Australia has lost a prominent figure in academia with the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and a globally respected marine ecologist. She died on December 26, 2023, at the age of 52 due to complications associated with cancer. Emma had recently taken on the role of Vice-Chancellor in February and unveiled a comprehensive resilience strategy for the university just weeks prior to her death.
Esteemed academics, including Kylie Walker and Rob Brooks, reflected on Emma’s legacy in an article for The Conversation, describing her as “a visionary leader in science and research, a passionate champion of the environment, a brilliant and engaging communicator, and a caring mentor.” Emma was born in Melbourne and excelled academically, becoming the Dux of University High School, which has since honored her with a house named in her memory.
After completing a PhD in marine ecology at the University of Melbourne, she lectured at UNSW and established a research group focused on the impacts of climate change and pollution on marine and coastal ecosystems. Throughout her career, Emma emphasized the importance of teamwork in research, supervising 33 PhD students and mentoring numerous honours students and postdoctoral researchers. Her dedication to nurturing talent extended beyond the confines of the classroom, as she was known for her generosity with time and attention.
Emma’s contributions to science were recognized through an extensive list of awards, including the NSW Premier’s Award for Biological Sciences, the Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science Research, and the Nancy Mills Medal for Women in Science from the Australian Academy of Science. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2018, further solidifying her impact in the field.
As president of Science & Technology Australia since 2017, Emma established the Superstars of STEM program, which has played a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility of women and non-binary scientists in Australia. Her leadership journey included significant positions such as Dean of Science at UNSW and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney before her recent appointment as Vice Chancellor at the University of Melbourne.
Emma’s final project, the resilience strategy for the University of Melbourne, aimed to guide the institution through increasingly complex challenges while protecting its academic mission. In a post shared on LinkedIn, she expressed her belief in the power of connections and partnerships to foster resilience, drawing parallels between natural ecosystems and institutional strength.
Vicki Thomson, CEO of The Group of Eight, paid tribute to Emma, calling her “simply amazing” and recognizing her brilliance in science and leadership. “Our heartfelt grief is shared across the nation’s universities and beyond. We have lost a remarkable leader and friend,” Thomson stated.
Colleagues also praised Emma’s ability to communicate complex ideas, with Ryan Winn, CEO of Science & Technology Australia, noting that her “optimism, energy, and humanity left an enduring mark” on those who worked with her. Others, like futurist Dr. Catherine Ball, described her as a source of inspiration, while Vicki Manson, Head of Australian Climate Services, highlighted Emma’s tireless innovation and ability to inspire future generations, particularly women in science.
Emma Johnston AO is survived by her husband and two children. Her legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for science and education will be remembered by many across Australia and beyond.
