Cultural life of the nation

Understanding the complexity and diversity of human experience, and the myriad ways people past and present have tried to make sense of the world and their place within it, is essential for building the future. ANU contributes to a critical understanding of Australia’s evolving cultural life, engaging with cultural institutions and creative industries, First Nations Communities and diverse civic organisations to create, curate, evaluate and understand our shared and emerging cultural inheritance.

ANU First Nations portfolio (FNP)

Established in 2020, the ANU First Nations portfolio (FNP) is a branch of the University’s Executive Group, reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor (University President and Chief Executive Officer). The FNP has been established to secure a whole-of-university approach to First Nations issues through mobilisation of the intellectual resources from its Colleges, Schools, Departments, and Institutes.

Mayi Kuwayu Study

The Mayi Kuwayu Study is currently the largest national study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, health and wellbeing. Its development came from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities’ need to have a better knowledge and understanding of the link between culture, health and wellbeing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practice and expression, together with physical, emotional and community connections are recognised as a vital element to health and wellbeing.

Global Institute for Women's Leadership (GIWL)

The Global Institute for Women's Leadership (GIWL) was chaired and founded by the Hon. Julia Gillard AC – the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Australia – in 2018. We bring together rigorous research, practice and advocacy to better understand and address the causes of workplace gender inequality and the lack of gender diversity in leadership positions across sectors and countries.

ANU Gender Institute

The Gender Institute is a cross-campus ANU institute which promotes gender research and equality at ANU. It has a dual mission:

1. To connect our ongoing work on gender and sexuality in research, education and outreach, and
2. To promote innovative research and programs to help redress gendered inequalities at ANU. 

First Nations Gender Institute

The establishment of a First Nations Gender Justice Institute, based at the Australian National University (ANU), will elevate and invest in the voices and solutions of First Nations women and girls to drive social, economic and ecological impact. Grounded in an intersectional, interdisciplinary, human rights and strength and evidence-based approach, the Institute will support First Nations gender-informed approaches that respond to the holistic needs of all women, children, families and communities, including men.