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
17
Apr
Aussie twist on Sondheim classic: Into the Woods reimagined
The University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music is thrilled to present a bold new production of Into The Woods – the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine – reimagined with an unmistakably Australian flair.
15
Apr
Extreme heat poses threat to mental health
Rising temperatures across Australia could increase the burden of mental and behavioural disorders (MBD) by almost 50 per cent by 2050, according to a new study from the University of Adelaide. The research highlights the urgent need to act now to protect mental health as the climate warms.
8
Apr
Students still struggling mentally, but tide is turning
The latest Resilient Youth: State of the Nation Report has revealed Australia’s young people are still struggling mentally.
8
Apr
Podcast inspires women entrepreneurs
The University of Adelaide’s ThincLab is launching ThincHer — You’re in Charge, a new podcast celebrating and supporting women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
University events
14
Apr
Adelaide University Sport school holiday program
If you're looking for a way to keep kids engaged, active, and having fun these school holidays, the School Holiday Sports Program is packed with a variety of exciting sports and activities. This program isn’t just about sports—it’s about building confidence, creating lasting friendships, and having fun. Monday 14 April to Thursday 24 April, 9 am to 5 pm. Graduates Clubhouse, Park 10, North Adelaide. Register.
23
Apr
Mosquitoes - Family drama meets Hadron Collider
Theatre Guild Student Society presents Mosquitoes by Lucy Kirkwood. A wickedly smart, darkly funny play about two sisters — one a scientist, the other... not — colliding in the fallout of personal tragedy, particle physics, and passive-aggression. Think family drama meets the Large Hadron Collider. Explosive results guaranteed. Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 April, 7.30–10 pm. Little Theatre, North Terrace campus. Tickets.
24
Apr
Presented by the 2025 Graduating Class of Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre, Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods will be staged at the Scott Theatre for four performances only. Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 April, various times. Scott Theatre, Kintore Avenue, North Terrace campus. Tickets.
25
Apr
Join Gallipoli expert Professor Robin Prior (School of Humanities) in Conversation with David Bevan, longtime ABC Radio Adelaide host, on Anzac - How We Got There - Why We Left. Tea and coffee provided. Friday 25 April, 2–5 pm. Eastwood Community Centre, 95 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood.
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