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Director's Message
Dear Colleagues,
This week's research highlight comes from PhD candidate Neil Lu and Dr Ling Sun from the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics. Together with collaborators in Canada, the US and Spain, they have published a new analysis in Nature of the gravitational wave signal GW250114, the loudest such signal detected to date. By developing a novel technique to study the moment of collision itself, the team was able to probe the newly formed black hole's event horizon, including its rotation and surface gravity, in more detail than has previously been possible. You can read more on our news page. Congratulations to the whole team. And as always research highlight submissions can be made here or feel free to email me directly.
It has been a good few weeks for Prof Hoe Tan. Following the IEEE Photonics Society Engineering Achievement Award announced last month, I am delighted to share that Hoe has now also been elected to the European Academy of Sciences, in recognition of his sustained contributions to the field. Congratulations again, Hoe.
Registrations remain open for the Early Career Women in STEMM Grant and Paper Writing Workshop, and the school has secured five places for eligible ANU Physics women researchers (see below for details). Participants will need to cover travel and accommodation, and I would encourage those interested to check with local areas or Head of Department about travel funding support. Also great to see that ANU LGBTIQA+ Ally training will be running in the School on Tuesday 14th July from 1 to 3pm. Details are below (and flyers are also up around the school), hope to see you there.
A reminder that nominations for the 2026 ANU Vice-Chancellor's Annual Awards are now open. These awards cover a wide range of categories, recognising both individual staff and teams whose contributions go above and beyond the normal expectations of their role. Recognition matters, not just for the people involved but for the school as a whole, since these achievements often go unseen. I would encourage everyone to take a moment to think about colleagues, whether in a research team, a professional support role, or an education setting, who might be deserving of a nomination this year.
Finally, this is a last chance reminder that applications for the CSIRO ON Prime program close on 8th July. If you have been thinking about applying, now is the time!
Jodie
PS You may well bump into a few astrophysicists wandering around B160 this week as the Astronomical Society of Australia is holding its Annual Scientific Meeting in our building. |
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The Electronics Workshop Needs Their Equipment Back!
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Please look around for equipment belonging to the EU and return it.
Missing test equipment includes:
- oscilloscopes
- spectrum analysers & VNA's
- power supplies
- electronic loads
- signal generators
- thermometers
- thermal cameras and more...
Many smaller items are also missing, like;
- rolls of clear tubing
- cables
- hand tools
- power tools and more...
This free resource does not work if equipment is missing or is being monopolised.
The Electronics Workshop team also rely on these items to repair devices and build projects.
Additionally, if you have equipment sitting in storage or being disposed of, consider donating it to the Equipment Library.
Thank you,
Electronics Workshop |
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Australian Academy of Science 'Restore Science' Campaign
The Australian Academy of Science has launched its 'Restore Science' campaign to urge politicians to help fix Australia’s science system.
We need as many people as possible to send a letter to their local MP using this link.
The campaign is calling for system-wide reform and greater investment in research and development to secure Australia’s jobs, industries and sovereign capability. Too many researchers are leaving the system, and Australia risks losing the scientific talent needed to solve the challenges ahead.
Sending a letter takes less than a minute, and there is a template ready for you to modify before emailing your MP.
Thank you for putting your hand up to help restore science. |
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RSPhys LGBTIQA+ Ally Training | July 14
Date: Tues 14th July 2026
Time: 1-3pm
Location: Physics Auditorium, Bldg. 160
Register
LGBTIQA+ Ally Training is offered as part of the University's commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive campus where all people can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Ally Training provides participants with an overall understanding of why LGBTIQA+ inclusion is important to an organisation and explores challenges often faced by people who identify as LGBTIQA+ and the impact that harassment and discrimination can have in the workplace.
This 2 hour workshop will provide participants with knowledge and skills to create an inclusive culture for all LGBTIQA+ students and staff members and be an effective Ally within the ANU community. » read more
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Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship
Looking for a scholarship to support your postgrad studies or research?
Applications for 2027 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships, each valued at up to $120,000 open on 24 June 2026.
Open to commencing postgraduate or research students ready to lead in sustainable futures, innovation, social change or Asia-Pacific leadership. This scholarship offers flexible funding, a nine-month leadership program and overseas opportunities to support your studies and grow your leadership potential.
Want to learn more? Register for our Online Information Session on Thursday 23 July 2026, 1.00 - 2.00pm AEST.
Applications close 20 August |
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Science Movie Festival - Looking For Volunteers!
Embassies in Canberra are organizing a Science Movie Festival during Science week to celebrate the importance of sharing and coordinating research across the world to foster innovative approaches to a peaceful and sustainable development.
We are calling for volunteers to act as Fire Warden during the event which will take place in the Physics auditorium on 18, 19 and 20th August, from 5 to 8pm.
People interested should contact Prof Cedric Simenel. |
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InnovationACT - Registration Open
Are you passionate about innovation? Excited to turn bold ideas into real-world impact?
Register for InnovationACT and pitch your game-changing business concept to a panel of highly acclaimed judges to win from a pool of $10,000 AUD!
This opportunity is open to students and staff at the Australian National University, University of Canberra, University of New South Wales Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology, and Australian Catholic University Canberra.
Over four weeks in August, teams will learn how to validate customer problems, test and evolve ideas, build a sustainable business model, and develop strong pitching skills. Program finalists pitch to a panel of judges for the chance to win funding.
To register and find out more, follow the link: https://cbrin.com.au/programs/iact
Registration closes 12 noon on the 10th of August. |
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Queers in Science Board Game Night 2026 | Jul 18
Queers in Science ACT branch is organising a boardgames night this July!
Kicking things off with Go Extinct!: Australian Megafauna Edition, a mega-fun, Go Fish-style card game built around the evolutionary tree of Australia's ancient mega-animals. Designed by local game designer and evolutionary biologist Dr Ariel Marcy, who’ll give us some excellent insights into its science, as well as a primer on how to play!.
No science background needed. No board game experience needed. Just bring yourself and maybe an appetite. Then, we’ll spend the rest of the night playing board games of your choice from Good Game’s expansive board game library!
This is a welcoming, queer-friendly space for anyone who loves science (or just loves a good game night).
When: Saturday 18 July, 6–9pm
Where: Good Games, Civic
Cost: $12 - and yes, there's pizza included!
RSVP on Eventbrite, spots are limited! |
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NAIDOC Week
5 July – 12 July 2026 » read more
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Staff Movements
Prof Jodie Bradby will be on leave from 14/8/26 through 1/9/26
Prof Cedric Simenel & Prof Hoe Tan will be acting Director over this period* » read more
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College Hot Desking In Physics
HR, RM & Finance Teams
Thursday Mornings
Lv2 Tearoom, Bldg 160 |
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University Travel
- When booking travel for any type of University business, it is mandatory to use ATPI - » read more
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Know your administrators...
Nikki Azzopardi, Belinda Barbour, Petra Rickman & Holly Zervos » read more
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Know your HDR Convenors...
Dr Michaela Froehlich
Dr Lilli Sun
HDR Convenors
A/Prof Vanessa Robins
Associate Director HDR |
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Know your Student Reps...
Lingxiao Li, Lakshmi Raja, Jessica Wierbik, Sheil Sequeira, Luke Johnstone & Taskil Dastoor
hdrsreps.physics@anu.edu.au |
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HR Support For CoSM SharePoint
The People and Culture division have re-aligned work within functional teams to improve consistency and quality of advice across the University. » read more
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Join The RSPhys IDEA Committee
The IDEA Committee works to foster a culture of inclusiveness and fairness across RSPhys, advising on practices that ensure equal opportunity for all staff and students. Members help shape school policies, raise awareness of equity and diversity issues, and contribute to positive change - making RSPhys a place where everyone feels valued and supported. » read more
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ANU Staff Card Printing And Collection
New and replacement staff cards will now be printed and collected from different locations. » read more
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CSIRO ON Prime - Applications Now Open
CSIRO ON Prime applications are now open again, with the window closing rapidly - round closes 8 July!
There is a strong opportunity to run the program locally in Canberra if we can reach a critical mass of ~10 teams in this round.
Application here |
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Free Flu Vaccinations
The University is committed to supporting staff health and wellbeing during the upcoming flu season. Free vaccinations are available this year, with three options to choose from:
1. On campus at the ANU Medical Centre (appointment bookings are available from 31 March 2026)
2. On campus at the ANU Pharmacy – book via the QR code on the Safety and Wellbeing webpage or attend as a walk-in
3. Off campus at a Terry White Chemist. Access the TWC voucher code in HORUS (valid until Friday 31 July) » read more
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