News

The University of Newcastle celebrated outstanding innovation in climate action at the Net Zero Grand Challenge Awards Night, held at the University Gallery on October 17th, 2024.

The late Professor Daphne Keats was a distinguished staff member of the University of Newcastle who spearheaded the study of cross-cultural psychology in Australia. Her trailblazing efforts continue through a generous bequest to establish the Daphne Keats Chair in Cross-Cultural Psychology.

A newly funded philanthropic scholarship to study the nocturnal movements of shorebird communities within the Port Stephens and Hunter estuaries is set to reveal more about the foraging behaviours of our native shorebirds than ever before.

The experience of a lifetime awaited 27 Scholars from the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program who travelled to China for a 12-day cultural immersion earlier this year to broaden their global awareness, connect with other cultures and gain insight into life in China.

A unique exhibition which explores Australia’s complex relationship with coal mining has been recognised with a gold accolade in the prestigious 2024 Australian Good Design Awards.

Our incredible University of Newcastle community came together yet again to shape a better, fairer and more sustainable tomorrow through our 2024 Gifting Day.

In February 2024, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) published, for the first time, the gender pay gaps of almost 5,000 employers. At a recent event, members of the HunterWiSE Network explored the factors that contribute to the gender pay gap, and actions that are being taken to close the divide.

Almost 350,000 tonnes of dry biosolids, or treated sludge from wastewater, are generated annually in Australia. This is a significant potential new nutrient source for the agriculture industry. However, heavy metals and emerging contaminants, particularly PFAS, found in biosolids is putting a considerable constraint on its use.

At its meeting on 30 August 2024, the University Council passed a special resolution approving an increase in the number of its elected student members. From 1 January 2025, student representation on the Council will include an undergraduate and a postgraduate student position providing for a greater diversity of student perspectives.

A project which aims to improve preparedness for the escalating threat of heatwaves in regional NSW, has been awarded more than $1.3m funding through the Disaster Ready Fund – an Australian Government initiative that supports projects which address the physical and social impacts of disasters on communities.

Around 5,000 people are expected to explore the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan and City campuses when the University opens its doors from 9am–3pm on Saturday 31 August.

‘Solving the STEM Teacher Shortage’ - the recent HunterWiSE event hosted in collaboration with I2N - was an opportunity for current and prospective teachers, as well as people with an interest in the future of STEM education, to come together to share ideas and discuss a pressing issue.