ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃSecurity.   

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 .

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 .

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