Universities Australia

We're the peak body representing Australia's university sector – advocating for a strong, internationally competitive university system.

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

How do black holes help shape the Universe?

New Curtin University-led research has captured images using a radio telescope network that spans the globe, revealing the immense power of jets emitted by black holes. The findings provide strong evidence for long-standing theories about the role black holes play in influencing the structure and evolution of the Universe.

Read more about the research here: https://t.co/CSihSHD9Q9

@CurtinUni #universitiesmatter #research

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

2025 Shaping Australia Awards Community Champion Award winner Associate Professor Louisa Willoughby is transforming communication access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians through innovative, inclusive and community-led research.

Her work has delivered Australia’s first credential for Deafblind interpreters, the world’s first 3D Auslan fingerspelling generator, and a revitalised Signbank dictionary used daily by thousands driving lasting change in education, accessibility and inclusion across Australia.

Learn more - https://t.co/Gx2lYZHEcg

@MonashUni #ShapingAustraliaAwards

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Australia needs more university graduates, not fewer. As the higher education system transitions to a managed growth model, the focus must remain on growth. Australia’s own tertiary education targets require a significant expansion in university participation by 2050 to deliver the skilled workforce our economy needs. Universities stand ready to do their part, but students need certainty that the door to university remains open.

Hear from our CEO @LukeSheehyUA on Radio National Breakfast with Sally Sara: https://t.co/FnkXghCJro

#auspol #highereducation

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Universities Australia congratulates the inaugural commissioners appointed to the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).

Read our full media release here:
https://t.co/0C281aPsO6

#auspol #highered

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

For nearly 45 years, Unigym has been changing lives through the power of university-led research and community support.

Established at The University of Western Australia in 1981, the evidence-based program helps children with movement and motor learning difficulties build confidence, develop everyday physical skills, and participate more fully in school, sport and daily life.

Thousands of children and families have benefited from the program over the decades — a powerful reminder that universities don’t just educate students, they create lasting impact across the community.

Read more here: https://t.co/EjAeDwJs3v

#universitiesmatter #research @uwanews

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

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: https://t.co/8y676BPzcf…

#research #highered

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

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 - https://t.co/NeNAensKWF

#auspol #HigherEducation

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

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 - https://t.co/PDAwEQ4QeL

@UOW #ShapingAustraliaAwards

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

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 - https://t.co/PgYDVNCIpG

#auspol #HigherEducation

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

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.
https://t.co/8l22CeAPan

#auspol #HigherEducation

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

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: https://t.co/eUdezLMh8g

#auspol #highereducation @JasonClareMP @AlboMP

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

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: https://t.co/rpY4cnGDt0

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

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: https://t.co/hsCVp5cwdE

#UniversitiesMatter @usceduau #research

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Our CEO @LukeSheehyUA discussed migration and international students on ABC News Breakfast this morning.

Read the full transcript here: https://t.co/7OE6anblOV

#auspol #highereducation