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
9
Jul
Ultimate kidney warrior honoured by University
Nari Sinclair, a Ngarrindjeri and Yorta Yorta woman and powerful advocate for people with chronic kidney disease, will be honoured by the University of Adelaide community.
9
Jul
Quantum clocks guarantee precise navigation
Optical quantum clocks developed at the University of Adelaide have been proven to out-perfom GPS navigation systems by many orders of magnitude.
8
Jul
When domesticated rabbits go feral, new morphologies emerge
Originally bred for meat and fur, the European rabbit has become a successful invader worldwide. When domesticated breeds return to the wild and feralise, the rabbits do not simply revert to their wild form – they experience distinct, novel anatomical changes.
4
Jul
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.
University events
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.
4
Jul
Lumen Bar is back for another year, this time with a 1970s retro theme. The cosy pop-up bar and eatery coinciding once again with Illuminate Adelaide. Live vinyl DJs will be back, along with curated record sales, an updated menu, and new sunken lounges that invite conversation and community-building. Friday 4 to Sunday 20 July, 4–10.30 pm. Goodman Lawns, North Terrace campus. More information.
15
Jul
Southeast Asia and South Asia Global Opportunities and Impact Forum 2025
This upcoming forum will spotlight South Asia and Southeast Asia, and will feature: International funding and research collaboration opportunities, updates and emerging trends in international student recruitment, insights into delivering Study Overseas programs, and an interactive workshop on how to access funding. Tuesday 15 July, 11 am to 12.30 pm. 706 MBA Suite, Nexus 10, Pulteney Street. Register.
17
Jul
Join us for the Healthy Development Adelaide and Department for Child Protection forum on Preventing and responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviours in children and young people: Promising practice. Thursday 17 July, 5.30–8 pm. Napier 102 lecture theatre, Napier building, North Terrace campus. Register.
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