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.

The Staff Donor Collective is a growing community of passionate University of Newcastle staff members committed to improving the lives of others through their generosity and kindness to make the world a better place.

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.

The University of Newcastle team dedicated to developing breakthrough treatments for the most lethal form of childhood cancer, Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), is forging ahead with its mission to give hope to Australian children and their families in desperate need of treatment.

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.

A scholarship to remember a friend and alumnus who dedicated his career to environmental conservation and lost his life in service, has been generously extended for ten more years by the NSW Government.

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.

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 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.

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.

Growing up in Dubbo, Makaah Darcy dreamed of studying law at the University of Newcastle. As the proud recipient of the Claudia Sloan Scholarship for Indigenous Students, Makaah says believing in herself and receiving support from the scholarship turned her dream into reality.