News and events

Get up to date with the latest Adelaide University news and events. Discover what’s happening on campus, breakthroughs in research and our communities’ achievements.

Latest news and events

26 August

From Adelaide to orbit: SA space startups make their mark at International Space Congress

Some of South Australia’s most promising space startups will join up to 10,000 international delegates in Sydney next month for the International Astronautical Congress, the world’s largest space event.

20 August

co-Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: Elitism has no place in education

Broadening traditional conceptions of what it means to be ‘smart’ must now be part of HE’s mission, say Adelaide University’s David Lloyd and Peter Høj

11 August

Media Release: Students gear up for world solar car challenge

Using a fully solar-powered vehicle built from scratch, university students will race across Australia as part of the world’s biggest solar car challenge aimed to foster sustainable transport innovation.

Members of Adelaide University Solar Racing Team: Adam Longmire, Maria Kapsis and Adam Palkovics. Credit: University of Adelaide/Lachlan Wallace

30 July

Media Release: Australia’s new Group of Eight university positions SA to lead in innovation, tech and high-value jobs

Adelaide University’s Research Strategy released today is set to accelerate at-scale research and its commercialisation – advancing industries through transformational investments into nation-critical and globally relevant priorities.

Two students using the virtual reality research facilities

24 July

Media Release: Open Days an exciting sneak preview into the new Adelaide University experience

The new Adelaide University is set to host its first ever Open Days, offering future students and their families a glimpse into the transformative new institution ahead of its official opening in 2026

18 July

Media Release: Adelaide University first to receive Aboriginal name

In an Australian university first, Adelaide University’s Kaurna name – Tirkangkaku – has been enshrined in its founding legislation.

Tirkangkaku sticks gifted from Kaurna to Adelaide University

07 July

Media Release: Adelaide University among nation's leaders for research grants

Recent national grants have propelled Australia’s new major university to the top.

04 July

Media Release: University glows with pop-up venue and light trail

Lumen Bar once again lights up North Terrace amongst Illuminate Adelaide’s City Lights trail. The buzzing sanctuary brings the community together on campus to unwind and soak up the winter glow of the city.

19 Jun

Media Release: Adelaide University debuts in the world’s top 100

Australia’s new major university has launched into the 2026 QS World Rankings global top 100. Released today, Adelaide University claimed 82^nd position in the world and 8^th nationally in its inaugural institutional ranking.

4–20 Jul

Event: Lumen Bar

Returning for its fifth season, LUMEN Bar is once again lighting up the heart of winter with warmth, atmosphere, and conversation. Nestled in the centre of Illuminate Adelaide’s City Lights trail on North Terrace, this beloved pop-up bar is the perfect spot to gather, unwind, and take in the glow of the city.

5 Aug

Event: Graduate Research Information Night

Connect with academics and current graduate researchers to learn more about where a research degree can take you. Ask questions about admissions, pathways, and what it’s like working alongside world-class supervisors at a leading research-intensive university.

20 Jun

co-Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: Australian research is steaming ahead – but we can do even better

It is widely recognised that Australia punches above its weight when it comes to global research impact. The country ranks highly in terms of both productivity and performance despite low business investment by OECD standards.

Artwork: Gink Yang - Watercolours of Pathology

11 Jun

Media Release: Adelaide University appoints new Vice Chancellor

Following a comprehensive global search, Professor Nicola Phillips has been appointed as the institution’s new Vice Chancellor commencing 12 January 2026.

2 May

Media Release: Adelaide University and Tasting Australia are serving up something special

It’s the perfect pairing, as Adelaide University partners with Tasting Australia to celebrate the culinary delights and natural wonders of South Australia with a shared vision for a sustainable future.

22 Apr

Adelaide University's first Senior Executive Mission (UK and India)

Adelaide University’s first senior executive mission takes flight to the UK and India.

Adelaide University's firt Senior Executive Mission (UK and India)

16 Apr

Media Release: Adelaide University visits the regions to hear from key partners

Adelaide University leaders are visiting Whyalla and Mount Gambier campuses and meeting with regional government and industry leaders, ahead of the new institution opening in 2026.

15 Apr

Adelaide University says 'G'day' to the UK

Adelaide University has hosted its first joint alumni reception in London, bringing together more than 80 alumni and guests from the foundation universities to celebrate a joint future.

21 Mar

co-Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: Merging staff requires a delicate dance

Choreographing the merging of two large workforces into one unified structure involves precision, speed and syncopated sequences.

25 Feb

Media Release: Thunderbirds announce Adelaide University as principal partner

Reigning premiers the Adelaide Thunderbirds launch landmark partnership with Adelaide University.

18 Feb

Media Release: Launching contemporary degrees for the future

Adelaide University has launched its full program suite for 2026, totalling more than 400 in-demand degrees.

5 Feb

Media Release: Global search has commenced to recruit Adelaide University's first Vice Chancellor

Applications open for new Adelaide University Vice Chancellor.

31 Jan

Media Release: Crows team up with Adelaide University

The Adelaide Football Club is entering an exciting era by welcoming new premier partner Adelaide University, which is on a groundbreaking journey of its own.

15 Jan

Media Statement: Global search for the new Adelaide University Vice Chancellor

Adelaide University’s Transition Council announces that it is working towards the appointment of a single Vice Chancellor to lead the transformation phase of Australia’s newest university from January 2026.

15 Nov

co-Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: The bright side of merging

A tactical takeover might have been easier in the short term, but not better.

Adelaide University launch event in Hanoi

3 Oct

Adelaide University treks the globe

Adelaide University has been propelled onto the world stage sharing details of its bold vision, brand and proposition for students, staff and global partners through exciting international engagements.

1 Oct

News: Is the traditional lecture a thing of the past?

In a digital age where access to knowledge is only ever one click away, has the traditional university lecture format had its day?

30 Sep

Media Release: Deputy Vice Chancellors appointed at Australia’s newest major university

Adelaide University has today announced the appointment of its first Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVCs).

Transformative new Adelaide University launches to the world

21 Aug

co-Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: Adelaide University merger is no Game of Thrones

The joining of two of Australia’s universities is more of a meeting of minds than clash of clans.

15 July

Media Release: Transformative new Adelaide University launches to the world

Australia’s newest major university has launched in market, taking Adelaide University to the world stage. Today’s milestone showcases Adelaide University’s transformative approach to education and its future-focused identity.

28 May

Media Release: New Adelaide University receives formal registration

Adelaide University has received registration from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as an Australian University higher education provider, and for the maximum possible period of seven years.

27 May

co-Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: Our new logo will be met with jubilation and judgement

Adelaide University’s brand personality tries to find a sweet spot between proven and audacious.

14 May

Media Release: Lot Fourteen Heralds New Defence Academy

Adelaide University will operate a new state-of-the-art facility to provide digital training, education and research capabilities to the defence industry.

15 Mar

co-Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: Merging two universities is a tense but rewarding Odyssey

No journey in strange new waters can be smooth sailing, but healthy conflicts have a place in innovation and transformation.

26 Nov

Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: For reimagining tertiary education, many heads beat two

AI is helping us mine 200,000 stakeholders’ ideas, sensible and silly, about core elements of the new Adelaide University.

16 Nov

Media Release: Legislation passes State Parliament

Legislation to facilitate the creation of the new Adelaide University has passed State Parliament, paving the way for the new institution to open in 2026.

31 Oct

Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: A university merger in Australia is a political obstacle course

Both boards approved the case for the amalgamated Adelaide University – but politicians still formed a scrutiny committee.

12 Oct

The Chronicle: Transformational investments for South Australia

The tie-up between the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia can create a stronger, more competitive institution in the state.

20 Sep

Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: Big, bold and for the better

Many ask why we assume a combined university will offer more. The answer is that we are purposefully designing it that way.

7 Aug

Vice Chancellors THE OpEd: How we got from there to here

In the first of a series of articles charting the amalgamation of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, the institutions’ Vice...

2 Jul

Media Release: Councils confirm support to transform higher education

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia have today entered into a formal agreement to work together to support the South Australian...