Sydney today
The University of Sydney is committed to maximising the potential of the students, teachers and researchers who work and study here. We are unique among the world's leading universities in the breadth of disciplines that we offer our nearly 50,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. This provides them with wide scope for personal development as well as the opportunity for cross-disciplinary work that delivers solutions for the benefit of Australia and the wider world.
As a community we continually drive ourselves to find new ways to be accountable to the public good – to produce ideas and people that lead to smarter solutions and richer lives.
Our people and their ideas make a difference. Here is a snapshot of some of the Sydney students and staff who are working to make a difference, today.
Improving marine biodiversity
Mark Browne is studying the disturbance to species along the coastal cities, immersing himself in a problem that threatens us all.
By throwing himself into this research, Mark will come back with a unique perspective and better understanding of how to improve biodiversity in these crucial habitats.
Mark's research is a great demonstration of the way our academics work and think, and the potential of their research to have a real impact.
Combating attacks on women
When Rhodes Scholar Natasha Simonsen travelled to Pakistan for the United Nations to combat acid attacks on women, she ventured out of her comfort zone.
But danger can be overcome with creative solutions, and her actions helped to establish a network of legal aid for women to testify against their attackers. The time of passively waiting for change is over.
- Read about Natasha Simonsen's work for the UN
- Read more about Natasha's work, in the Sydney Morning Herald
Revealing the evolving universe
Bryan Gaensler and his team are researching cosmic magnetism. Their groundbreaking measurements are helping to reveal the role that cosmic magnets played in the evolution of the universe.
As Bryan will tell you, the entire universe is magnetic. He made surprising discoveries here as an undergraduate before launching from Sydney to share his celestial observations to global acclaim. But when he wanted to deliver his world-beating ideas in his down-to-earth style, he returned to his intellectual home.
Protecting Australian animals
Dr Kathy Belov's research is improving our understanding of Australian animals, especially the platypus and Tasmanian devil. Her work identifying the cause of facial tumours in the Tassie devil is a large step towards saving its population. Kathy is also heavily involved in the Devil Rock appeal to raise funds for this research.
It is no surprise that this enterprising researcher won the 2009 Eureka People's Choice Award, voted by tens of thousands of Australians as their favourite scientist.
Mentoring Indigenous students
Our students shrug off perceived limitations and pursue their passions wherever they take them. For Jack Manning Bancroft, that included retention and graduation rates among Indigenous high school students.
So he created the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience, and he’s working to show the world the difference between what is and what could be.
Improving our diet
We think that the best education is sustained not only on curiosity and insight, but also on a steady diet of integrity and courage.
Jennie Brand-Miller's rigorous research on the glycemic index has changed the way we think about food. Her successful publications have provoked intellectual skirmishes and furious debates with peers.
- Read more about Jennie Brand-Miller
- Read the transcript of the ABC Talking Heads program featuring Jennie Brand-Miller
Building a sustainable campus
Passion is an inexhaustible resource on our campus. It launches programs like the new Sustainable Workplace Initiative led by campus environmental manager John Lavarack. The cause he’s championing will change building design, conserve biodiversity, streamline energy use, and improve the quality of life for everyone. A good day’s work for John means a better world for the rest of us.