We showcase the impact of UOW students, teaching, research, and graduates on the world. Our mission is to share inspiring stories that educate and motivate, highlighting the transformative power of education in addressing global challenges.
Articles
Students
What every parent should know about the path to university
From the hectic pace of Year 12 to making the next step into university, we have everything you need to support your child through this exciting and often challenging rite of passage.
Alumni, Community
The year in review
As the sun sets on another eventful year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the significant milestones that have shaped its journey throughout 2023.
Students
Be a part of everything
From a farm in rural Australia to the centre of Wollongong – how IT student Jack Wason found home away from home at UOW
Students
What’s it like to study engineering?
Are you still trying to decide whether a STEM degree is the right fit for you?
Make the most of your Open Day weekend
From live music and performance to delicious food and outdoor adventures, Open Day weekend in the Gong is not one to miss. Whether you have lived here your whole life, or visiting for Open Day, here's how you can make the most of your time.
Students
How Early Admission can make the biggest difference during the HSC
We know that securing an early offer can relieve stress, taking the pressure off those final exams. But don’t take our word for it, hear from UOW student, Tariro, whose Early Admission experience transformed her HSC season from a stress fest to a year to remember.
Environment and Energy
Voting with two wheels
Cycling to work can help improve physical and mental health, reduce congestion and mitigate climate change.
Environment and Energy, Students
The UOW water warriors
Students go pond-dipping to understand the importance of aquatic habitats
Community
Inspiring the women of the future
We may think everything has changed when it comes to equality, but there is still work to do. Meet the UOW women ensuring gender equality is a reality for everyone.
Arts and Culture, Alumni
Summer reads from UOW
Dive into the literary worlds of fellow alumni for a summer of imagination and insight.
Environment and Energy
The truth about Australia’s plastic problem
Despite Australia’s small population, it is consistently one of the largest producers of waste in the OECD
Environment and Energy
UOW’s journey to global sustainability
The University of Wollongong (UOW) signed a commitment to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2019. Three years later, UOW is ranked equal 70th in the world for social and economic impact and is placed in the top 50 global universities for seven of the 17 goals.
Business and Economy, Community
The ride of a lifetime
When the eyes of the world focus on the Illawarra this September, as the UCI Road World Championships bring the best in the sport of cycling to the region, there will be few people more excited than Dean Dalla Valle.
Business and Economy, Science and Technology
Growing globally, working locally
For Scalapay, the fast-growing Australian e-commerce company, the world is its oyster, but the Illawarra is its home
Health and Medicine, Science and Technology
Can we rewire the nervous system to fight MND?
Approximately 2,100 Australians are currently living with motor neurone disease (MND), a devastating neurodegenerative disease.
Environment and Energy, Science and Technology
Koala vocals providing key to saving species
Artificial intelligence that identifies individual koalas by their vocals promises to revolutionise our understanding of the iconic – and now endangered - Australian marsupial.
Science and Technology
Blurred lines: when should private health information become public?
For the past two years, Australians have become used to hearing about health statistics. Despite millions tuning in each morning for the latest pandemic figures from across the country, few realise it is not just COVID data the health departments of Australia are collecting.
Community, Education, Students
Bright minds, bold ambitions and boundless passion
Three UOW alumni share the stories of coming of age and finding their dream jobs right after uni
Health and Medicine, Students
From surviving cancer to thriving at university
Sofia Tsalidis couldn’t finish high school due to illness, now she’s graduating uni in the hopes of helping others.
Community
2021: The Year in Photographs
It was a strange and surreal 2021 for many, with lockdown defining the latter half of the year. UOW photographer Paul Jones shares his best images of the year.
Arts and Culture
Beauty within a 10km radius
The word euphoric is mentioned, along with sparkling and alive. Could ocean pool swimming be an unlikely remedy to COVID-19 lockdown blues?
'Kindness is hugely underrated'
New Vice-Chancellor on her love of nursing, what drives her, and her ambitions for UOW
Education
Vice-Chancellor bids farewell to UOW
Vice-Chancellor proud of University’s immense success in research, teaching, and business partnerships
Business and Economy
How COVID-19 changed transport
Few areas were more dramatically affected by COVID-19 than public transport. How can we do it better next time? And who have been the winners, and the losers?
The 5 most Instagrammable spots on campus at UOW
Here’s my list of gems at UOW that are worthy of your Insta grid.
Community
My journey through UOWx
The move to online learning after Covid-19 hit was a huge change. But it was a change that made me want to be more involved with university and the programs that were on offer. It was at this point I decided to look into UOWx.
Education
Everything you need to know about UOWx
UOWx is an amazing program designed to encourage and support students to get more involved with the co-curricular activities offered at UOW.
Arts and Culture
Uniqueness within a 10km radius
How the COVID-19 lockdown transformed Australian front yards into a much-needed refuge of life and colour.
Community
Take a walk on the wild side to avoid COVID blues
Bob Dylan sang “The times are a changin’,” but I don’t think Bob had COVID in mind.
Community
The art of cloud watching
Having your head in the clouds may be just the thing that gets you through another COVID day.
Community
Most Instagrammable Spots in the Illawarra
Here’s my list of gems in the Illawarra that are worthy of your Insta grid.
Business and Economy, Health and Medicine
Footballs, meat pies, kangaroos and… vaccinations?
Before an endless array of streaming services and skippable online ads, there was a time when famous advertising campaigns made their way into our everyday vernacular. From ‘got milk?’ to ‘not happy, Jan’, you couldn’t go a day without someone quoting an iconic brand slogan in casual conversation.
Community
How ‘beer and banter’ is helping men to open up
When Lachlan Stevens bought His Boy Elroy two years ago, he had a vision to build a brand based on three principles: loyalty, authenticity, and community. Now his grassroots initiative Barstool Brothers is growing.
Alumni
Champion of change
UOW alumna Carol Kiernan has been instrumental in achieving equality for women in the Australian Honours by co-founding 'Honour a Woman'.
Community, Education
What COVID-19 has taught us about our schools
Schools are, at their heart, communities.
Arts and Culture, Community, Education
Chancellor Jillian Broadbent farewells UOW
Chancellor Jillian Broadbent AC has always sought a life of contribution.
Health and Medicine, Community, Study areas
The wellness myth
Wellness is a state of being, a catchcry that encompasses the Instagram generation’s focus on good health and living well.
General tags, Alumni, Arts and Culture
Meet the music journalist making noise
Through hard work and hustle, David James Young has become one of the best young music journalists on the scene. But it has not always been easy.
Arts and Culture, Study areas
Why we reach for music in times of stress
Do you reach for old school hits or new pop? The soothing sounds of classical music or the rush and rage of rock? Music is one of the best ways to help us unwind when it feels like the world is falling apart.
Community, Arts and Culture
When Ernest met Tek
When Ernest Bukasa met Teklemariam Mengistu in 2013 “something clicked”. Both had fled war-torn African countries and arrived in Australia as refugees before settling in Wollongong.
Health and Medicine, Health and Medicine, Study areas
Why Yasmine's research is deeply personal
It is research that is incredibly important for Yasmine, one of few dietitians globally who has been diagnosed with the disease.
10 things every Year 12 student needs to know about studying at UOW
Got questions about studying at UOW? We've got all the answers you need (and more).
Community
Beauty in the small things
A pandemic leaves an imprint. No matter how close your experience to the impact.
Community, Arts and Culture
Lisa's using laughter to cope with crisis
In a world full of COVID-19 news, University of Wollongong student Lisa Hughes believes laughter is the best medicine.
7 ways to volunteer during isolation (and gain UOWx recognition')
2020 has been a year like no other. If you’re feeling disconnected and unmotivated, you’re not alone! Reaching out and volunteering your time to help others is a proven way to boost your esteem, and build connections. The good news is – there are still many rewarding ways you can volunteer during isolation.
Alumni
On the front line
Australia’s Black Summer was like no other, with the bushfires that raged across the nation leaving many of us overwhelmed and in disbelief at the devastation they caused. During this extraordinary time, stories of the heroes doing battle on the frontline emerged.
Alumni
Burning for a better future
In our rapidly changing climate, last summer's fires are unlikely to be a one-off event. The future health of people and the environment hinges on better understanding and managing the risks.
Alumni
Supercharging the power of inclusivity
Growing up in Mombasa on the east coast of Kenya, Lilian Kikuvi was never consciously aware of being a woman of colour. The colour of her skin was irrelevant and as far as she was concerned she was no different to anyone else.
Alumni
Blasting into a promising mining career
UOW Engineering alumna Ellie Hawkins' mining engineering career has started with a bang.
Alumni
Marching to a different beat
The music industry has been one of the hardest hit by the global Coronavirus pandemic, forcing artists and festival organisers to rethink the way they present their concerts and events.
Alumni
Making better financial decisions
There’s nothing like a global pandemic to force us to reassess our lives and lifestyle. Things we previously took for granted have suddenly leapt into focus, and we are paying much closer attention to the things that keep us safe and secure.
Alumni
Major philanthropic gift: a milestone in mathematics
As the future of Australia’s job market rapidly changes and maths and science continue to play a transformative role in research and development, UOW has strengthened its capacity to influence and champion progress in these vital areas.
Alumni
Meet our 2020 Alumni Awards winners
Each year, UOW Alumni Awards uncover exceptional alumni who are making a mark in the world. In 2020 we proudly celebrate the achievements of four outstanding winners who are taking great strides in their careers, creating innovation in business, demonstrating professional excellence and having a remarkable impact on society.
Alumni
A lesson in appreciation
The 2020 school year began tentatively, with a menacing pandemic in the shadows. It comes to an end, however, on a note of triumph, with a new appreciation for the teachers who united to take on the unprecedented challenge of implementing mass remote-learning during the shutdown. We spoke to the principals of two very different schools on their success strategy.
Alumni
The year at UOW
The year 2020 at UOW was one of challenges, change, and optimism in the face of crisis. The university sector was thrown one of its biggest problems to solve yet, overhauling the delivery of all teaching, learning and working, as the world was forced to adapt to a rapidly evolving way of life.
Alumni
Connecting our global community
Throughout 2020 we were fortunate to be able to connect, collaborate and engage with our global community of more than 160,000 UOW alumni.
Alumni
Universities in a post-COVID world
Universities have been transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic and their purpose has never been more important, according to UOW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Theo Farrell.
Alumni
The changing face of medicine
We hear from four medical researchers on the way COVID-19 has affected public health and the future of medicine.
Alumni
An extraordinary contribution
As the University of Wollongong’s third Chancellor (2009 -2020), Jillian Broadbent AC provided outstanding leadership to the institution over the past 11 years.
Alumni
The ones to follow
The talent, creativity and impact of UOW alumni and academics reach far and wide. These are just a few we like to follow. This is the world from their perspective.
6 ways to make postgraduate study affordable
There are several ways you can upskill to enhance or change your career without having to break the bank.
Community, Education, Health and Medicine
Why are our kids so anxious?
At what point in childhood does anxiety begin, and how can we help kids to overcome this increasingly common state?
Health and Medicine, International, Health and Medicine, Study areas, Science and Technology
Molecular Horizons: building a dream
You could walk past the latest construction site at the University of Wollongong and think that it's just another building going up, with the usual cranes and noise.
My 9 favourite things about UOW
Recent UOW graduate Zahra loved being surrounded by nature and open space while studying at Wollongong campus. She shares some of her favourite things about campus life.
Health and Medicine
What it means to be an older, single woman today
These are the circumstances facing a growing number of single women aged over 65.
Community, Arts and Culture, Education
How Bronte discovered her strength
After a difficult few years, Bronte pushed through to realise her dream of attending university and helping to improve the lives of other students.
Environment and Energy, Science and Technology
A healthy diet for a healthy planet
Forecasts suggest that by 2050, 10 billion people will inhabit the earth, requiring the production of 70 to 100 per cent more food.
A UOW student's food tour of Wollongong
UOW student Jaqueline Peters shares her top 10 places for satisfying the hunger pains and stocking the pantry.
Why students love campus living
You’ve almost finished school, learnt to make your bed, and are ready to fly the nest. It’s time to do some adulting and pick a place to live. Here are 7 reasons why UOW students love campus living as they begin their exciting new chapter at university.
Embraced by a community
For international students studying at the University of Wollongong, there are many experiences to help with cultural and lifestyle immersion, within a community that embraces international visitors.
Alumni
Forging skills in demand
As the world enters Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, many are wondering how the impacts of new automated technologies will affect our jobs as we know it.
Alumni
Going places
Across the world, UOW alumni continue to connect, collaborate and innovate. With more than 156,000 alumni across the globe and counting, the Alumni Relations Team endeavours to keep in touch with as many of you as possible. We love celebrating your achievements and sharing with you the significant impact UOW researchers are having on our communities.
Alumni
Out of the box
There’s no substitute to hands-on training – or is there? Two University of Wollongong alumni are proving there is.
Alumni
Painting the town silver
How a desire to help Australia’s ageing population has inspired one UOW graduate to create a unique walking and falls prevention program that’s changing lives.
Philosophical adventures in time and space
An education in the liberal arts, unlike that of a purely technical or scientific kind, seeks to produce graduates who are capable of reflective understanding – graduates who can stand back and imaginatively evaluate what is required to think well about topics of foundational importance in our lives.
Alumni
A numbers game
Mathematics is not only a lot more fun and creative than most of us realise; according to Professor Aidan Sims, it is fundamental to nearly every aspect of our modern lives.
Alumni
Breaking new ground
At 28, Sally Riley left her family home in country New South Wales and headed to the University of Wollongong with the idea of becoming an actor.
Alumni
A spirited start-up
Two words aptly define young businessman, Dean Martelozzo – diligent and determined – whether it’s the focus and discipline to power through daily work challenges, the resilience to overcome traumatic injury, or the drive to chase the big dreams.
Alumni
Realising the power of journalism
On Alice Matthews’ very first reporting shift for radio current affairs on ABC, she learnt a valuable lesson as a journalist: the story you think you’re going to cover, may not be the story you file at the end of the day.
Alumni
The cutting edge of anatomy
As an outdoors country girl growing up in Wagga, Katie Gaskin’s limited television time would play a pivotal role in moulding her unusual career ambition.
Alumni
AI at work
Joel Robbie started Nod as a way to solve a family problem. Now the fintech start-up has been listed on KPMG’s coveted FinTech 100 as a company to watch.
Community, Arts and Culture, Study areas
Saving fishing stories from the depths of history
With just two commercial fishing boats operating out of Wollongong, researchers want to record the stories of the local fishing industry.
My favourite things about living in Wollongong
There are many factors to consider when choosing where to study. One of the most important things to think about is the type of place you want to live. When I came to Wollongong for my Early Admission interview, I fell in love with the city straight away and knew that this was the place for me. Since then, I haven't looked back.
International
From Hanoi to Wollongong: life as an international student in Australia
Now in my final semester at the University of Wollongong, this place, and the friends I've found along the way, have been keeping me company for three years.
Community, Study areas
How creativity is changing Bellambi
The suburb of Bellambi often makes headlines for all the wrong reasons. But a new initiative is bringing the University of Wollongong together with the community to celebrate the people of Bellambi.
Students
Six things I discovered in the first weeks of University
Starting uni can be fun and scary, but you're not alone. One student shares their advice for your first weeks on campus.
Alumni
Home is where the art is
What started life as an art-based project for teenagers to collaborate on at Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre, has grown into a community festival and campaign aiming to change the way the world sees the suburb.
Alumni
The year at UOW
For UOW, 2018 has been a year defined by where we’re from, and a year that defined where we’re going.
Alumni
A platform for change
When you meet Dominique, it’s easy to see the role that passion and purpose have played in her rapid career trajectory since she graduated little more than 10 years ago.
Alumni
Banking on change
It’s a turbulent time in the world of banking. According to James Wyatt, that just makes it all the more exciting.
Community, Study areas
The future of housing
It might be a squeeze on space, but for many families apartments are the housing of the future.
Arts and Culture
This is everything you need to do in Wollongong
In a prime location between the mountains and the sea, Wollongong is an adventurer's dream, filled with trails that lead to waterfalls, wildlife and breathtaking lookout points.
Alumni
Answering the call
On the 10th anniversary of the Learning and Development Scholarship Fund, Randi Morris looks back on what it has achieved.
Alumni
The year at UOW
UOW has continued to strengthening our ties with the community, invest in global impact research, and support society domestically, all while enriching and inspiring students with an unforgettable experience.
Business and Economy, General tags, Innovation, Science and Technology
A catalyst for change
The seeds of an idea that were planted in the hope of reversing the Illawarra region’s flagging economic fortunes are beginning to sprout, with the potential to create real and lasting change.
Community
Building a city on rock and roll
How UOW grads built the Yours & Owls Festival from the grassroots up, and its impact on the city’s culture.
Why are we scared to go in the water?
In a world where every shark encounter is front page news, can we fight back against this distorted perception?
Alumni
A curious traveller
Acclaimed painter and printmaker Guy Warren AM believes that creativity is in everyone – it’s just a matter of thinking outside the box and trying something different.
Alumni
A dream come true
"Getting up and running in a high pressure, high expectations environments on the other side of the world was like climbing a mountain."
Alumni
Culture in transit
When it comes to international influences for his work, Dr Laurens Tan has it covered; few other artists consider themselves concurrently a local in Las Vegas, Beijing and Wollongong.
Alumni
A gift to water the seeds of innovation
Former University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon AO and his wife Suzanne Walker have gifted more than $1 million to UOW for a fund that fosters innovation and supports excellence.
Alumni
The barefoot teacher
Young and boisterous children sit in silent awe when James MacDiarmid’s classes start rolling.