The University of Melbourne is mourning the loss of its first female vice chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston, who passed away at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer. Johnston, a renowned marine ecologist and “visionary leader in science and research,” succumbed to the illness less than a year after assuming the prestigious role.
Johnston, who is survived by her husband and two children, was celebrated for her optimism and dedication to her field. Appointed in February 2025, she was in the process of implementing a resilience strategy for the university, marking the initial phase of her ambitious 10-year plan.
Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Throughout her illustrious career, Johnston held significant positions including director of the CSIRO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. She was also a governor of the Ian Potter Foundation, a chief author of the State of Environment Report, and had published 185 peer-reviewed journal articles. Her mentorship extended to supervising over 35 higher degree students, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community.
A family spokesperson expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and respect shown for Johnston’s work, stating, “We know she touched so many lives and her legacy will continue through the work of her many students, colleagues, and mentees.”
Academic and Professional Milestones
Johnston’s academic journey began at the University of Melbourne, where she completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. She later served as pro vice-chancellor (research) and dean of science at the University of New South Wales, followed by her role as deputy vice-chancellor (research) at the University of Sydney from 2022 to 2024.
University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Professor Mark Scott remarked on the profound sense of loss felt by those who had worked with Johnston. “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.
Johnston was made an officer of the Order of Australia in 2018 for her contributions to higher education, particularly in marine ecology, eco-toxicology, and research institutes. In 2022, she was elected a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Commitment to Education and Equality
University of Melbourne Chancellor Jane Hansen highlighted Johnston’s unwavering commitment to student welfare, emphasizing her efforts to address cost-of-living pressures, scholarships, and research support. “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,” Hansen said.
Johnston was also a staunch advocate for women and girls in science, promoting their capacity to contribute to understanding and protecting marine communities and coastal waterways.
Her appointment as vice chancellor followed Duncan Maskell, who navigated a challenging period marked by COVID-19, pro-Palestinian protests, and debates over international student caps.
National and Global Impact
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 her 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 her aspirations, saying, “Emma wanted nothing less than to save the world – but like the ocean – in the end she could only do so much.”
As the University of Melbourne and the broader academic community come to terms with Johnston’s passing, her legacy of leadership, innovation, and compassion will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and educators.
