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.
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From the Newsroom
25
Jun
World-first highly cave-adapted wasp discovered in Nullarbor Caves
A team of researchers from the University of Adelaide, in collaboration with cavers, has uncovered a large number of eyeless, cave-adapted invertebrates – including spiders, cockroaches, centipedes, and, remarkably, a wasp.
24
Jun
Sparc Hydrogen pilot plant opening ceremony
A first in green hydrogen reactor technology is being launched today at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus by Sparc Hydrogen Pty Ltd, a start-up company founded to translate research conducted by Professor Greg Metha. Sparc Hydrogen is a joint venture between Fortescue, Sparc Technologies and the University of Adelaide. Representatives from each partner joined the ceremony.
23
Jun
Why regulations in plant gene editing are a must
While some scientists argue that agricultural gene editing regulations are overly restrictive, a new paper from the University of Adelaide emphasises the importance of clear regulations to ensure new technologies are used safely and responsibly.
20
Jun
Real-time study to reveal emerging impacts post COVID
As Australia heads into the winter surge of COVID and influenza cases, University of Adelaide clinicians and colleagues from across the country want to speak to people with cold and flu symptoms for a new study.
University events
15
May
Wise and wonderful women exhibition
The exhibition explores the working lives of women academics in South Australian universities from 1970 to 2024. It draws on findings from a Fay Gale Centre project that critically examined historical and biographical reflections of women who worked in Adelaide’s universities. Thursday 15 May to Wednesday 9 July. Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith Library, North Terrace campus. Further information.
4
Jun
LOWITJA – A Life of Leadership and Legacy’ exhibition
This exhibition portrays the life and influence of the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG and will be held at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery. Wednesday 4 June to Friday 25 July. Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, Hawke Building Level 3, UniSA City West Campus. Further information.
30
Jun
Department of Historical and Classical Studies Research Seminar Series
Each book, in a word, carries a history: The enduring values of First Fleet association. This paper considers surviving books of First Fleet provenance and other prime Association Australiana — and asks: what value do we set on such books and why?. Monday 30 June, 11 am to 12 pm. Room 420, Napier building, North Terrace campus.
1
Jul
Join us in encouraging women to pursue careers in the growing fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We are seeking postgraduate students and academics to be mentors for the career skills workshops, and network with students to pursue a career in STEM. Tuesday 1 to Wednesday 2 July, 9 am to 3 pm. 504 Function Room 1, Level 5, Union House, North Terrace campus. Register.
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