Universities Australia

Our CEO @LukeSheehyUA delivered a keynote address at the Australian Higher Education Industrial Association Conference 2026 last week, sharing a strong message on regulation and the growing compliance burden facing Australia’s higher education sector. He shared that a system built on trust, autonomy and partnership will always outperform one built on control. Read the full speech here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/key…… #research #highered

WATCH NOW: The first instalment of our Solutions Series: In Conversation is now available to stream. Don't miss this insightful conversation between @techcouncil_aus CEO and SERD panel member Dr Kate Cornick and @uniaus CEO @LukeSheehyUA on what it will take to turn the Strategic Examination of Research and Development's ambition into action and why deep collaboration between universities, industry and government is critical to building a better, stronger research and innovation system to support Australia's future. Watch the webinar recording here - events.uniaus.edu.au/solutionseries… #auspol #HigherEducation

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, but University of Wollongong researchers are helping change that. PhD researcher Dr Elahe Minaei, under the supervision of Associate Professor Kara Vine-Perrow, has developed biodegradable micro-implants that deliver treatment directly into tumours. The innovative approach could make pancreatic cancer therapies safer, more effective and life-changing for patients and their families. Dr Minaei’s work was recognised in last year’s Shaping Australia Awards. Learn more - shapingaustraliaawards.com.au/finalists/targ… @UOW #ShapingAustraliaAwards

Our CEO @LukeSheehyUA, in a keynote speech at the Australian Higher Education Industrial Association conference in Adelaide, said that a dramatic escalation of regulatory obligations is pulling attention away from higher education providers’ core mission and could stymie innovation. Read the full article published in @FinancialReview today - afr.com/policy/health-… #auspol #HigherEducation

Universities Australia CEO @LukeSheehyUA warned against the ATEC becoming another layer of regulation in a keynote speech at the Australian Higher Education Industrial Association conference in Adelaide. Read the full article published in @australian today. theaustralian.com.au/higher-educati… #auspol #HigherEducation

As Australia’s universities enter a new era of stewardship under the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, there is an opportunity to build a more stable, coordinated and future-focused tertiary education system - one that delivers for students, universities and the nation. Today, Universities Australia CEO @LukeSheehyUA outlined why the ATEC must help reduce complexity, cut duplication and provide long-term stewardship for the sector, rather than become another layer in an already complex regulatory architecture. The goal should be clear: a stronger higher education system built on trust, autonomy and partnership - not more red tape. Read the full speech here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/key… #auspol #highereducation @JasonClareMP @AlboMP

UA’s Solutions Series: In Conversation launches tomorrow with a critical discussion on the future of Australia’s research and innovation system. Join @techcouncil_aus CEO and SERD panel member Dr Kate Cornick and @uniaus CEO @LukeSheehyUA as they explore what it will take to turn the SERD recommendations into action, and why getting it right matters for Australia’s productivity, competitiveness and future industries. Register now: events.uniaus.edu.au/solutionseries…

Researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast have discovered that a natural compound used by Australian bees to protect and seal their hives could help reduce scarring in human skin after surgery, burns and other injuries. Millions of people each year are left with thick, raised scars following serious wounds and burns – often leading to lifelong pain, restricted movement and disability. This breakthrough could help them. Read more about the research here: universitiesmatter.edu.au/bee-glue-to-ta… #UniversitiesMatter @usceduau #research

Our CEO @LukeSheehyUA discussed migration and international students on ABC News Breakfast this morning. Read the full transcript here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/uni… #auspol #highereducation

The 2026-27 federal budget includes positive steps to support research and innovation, but it falls short of providing the full and proper investment needed to unlock our sector’s full potential. We welcome the establishment of the National Resilience and Science Council, increased support for medical research, incentives for SMEs to engage in and commercial research and the government’s commitment to Horizon Europe. But we need to do much more for skills and research, through sustained investment in and commitment to the Australian Universities Accord and the Strategic Examination of Research and Development, to enable our universities to produce the pipeline of skilled workers and the new ideas and innovation that will make Australia better, stronger and more prosperous in the decades to come. This budget falls short of providing the support for universities, skills and innovation that Australia needs and deserves. There is more work to do. #auspol #highered #budget2026 #research Read our full media release on the budget here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/res… @JEChalmers @AlboMP @JasonClareMP @andrewjgiles @ayrestim

Dr Angela Lehmann, Senior Director: Global Engagement and Policy at @uniaus, in Brussels this week for high-level discussions with the European University Association @euatweets and the Australian Mission to the EU, alongside Amanda Crowfoot, David Brightling and Hillary Halim. Discussions focused on strengthening Australia–Europe higher education and research collaboration, including shared priorities in learning and teaching, digital transformation and AI, and progress towards Australia’s association with #HorizonEurope. Universities Australia continues to advocate for strong international partnerships that support excellence in research, innovation and impact across the sector. #highered #internationaleducation #HorizonEurope #research

The 2026-27 federal budget recognises the difficult economic environment facing the government, but it comes at a time when Australia cannot afford to take its foot off the accelerator on skills, research and innovation. Read our full media release here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/res… #auspol #highered #budget2026 #research @JEChalmers @AlboMP @JasonClareMP @andrewjgiles @ayrestim

This International Nurses Day, we’re celebrating the thousands of amazing nurses working in cities, towns and communities right across Australia, caring for and helping keep Australians safe and healthy. Thank you for the extraordinary difference you make every day. Australia’s universities are proud to educate the next generation of nurses through world-class education, training and research. #InternationalNursesDay #Nurses #Healthcare

Professor Christina Aggar of @SCU_Australia is leading an innovative delirium research project that has the backing of a $1.34 million grant from the @nhmrc. SCU, in conjunction with Northern NSW Local Health District, along with the @UniCanberra and Canberra Health Services, has developed an innovative, easy-to-use model of care, known as PREDICT – Prevention & Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit – that is now in a clinical trial phase. The PREDICT co-designed model of care empowers carers and nurses to prevent and respond to early signs of delirium. Delirium is one of the leading hospital-acquired health complications in Australia. Early recognition is crucial for better patient outcomes and can potentially save the Australian healthcare system millions of dollars annually. Read more about the research here: universitiesmatter.edu.au/preventing-del… @NNSWLHD #UniversitiesMatter #highered #research