March 2025

Continuing the great tradition of our university being established by the community, for the community, a new generation of supporters are working together to build Alumni & Community House in the heart of Newcastle. A place where everyone can connect and belong, Glenn Turner AM explains why he chose to honour one of the University of Newcastle’s greatest friends, the late Dr Bernard 'Bernie' Curran AM, through this inspirational project.

Soil is a vast and complex ecosystem that supports over a billion life forms, however concerns around the impact of ongoing soil degradation are escalating. Generous funding from an anonymous donor is enabling the University of Newcastle to explore an integrated approach to improve soil health that could revolutionise agricultural practices globally.

A great event does more than entertain – it can shape a city’s future. With Newcastle increasing its investment in events, we have an opportunity to ensure events are not just one-time spectacles, but catalysts for long-term economic, social and cultural impact.

Each year 27,500 Australians die from preventable diet-related diseases. Unhealthy eating habits among younger Australians are leading to the premature development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Thanks to generous funding from the nib foundation, University of Newcastle researchers are helping Australians be more informed about their nutrition-related health.

Thousands of people returned to Newcastle’s King Edward Park this year for the fourth annual Ngarrama, a special event to celebrate the rich culture of all First Nations people.

The land and waters around Australia support approximately 700,000 native species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The generosity of alumnus, the late Gregory Knibb is advancing research to preserve natural habitats of native frog species.

The Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) at the University of Newcastle is a powerful platform fuelling the success of innovators and entrepreneurs across our regions. Thanks to generous new funding from The Belinda & Adam MacDougall Foundation, I2N’s Female Founders Program is set to empower more female-led startups to turn their brilliant ideas into viable ventures with lasting social impact.

Each year 27,500 Australians die from preventable diet-related diseases. Unhealthy eating habits among younger Australians are leading to the premature development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Thanks to generous funding from the nib foundation, University of Newcastle researchers are helping Australians be more informed about their nutrition-related health.

An Indigenous-led intervention program tackling smoking and vaping - the leading preventable cause of chronic disease and preventable death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people — will be upscaled nationally.

A Newcastle model of prehabilitation care for cancer patients prior to surgery, which aims to increase survival and improve quality of life, will be expanded to five rural and regional locations.

Newcastle will play host to world-leading researchers in sustainable steelmaking this week, as they tackle one of the world’s greatest industrial challenges – decarbonising the steel industry, which currently accounts for seven per cent of global CO2 emissions.