Lumen
A matter of life or death
Life is short. Three words used widely as a call to action to live large and unashamedly take opportunities. It’s also a statement of fact, and for researchers, a never-ending challenge to find new ways to push healthy boundaries at both ends of human life.
Lumen readers' prize - The time issue
Your chance to win wine and books.
Exclusive event: Lumen Live! The FJ and the footbridge
Meet the people behind the iconic Uni prank.
Time of the crime
The time of death isn't quite as simple as lawyers and 'whodunnit' writers suggest. We take you to the scene of the crime.
News in brief - The time issue
The true origins of Stonehenge - just one of the thousands of media stories generated by the University of Adelaide receiving international attention.
The music between the notes
Anna Goldsworthy writes for Lumen on how an ageing metronome still links her to her past.
A matter of life or death
Life is short. Three words used widely as a call to action to live large and unashamedly take opportunities. It’s also a statement of fact, and for researchers, a never-ending challenge to find new ways to push healthy boundaries at both ends of human life.
The (non?)existence and (un?)importance of time
A philosopher and a physicist debate time.
Wine o'clock
In the vineyards and winery on the Waite campus, time is more than a concept: it’s a vital component of grape growing and winemaking.
Australian comedy as an agent of change
Exploring comedy's power to change ideas.
Rebooting the Muse
Examining how the arts can recover from Covid.
News in brief - Spring 2024
Making news around the world.
Exclusive event: Lumen Live! The FJ and the footbridge
Meet the people behind the iconic Uni prank.
The music between the notes
Anna Goldsworthy writes for Lumen on how an ageing metronome still links her to her past.
Reel time at the movies
Our movie critic explores movies and time.
The backfire of time
A new novel by a literary legend.
Wine o'clock
In the vineyards and winery on the Waite campus, time is more than a concept: it’s a vital component of grape growing and winemaking.
A new prank revealed
Another Lumen exclusive!
Lumen readers' prize - The time issue
Your chance to win wine and books.
The speed of time
For an athlete, time is often the toughest opponent. Olympian and honoured alum Amber Halliday knows this all too well. As one of the world’s best rowers, her challenge wasn’t only how to shave milliseconds off the clock, but also how to find the time to train.
The student and the centenarian
Tempus fugit. Differing perceptions of time.
World News - The time issue
Profiles of our amazing international alumni.
Letters to the editor - The time issue
Our readers share their stories - and prize winning contest entries.
A legacy across time
Our donors of the past would surely be amazed to see their gifts continuing to have impact a century or more later.
Time of the crime
The time of death isn't quite as simple as lawyers and 'whodunnit' writers suggest. We take you to the scene of the crime.
The speed of time
For an athlete, time is often the toughest opponent. Olympian and honoured alum Amber Halliday knows this all too well. As one of the world’s best rowers, her challenge wasn’t only how to shave milliseconds off the clock, but also how to find the time to train.
A new prank revealed
Another Lumen exclusive!
Mystery solved!
It has been one of Adelaide’s great unsolved mysteries for more than 50 years: just how did an FJ Holden end up dangling from the Uni footbridge above the River Torrens in 1971?
The art of creation
In this edition of Lumen we celebrate all things creative. Art, music, theatre, comedy, literature, research, teaching and volunteers. Plus we unveil a new artwork created by noted Australian artist and alum Peter Drew.
A history begun audaciously, continued boldly
Our new look Lumen shares the personal stories of students, staff and alumni – and how our University continues to change lives. Guest “history editor” Keith Conlon explores our past, and how our State and our University have grown together.
News in brief - The time issue
The true origins of Stonehenge - just one of the thousands of media stories generated by the University of Adelaide receiving international attention.
World News - The time issue
Profiles of our amazing international alumni.
Celebrating our legacy
Our Chancellor reflects on our past - and future.
World News - Spring 2024
Three alumni share how their extraordinary talents have taken them around the world.
News in brief - Spring 2024
Making news around the world.
Creating a new university
The making of a modern university.
Featured

A new prank revealed. Another Lumen exclusive!
A life-size mannequin hanging from the Elder Hall tower. Footsteps leading from the VC’s house. A pirate flag unfurled atop Bonython Hall. A 70-year-old whodunit? Lumen reveals all.
About Lumen
Lumen is the University of Adelaide’s peak magazine – for and about the University. It is published bi-annually and distributed via a print edition and email to more than 100,000 recipients.
Search Lumen stories
Enter a keyword to search.
From the Newsroom
29
Jul
Kākāpō decline reveals threat of parasite coextinction
Researchers from the University of Adelaide, New Zealand’s Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and University of Auckland have discovered that more than 80 per cent of parasites detected in kākāpō poo prior to the 1990s are no longer present in contemporary populations.
28
Jul
Fellows advance immunotherapy and tumour inflammation research
The University of Adelaide’s South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI) has welcomed two new researchers through a fellowship program funded by the Ainsworth Foundation.
28
Jul
Tropical fishes on the move survive better with temperate neighbours
As tropical fishes colonise new habitats in temperate oceans, made available to them because of ocean warming, researchers have found that those who shoal alongside neighbours that are native to the area learn behaviours that help them thrive.
28
Jul
Food waste is a problem in hospitals and aged care facilities, but there’s a solution
Hospitals and aged care facilities are significant contributors to food waste in Australia, but are uniquely positioned to drive change across the broader food service sector, according to new research.
University events
31
Jul
2025 Three Minute Thesis Faculty Finals
Experience big ideas in just 3 minutes. Join us for the 3MT Faculty Finals across ABLE, HMS, and SET faculties where graduate researchers showcase their work in clear, compelling three-minute talks. Help choose the People’s Choice Winner and celebrate the finalists advancing to the University 3MT competition. Thursday 31 July to Thursday 7 August, various times and locations. Register.
31
Jul
Behind the Bottle: Essential Varietals
Explore some of the exciting wines on the Taikunthi menu at the Behind the Bottle series. This month, explore Essential Varietals featuring wines from Yalumba, Torbreck and Majella. Thursday 31 July, 3.30–5.30pm. Taikunthi Restaurant, Level 5 Union House.
1
Aug
The Watsons is a clever, funny play that starts as a classic Austen romance before twisting into something wildly unexpected. Modern day author meets old fashioned characters. The Watsons playfully explores identity, free will, and who really gets to control the story. Friday 1 August to Sunday 10 August. Various times. Tickets.
1
Aug
School of Psychology research seminar
Dr Sabrina Sghirripa (School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences) will present her research on cognition, ageing and lifetime experiences that build cognitive reserve. Friday 1 August, 1–2 pm. Room 526, level 5, Hughes building, North Terrace campus and online. Register.
Update your details
Update your details to benefit from this extensive network of leaders, innovators, hearing about alumni news and exclusive alumni benefits, services and discounts.
Make a gift
We understand that giving to the University is a very personal decision. You can support a specific cause that is meaningful to you, or we can recommend our highest priorities.
-
Previous issues
Lumen archives: