The University of Melbourne is grieving the loss of its first female vice chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston, who passed away at the age of 52 from cancer. Johnston’s tenure, though brief, was marked by her visionary leadership in science and research. Her death comes less than a year after she assumed the role in February 2025.
Professor Johnston, a renowned marine ecologist, was celebrated as an “optimist to the end.” She is survived by her husband and two children. Her passing has left a significant void in the academic and scientific community, where she was regarded as a “visionary leader in science and research.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Johnston’s appointment as vice chancellor was a historic moment for the University of Melbourne. She was in the process of implementing a resilience strategy for the university, a cornerstone of her ambitious 10-year plan. Her dedication to education and research was evident in her extensive career, which included roles as a director of the CSIRO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, as well as a governor of the Ian Potter Foundation.
Her scholarly contributions were equally impressive. Johnston authored 185 peer-reviewed journal articles and supervised more than 35 higher degree students, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community. A spokesperson for the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and respect for Johnston and her work, stating,
“We know she touched so many lives and her legacy will continue through the work of her many students, colleagues, and mentees.”
Career Milestones and Honors
Johnston’s academic journey began at the University of Melbourne, where she completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. She went on to hold significant positions at the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney, where she served as pro vice-chancellor (research) and dean of science, and later as deputy vice-chancellor (research) from 2022 to 2024.
Her contributions to higher education and marine ecology were recognized in 2018 when she was made an officer of the Order of Australia. In 2022, she was elected a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, further cementing her status as a leader in her field.
Tributes from the Academic Community
University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Professor Mark Scott expressed deep sorrow at Johnston’s passing, emphasizing her remarkable achievements and the joy she found in her family.
“Emma’s career was marked by brilliant achievements, but her family was her greatest joy. Our hearts go out to her husband and children,” Scott said.
The University of Melbourne’s Chancellor Jane Hansen highlighted Johnston’s unwavering commitment to students, noting her efforts to address cost-of-living pressures, provide scholarships, and support research. Hansen remarked,
“She did everything she could to ensure they were best equipped to achieve their goals. Most of all, she just liked spending time with them to hear their stories. They were her inspiration.”
Impact on Women in Science
Johnston was a passionate advocate for women and girls in science, promoting their capacity to study and excel in the field. Her work significantly contributed to the understanding and protection of marine communities and coastal waterways, inspiring a new generation of female scientists.
Her predecessor, Duncan Maskell, faced challenges during his tenure, including navigating the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing international student caps. Johnston’s leadership was seen as a stabilizing force during a time of transition.
A National Loss
The Group of Eight universities described Johnston’s death as an “unfathomable loss for Australia’s higher education and research community.” Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson praised Johnston as a remarkable leader and friend, stating,
“Emma was simply amazing – brilliant in her science, principled in her leadership, and unfailingly generous as a colleague and mentor. Our heartfelt grief is shared across the nation’s universities and beyond.”
In a heartfelt obituary, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering CEO Kylie Walker and UNSW Professor Rob Brooks reflected on Johnston’s aspirations, noting that
“Emma wanted nothing less than to save the world – but like the ocean – in the end she could only do so much.”
As the academic world mourns, Johnston’s legacy will undoubtedly continue through the many lives she touched and the profound impact she had on science and education.
