Pioneering university leader and researcher remembered
William Ton |
A transformative science researcher who was the first woman to lead of one of Australia’s top universities is being remembered as a brilliant reformer.
University of Melbourne vice chancellor Emma Johnston AO has died from complications with cancer, the university announced on Monday.
The 52-year-old leaves behind her husband and two children.
Professor Johnston became the first woman to take up the top role at the 172-year-old institution in February 2025.
It was the same university where she completed her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees as well as a doctorate in marine ecology.
“Professor Johnston brought a tone of optimism and energy to our university, with her insight, experience and most of all her belief in all who are part of this community,” University of Melbourne chancellor Jane Hansen said.
Prof Johnston specialised in the ecological impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems and was a chief author of Australia’s most recent State of the Environment report.
Her extensive research profile includes authoring 185 peer-reviewed journal articles and supervising more than 35 students.
But she is also being remembered as an impactful communicator who had an unwavering commitment to her students.
“Be it cost-of-living pressures, to scholarships, to teaching, to their research – she did everything she could to ensure our students were best equipped to achieve their goals,” Ms Hansen said.
“Most of all, she just liked spending time with them to hear their stories. They were her inspiration.”
Prof Johnston was a director of the CSIRO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, governor of the Ian Potter Foundation, and former president of Science and Technology Australia.
The world-leading marine biologist was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2018 for her distinguished service to higher education, particularly to marine ecology, ecotoxicology and research institutes.
She was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2022.
Her family said their heartbreak has been greatly comforted by the outpouring of love and respect for Prof Johnston and her work.
“We know she touched so many lives and her legacy will continue through the work of her many students, colleagues and mentees,” a family spokesperson said.
Science and Technology Australia president Jas Chambers said Prof Johnston set an example that would inspire many to continue her work, describing her ability to distil complex information into something beautiful, engaging and fun.
“Emma’s influence and impact will be felt for years to come. She leaves a great legacy,” Ms Chambers said.
“She was the rare, complete package, defined by her commitment to meaningful human connection and improving our planet.”
Education Minister Jason Clare said he was shocked and saddened to hear of Prof Johnston’s passing, describing her in a social media post as “a real reformer”.
Group of Eight chief executive Vicki Thomson said the sector had lost a remarkable leader.
“Emma was simply amazing – brilliant in her science, principled in her leadership, and unfailingly generous as a colleague and mentor,” Ms Thomson said in a statement.
“Our heartfelt grief is shared across the nation’s universities and beyond.”
The University of Melbourne will commemorate Prof Johnston at a later time and Michael Wesley will continue in the role of acting vice chancellor.
AAP
