UPDATE: Emma Johnston AO, the first woman to lead the prestigious University of Melbourne, has passed away at the age of 52 due to complications from cancer, the university confirmed on Monday. The academic community is mourning the loss of a transformative leader whose impact will resonate for generations.
Professor Johnston, who took up the vice-chancellorship in February 2025, was a renowned marine biologist with a focus on the ecological impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. She leaves behind her husband and two children. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and students alike.
“Professor Johnston brought a tone of optimism and energy to our university,” said Jane Hansen, Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. “Her belief in our community was unwavering.”
In addition to her role at the university, Johnston was a chief author of Australia’s most recent State of the Environment report and had authored 185 peer-reviewed journal articles. She supervised over 35 students, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists.
“She did everything she could to ensure our students were best equipped to achieve their goals,” Hansen noted. “Most of all, she just liked spending time with them to hear their stories.”
Johnston’s credentials extended beyond academia. She served as a director of the CSIRO, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and was the former president of Science and Technology Australia. In recognition of her distinguished service to higher education, particularly in marine ecology, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2018 and was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2022.
Education Minister Jason Clare expressed his shock, calling her “a real reformer,” while Vicki Thomson, CEO of the Group of Eight, stated, “Emma was simply amazing – brilliant in her science, principled in her leadership.”
As the university plans a memorial for Johnston, Michael Wesley will serve as acting vice-chancellor. Her family has expressed gratitude for the love and respect shown towards her, stating, “We know she touched so many lives, and her legacy will continue through her many students, colleagues, and mentees.”
Jas Chambers, president of Science and Technology Australia, emphasized Johnston’s ability to distill complex information into engaging narratives, stating, “Emma’s influence and impact will be felt for years to come.”
The loss of Emma Johnston is felt deeply across Australia’s educational and scientific communities, highlighting her profound influence on both her field and those she mentored. As tributes continue to pour in, her legacy as a champion for students and science remains indelibly marked in the hearts of many.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
