ANU Reporter

The Australian National University (ANU) Emeritus Professor and chemist Penelope (Penny) Brothers has been appointed the next President of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, one of New Zealand’s leading organisations for science, research and scholarship. Professor Brothers will take up the role of Tumuaki (President) on 1 July 2027, succeeding current President Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding at the end of her three-year term.

Hot, Humid, Hectic: Scoping in Southeast Asia Minh Son To | 2026 SEAI Travel Grant Recipient Across Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Kuala Lumpur, Minh Son used the 2026 ANU Southeast Asia Institute Travel Grant to ground his doctoral research in the region—connecting with local academics and institutions, locating potential data sources, and presenting his research to diverse audiences across Southeast Asia.

A new approach that changes just one atom in plastic-degrading enzymes could help make them more efficient while maintaining their stability, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU). Researchers have shown that making precise, single atom changes to highly engineered enzymes can improve their ability to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – one of the world’s most widely used plastics – without compromising their stability.

Pumped hydro and battery storage can enable Australia to meet its energy needs without increasing the use of gas to fuel electricity plants, according to a new paper by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU). The research finds the National Electricity Market could become a low-cost, zero emissions grid without depending on fossil gas.

Off The University of Melbourne Myanmar Research Network and The Australian National University Myanmar Research Centre are excited to announce two new visiting fellows as part of the Myanmar-Australia Fellowship Program in 2026. The program in 2026 is partly funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the University of Melbourne.

ANU expert Dr Sima Mousavi has been recognised for uncovering hidden earthquake faults across Australia and inspiring the next generation of Earth scientists. Australia might be known as a geologically quiet continent, but earthquakes occur more often than many people realise, and some of the faults responsible remain hidden beneath our feet.

Former Australian Prime Minister and former Australian Ambassador to the United States, the Honourable Dr Kevin Rudd AC, examined the changing forces shaping China’s economy and its implications for the world at the 2026 China in the World Annual Lecture at The Australian National University (ANU).

Australia can no longer assume the United States will guarantee its security or uphold the international order, according to The Australian National University (ANU) Emeritus Professor Hugh White in his new book, Hard New World: Australia's Post-American Future. An expanded edition of Professor White’s bestselling Quarterly Essay of the same title, the book was published by Black Inc. on 24 August 2026.

Ahead of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, The Australian National University (ANU) National Security College (NSC) hosted The Honourable John Howard AC for a conversation about national security decision-making, Australia’s alliances and the changing geopolitics of the region. In conversation with NSC Head Professor Rory Medcalf AM, the former Prime Minister began with a personal account of being in Washington when the attacks occurred.

The Australian Government has announced proposed reforms to the University's enabling legislation, the Australian National University Act 1991. The Council welcomes the opportunity to participate in this consultation process and is making a formal submission to Government.