News Centre
Aiming Higher: Distinguished Professor George Williams on the future of Australian universities
In a new essay for the Australia Institute, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, calls for stronger support for students, a renewed focus on universities’ public mission, and greater recognition of the humanities.
Latest news
Western receives Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA)
Dr Chao Xiong from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment has been awarded more than $450,000 as part of the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards (DECRA) scheme.
Western researcher wins Resilient Australia Award
Professor Andrew Gorman-Murray from the School of Social Sciences has won, in collaboration, the Resilient Australia National Research Impact Award for the project, 'Queering Disasters - a new research, policy and practice paradigm'.
Generous $1.25M gift, the Cowley family’s enduring legacy to support Western Sydney University students
Western Sydney University has received a generous $1.25 million bequest from the late Anthony Cowley – the largest gift in will ever left to the University in its 35-year history.
Wests Tigers Centre of Rugby League opens at Western Sydney University
The Wests Tigers Centre of Rugby League has been officially opened today, following the completion of the project in partnership with Western Sydney University.
How to stay safe and thrive in the summer heat – Western Sydney University experts available for comment
As temperatures rise and summer approaches, Western Sydney University experts are available to provide insights on how heat impacts our health, homes, and communities.
NSW Premier's Science and Engineering Prize awarded to Professor Vivian Tam
Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam, a leading construction engineering and management researcher from Western Sydney University, has been awarded the prize for Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology as part of this year’s prestigious NSW Premier's Prizes for Science and Engineering.
Professor Brajesh Singh recognised in NSW Premier's Prizes for Science and Engineering
Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh, a world-leading soil scientist from Western Sydney University, has been awarded the prize for Excellence in Biological Sciences as part of this year’s prestigious NSW Premier's Prizes for Science and Engineering.
Australia’s social media age restrictions are fast approaching — Western Sydney University experts available for interview
Western Sydney University experts are available for interviews ahead of the social media age restrictions coming into effect on 10 December.
Western researchers named on 2025 Highly Cited List
Western Sydney University researchers have been named on the 2025 Clarivate list of Highly Cited Researchers.
Rethinking support surrounding intimate partner violence
Western Sydney University has launched a groundbreaking new study on the use of intimate partner violence by young men aged 16-25.
Western Sydney University welcomes Suburban University Study Hub for Fairfield
Western Sydney University welcomes the official opening of the Fairfield Connect University Study Hub, providing students in the region with greater opportunities and support on their education journey.
Teaching graduate’s love of music sets the tone for future classrooms
For 22-year-old Kortana Cullen-Blissett, graduation day marks a full circle moment as she celebrates her journey to becoming a teacher.
Dr Paul Saunders graduates with PhD, championing Indigenous health and education
Dr Paul Saunders, a proud Biripi man, has graduated with a PhD from Western Sydney University, marking the culmination of years of research and dedication to improving Indigenous health and medical education.
Indigenous PhD graduates inspire the next generation of researchers
Western Sydney University celebrated the outstanding achievements of its Indigenous graduates at the recent October graduation ceremonies, which saw 26 Indigenous students cross the stage.
Western collaborates on global study to better manage glucose levels during pregnancy
Western collaborates on global study to better manage glucose levels during pregnancy An Australian trial led by Distinguished Professor David Simmons from the University’s School of Medicine and THRI has highlighted the benefits of an automated insulin delivery (AID) system in managing glucose levels for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.
From baby aisle to lunchbox: the rise of commercial squeeze pouch products in Australian children's diets
New research from Western Sydney University has revealed squeeze pouch products are a popular choice for school lunchboxes, despite their low nutritional value.
Western Sydney families share childcare experiences in groundbreaking survey
Western Sydney University is inviting families from across the Western Sydney region to take part in a landmark new survey that measures childcare stress, a first in Australia.
Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor George Williams discusses the future of Australian universities
Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, discusses his new essay titled Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future.
Her Excellency the Hon Ms Sam Mostyn AC and His Excellency Mr Simeon Beckett SC announced as joint patrons of Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Centre of Excellence
Western Sydney University is honoured to announce the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, and His Excellency Mr Simeon Beckett SC as joint Patrons of the University’s Indigenous Centre of Excellence.
Industry internship program set to cultivate horticulture’s next generation
A new initiative to address critical workforce shortages in the Australian horticultural sector has launched today.
Western secure more than $3.9 million through 2026 Discovery Projects Scheme
Seven projects led by Western Sydney University researchers have been collectively awarded more than $3.9 million through the Australian Research Council's 2026 Discovery Projects scheme.
Uncle David King receives Community Fellowship
Western Sydney University has recognised Uncle David King with a Community Fellowship for his outstanding contribution to cultural leadership and environmental stewardship.
Sydney’s fastest growing region is also one of the most vulnerable to climate change
A new report by the Centre for Western Sydney highlights that while Western Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, it’s also one of the most hazard prone and socially vulnerable to climate change in the greater Sydney area.
Western Sydney University’s Australia Awards Fellowships Program: Driving Impactful Journalism
Western Sydney University has successfully delivered an Australia Awards Fellowship Program marking a significant milestone in international collaboration and capacity building in journalism.
John Akway Cham gives back to emerging communities
Western Sydney University graduate John Akway Cham is using his education and lived experience to make a positive impact in the world, helping build stronger and more inclusive communities.
From study to stage: Western Sydney University celebrates its newest graduates
Western Sydney University is gearing up for a week of celebration as more than 2300 students prepare to graduate during its October 2025 ceremonies.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incident
Western Sydney University is today able to advise its community of personal information that was previously impacted by a cyber incident and is providing advice on how people can protect themselves.
Opinion: Western Sydney University developing app to show how to keep students engaged
The Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University has detailed how an app soon to be rolled out at the University will give students greater support to keep them engaged in study.
Western secures funding to improve oral health for people living with diabetes
Western Sydney University’s Professor Ajesh George from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Translational Health Research Institute and Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, has secured more than $990,000.
Western receives $1.6 million to improve health outcomes for people with intellectual disability
University Professor Nathan Wilson has secured more than $1.6 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) MRFF Improving the Health Outcomes of People with Intellectual Disability grant.
Parts of Australia’s tropical rainforests now a net source of carbon, new study finds
The trunks and branches of trees in Australia's tropical rainforests – also known as woody biomass – have become a net source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
Western Sydney University partners with NSW Police Force to deliver real-world preparation for one of the state’s most vital public service careers
Western Sydney University is entering a new strategic partnership with the NSW Police Force to help train future police officers to protect, lead and serve their communities in New South Wales.
Western Sydney University and Western Sydney Philharmonic strike a high note with exciting new partnership
Western Sydney University and Western Sydney Philharmonic announce a partnership that will strengthen music education, increase access to musical performances and career pathways.
Indigenous Students vs Staff Basketball Match brings community together
Western Sydney University hosted its annual Indigenous Students vs Staff Basketball Match on Friday, 26 September at the Hills Basketball Stadium, drawing a lively crowd of students, staff, and community members.
Western Sydney beats the world four years in a row for community impact
For an unprecedented fourth year in a row, Western Sydney University has outranked 2,300 international universities to be named the world’s best for delivering community impact.
Western Sydney stories
Western launches next gen solar car, UNLIMITED 6.0
Western Sydney University’s Solar Car team have today unveiled their most innovative and advanced solar car design yet, ‘UNLIMITED 6.0’.
Opinion: Students don't take they are net givers
Australians resoundingly rejected the Coalition’s key election proposal to slash net overseas migration, specifically targeting foreign students and temporary skilled workers.
Thought leadership
Chancellor's Address: Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit
The following address was deliverd by Western Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO at the Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Research success
Western Sydney University researchers contribute to global call for urgent overhaul of food systems to combat land degradation crisis
Western Sydney University researchers have contributed to a landmark international study warning that urgent action is needed to transform global food systems to avert a land degradation crisis.
Improved stroke detection in women will save lives and millions in healthcare costs, new study finds
A new study has found that improving pre-hospital stroke identification accuracy in women to match that of men will lead to significant health benefits and cost savings for all Australians.
Expert opinion
Opinion: Australian farmland values are at lofty heights. Research reveals this could be hurting some farmers
Over recent decades, farmland values in Australia have soared. Nationally, the price of broadacre farmland has increased by more than eightfold since 1992.
Opinion: AI has produced 2 new antibiotics to kill ‘superbugs’. It’s promising – but we shouldn’t get too excited yet
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have used artificial intelligence to design two new antibiotics effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or “superbugs”.
Awards and appointments
Western Sydney University researchers named as finalists in the 2025 Eureka Prizes
Western Sydney University researchers have been named among the finalists selected for Australia’s leading science awards, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
Honouring Indigenous academic excellence and community leadership at Western Sydney University’s NAIDOC Gala Dinner
Western Sydney University recognised the outstanding contributions of Indigenous students, staff and community members at its annual NAIDOC Gala Dinner on Friday 11 July.
Student spotlight
Ayla Hibbert studies social work to empower mums and communities
Ayla Hibbert, is a 29-year-old Bachelor of Social Work student at the Liverpool City campus.
Balancing university, work, and being a single mum, she describes her studies as deeply rewarding.
Medicine, community, and culture – Ryan Blake’s journey at Western Sydney University
Ryan Blake currently lives and studies at Western Sydney University’s Campbelltown campus. Originally from Young in regional NSW, he is enrolled in the Bachelor of Clinical Science/Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.