Our university community has recently drawn our attention to investment in companies that derive revenue from arms manufacture and sales. In response, ANU invited staff, students, and alumni to participate in a review of our Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Policy.  

We received almost 900 eForm submissions which informed the recommendations made to the ANU Council. This was followed by a town hall forum attended by more than 100 members of our community.  The town hall provided the opportunity to discuss the University’s investment portfolio and how positive and negative screens operate within the SRI Policy. We have listened to that feedback from our community. 

On 9 August, the ANU Council endorsed proposed updates to the University’s Socially Responsible Investment Policy. 

The Council has resolved that the University’s Long Term Investment Pool will not invest in controversial weapons manufacturers and civilian small arms manufacturers. This resolution adds to existing investment screens relating to coal, gambling, pornography and tobacco. The University will also seek further opportunities to implement positive screenings related to gender equality, First Nations-led companies, and managing modern slavery risks. 

This is an important step. The University will continue to review its policy settings to ensure investment decisions are aligned to our values. The implementation of these changes will take some time as the University works with its external investment managers to ensure they are carried out effectively. 

We will continue to keep our community updated. Thank you to everyone who participated in our consultation, we are proud to see this level of engagement from our community. 

Image: Students using the neurodiverse library space. Photo credit: Sarah Biggerstaff/ANU.

ANU librarian Ms Roxanne Missingham and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Grady Venville officially unveiled two new study spaces in the Chifley Library – designed to better accommodate the needs of neurodiverse students.   

The design of these study spaces has built upon work done in other parts of the University in consultation with ANUSA disability representatives and Student Services to discuss how to best support neurodiverse students to feel comfortable in library spaces.  

Read more: ANU Library launches neurodiverse supported study spaces

Thursday 15 August, 6-8pm 

Science. Art. Film. is a series that uncovers wacky, weird and wonderful facets of science and art in films. Films are screened for free at the National Film and Sound Archive and are followed by discussions with artists and ANU scholars from different disciplines. 

Enjoy a special National Science Week free screening of the cult classic Blade. With superhuman strength and immunity to sunlight, human-vampire hybrid Blade hunts down vampires to avenge his mother's death. Afterward, delve into the myth and science of vampires and bats as portrayed in film. 

Register now: Blade and panel

Sunday 18 August, 2-3.30pm 

Join us for an afternoon of fun, dance and lessons on kangaroo behaviour with ANU PhD graduate Dr Weliton Menário Costa, known as WELI.

As part of National Science Week, WELI is hosting a science communications and dance workshop perfect for kids aged 6-12 and their parents. Meet the cast from WELI's Kangaroo Time music video and participate in a live performance of Kangaroo Time.  

Register now: Kangaroo time children's workshop

Tuesday 3 September, 9am-4pm 

Join the School of Cybernetics for an immersive one-day learning experience. Dive deep into the complexities of AI technologies, exploring their implications and controversies. This program will equip you with the tools to understand and manage AI within societal systems, both now and in the future.  

Spots are limited, so secure yours by Monday 2 September. 

Register now: Decoding AI through Cybernetics

Thursday 15 August, 11:30am-12:30pm 

Feeling the need to escape the daily hustle and relax? Join us for a rejuvenating mindfulness and meditation workshop led by senior Art of Living international faculty, Gaurav Gaur and hosted by ANU Sport. Discover techniques to live a stress-free life and find inner calm through breath work and meditation. 

Register now: Lunchtime mindfulness workshop 

Monday 26 August, 4-5.30pm 

Join Professor You Ji from Xian Jiaotong Liverpool University, China, as he explores how the People’s Liberation Army has continuously transformed its capability. Mainly, through the adaptation of RMA 2.0 and war typology to prepare for AI aided warfare.  

Register now: All For Winning the Next War

Tuesday 20 August, 6-7pm 

Best-selling author of Dirt Town, Hayley Scrivenor will be in conversation with Chris Hammer on her second novel, Girl Falling. Bold, dramatic and utterly compelling, this Australian mystery-thriller forces us to confront the stories we tell ourselves about the people we love. 

Register now: MTA – Hayley Scrivenor

By completing this 15-minute survey, you can have a direct impact on the University’s plan to further reconciliation at ANU. The Workplace Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Barometer Survey was designed in conjunction with Reconciliation Australia to improve opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and to foster better understanding between all Australians.  

Survey closes on Friday 20 September.  

Complete the Workplace RAP Barometer survey

This LinkedIn Learning path serves as a guide for anyone who wishes to improve their presentation skills. Curated content that helps you prepare, manage nerves, and deliver captivating content.  Whether you're presenting to clients, colleagues, or even in public speaking engagements, mastering these skills can truly set you apart.  

LinkedIn Learning paths allow you to target your professional development to key areas of growth, aligning with the feedback received from the ANYOU Survey. LinkedIn Learning is free for ANU staff, see here for access. For any enquiries please email HRD.Development@anu.edu.au. 

Learn more: LinkedIn Learning for presentations

Want to bring sustainability into your everyday life and work? The ANU Green - Below Zero team has curated a library of LinkedIn Learning courses addressing environmental sustainability strategies. Topics include foundational knowledge in climate science, daily habits for climate action, designing for sustainability, the use of AI in sustainability and sustainable project management.   

LinkedIn Learning is free for ANU staff, see here for access.  

Learn more: LinkedIn Learning for sustainability 

The Research School of Humanities and the Arts (RSHA) has unveiled its Mid-Year Snapshot, celebrating research excellence across 2023 and 2024. This report highlights the school’s groundbreaking contributions to societal, environmental, cultural, health and economic impact, both in Australia and globally. 

Dive into stories of success and discover how RSHA researchers are driving meaningful change and innovation. 

Learn more: 2024 RSHA Mid-Year Snapshot

Are you an ANU researcher using maps in your projects? Are you interested in learning about how maps and GIS can help support and visualise your research?  

There are three upcoming courses free for ANU staff members and researchers, which cover map creation, storytelling through maps and generating web maps.  

Learn more: CartoGIS training

If you are dealing with a personal or work-related issue, including distress related to the conflict in the Middle East, the University encourages you to seek support through the Employee Assistance Program.

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