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Australian National University

ANU was established, in 1946, to advance the cause of learning and research for the nation. It is consistently ranked among the world’s best universities and many ANU graduates go on to become leaders in government, industry, research and academia.

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Displaying 2641 - 2660 of 3733 articles
Regional Forest Agreements were supposed to give certainty to both loggers and conservationists. But they haven’t. Pengo/Wikimedia Commons

Forestry agreements need a full overhaul, not just a tick and flick

David Lindenmayer, Australian National University

The 20-year-old agreements that are supposed to safeguard much of Australia’s forests, are not working. Now they are up for renewal, and it’s time for a complete rethink, writes David Lindenmayer.
Because their votes may be open to negotiation, crossbench senators often have the final say on the form, and passage, of legislation. AAP/Alan Porritt

Scorn the crossbench, ignore Australian political history

Richard Denniss, Australian National University

Instead of treating crossbenchers in parliament as a source of chaos and an aberration, we should recognise that they play a crucial role in shaping legislation as the constitution provides.
We don’t send as many letters these days but, as historians know, there’s nothing quite as resilient. Ben/Flickr

Hold the post: there’s no such thing as a dead letter

Alexandra Roginski, Australian National University

Australians might now prefer to send emails over private letters but let’s not overlook the letter’s unique, tactile role, particularly in its most intimate expressions.
Given Australia’s involvement in Iraq, Tony Abbott cannot dismiss human rights abuses by Iraqi security forces fighting Islamic State militants. AAP/PMO

Australia has an obligation to stop human rights abuses by Iraq

Kevin Boreham, Australian National University

Australia has a clear obligation under international law to take action to stop abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law by the ISF and Shi’a militia.
Is Bill Gates’ desire to help tackle the world’s problems compatible with his foundation’s huge fossil fuel investments? EPA/Cole Burston

Can the Gates Foundation be convinced to dump fossil fuels?

Matthew Rimmer, Australian National University

The Gates Foundation is being urged to dump its sizeable fossil fuel assets. Bill Gates cares deeply about world health and development, both of which are affected by climate, but will his charity divest?
Malcolm Fraser has passed away at the age of 84. AAP/NAA

Malcolm Fraser’s life and legacy: experts respond

Alex Millmow, Federation University Australia; Andrew Jakubowicz, University of Technology Sydney; Anne-marie Boxall, University of Sydney; David Penington, The University of Melbourne; Hannah Forsyth, Australian Catholic University; Joanna Mendelssohn, UNSW Sydney; Jo Caust, The University of Melbourne; Liz Giuffre, University of Technology Sydney; Mark Beeson, The University of Western Australia; Peter Whiteford, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University; Simon Ville, University of Wollongong; Stephen Leeder, University of Sydney, and Vincent O'Donnell, RMIT University

In his time in office, Malcolm Fraser oversaw the acceptance of southeast Asian refugees and led economic and social welfare reforms.
Unless community concerns are heard and responded to, the NSW coal seam gas industry will keep running into road blocks. Stop CSG Illawarra/AAP

The future of coal seam gas after the NSW election

James Horne, Australian National University

Whether you’re a supporter or opponent of coal seam gas, the looming New South Wales election will decide the industry’s future in the state. So what are the three key issues to watch?
The Kepler satellite discovers exoplanets by measuring the light drop from a star when a planet moves in front of it. Maths can uncover many more exoplanets. Australian National University and the Niels Bohr Institute

Alien worlds: most stars have planets in the habitable zone

Charley Lineweaver, Australian National University

The search for life on other planets gets a boost thanks to an old calculation that found Uranus in our solar system.
One of the paintings that Brett Whiteley’s ex-wife Wendy insists is a forgery. AAP Image/Genevieve Gannon

Is that a Whiteley? Why collectors buy lousy fakes as masterpieces

Sasha Grishin, Australian National University

The current furore over a set of Brett Whiteley paintings has put art fraud back in the headlines. The bad news is that in Australia, the conditions are very favourable for art fakers.
The University of California is the world’s leading university on dealing with climate risk to its investments - most others have a long way to go. LAgirl5252/Wikimedia Commons

Actions, not words, should earn divestment advocates’ praise

John Hewson, Australian National University

Do universities deserve praise for pledging to drop fossil-fuel investments, or for actually doing it? Former Liberal leader John Hewson, who leads the Asset Owners Disclosure Project, says only the latter.
What’s the point of being a great musician if it comes at the cost of a life well lived? chibi_m

Classical music training and abuse cultures – we need to act now

Peter Tregear, Australian National University

Like the medical profession, classical music is being forced publicly to confront an endemic culture of sexual harassment. Self-regulation has failed young musicians and action is long overdue.
The story of Jake Bilardi (centre) has distorted the characterisation of what most people think of as a radicalised individual. AAP/Twitter

Jake Bilardi’s story shows why terrorist intervention must be tailored

Clarke Jones, Australian National University

There will be more Jake Bilardis to come, and Australia must realise that no two cases will be entirely the same. Radicalised individuals will come from all areas of society.
The capacity for compassion is with us from birth, but as a community we have lost sight of the value of treating all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. AAP/Julian Smith

Australia, a nation in need of compassion-focused therapy

Robert Douglas, Australian National University and Lynne Reeder, Federation University Australia

A global movement aims to let compassion guide political and community life. This has obvious relevance for a competition-driven nation with a troubling capacity for harsh attitudes and policy.
Fewer than one in three surgical trainees are women and the numbers fall as doctors reach advanced training. racorn/Shutterstock

Yes, sexism is rife in surgery – and it’s time to do something about it

Elizabeth Sturgiss, Australian National University and Christine Phillips, Australian National University

In a high-pressure surgical environment, where older male consultants dominate, and there is great competition for training positions and jobs, women are vulnerable to sexual harassment.
Indigenous rangers like Yugul Mangi senior women (from left to right) Edna Nelson, Cherry Daniels and Julie Roy, are crucial guardians of the outback environment. Emilie Ens

Remote Indigenous communities are vital for our fragile ecosystems

Craig Moritz, Australian National University; Emilie Ens, Macquarie University, and Jon Altman, Australian National University

Remote Indigenous communities aren’t just places to live - they are also crucial for supporting ranger programs and other projects that protect the environment in areas that might otherwise go untended.
Fans admire a Formula 1 in Melbourne ahead of the season opening Australian Grand Prix. AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

Increased efficiency and safety: what’s new for Formula 1

Hamza Bendemra, Australian National University

The Formula 1 season begins in Melbourne this week and a number of changes have been made following the tragic accident last year which has left one driver still in a coma.

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