Melbourne University’s First Female Vice-Chancellor Emma Johnston Dies at 52

Melbourne 29 December: Professor Emma Johnston, the first female vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne, has died of cancer less than a year after taking up the role. She was 52.

A highly respected marine ecologist and widely regarded as a visionary leader in science and research, Professor Johnston was appointed vice-chancellor in February 2025. She succeeded Duncan Maskell, whose term had been marked by challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, pro-Palestinian protests and debates over international student caps.

Despite her illness, Johnston remained deeply committed to her work until the end. Just weeks before her death, she finalised a resilience strategy for the university, the first step of her 10-year vision for the institution. She is survived by her husband and two children and was described by those close to her as “an optimist to the very end”.

In a statement, her family said they had been comforted by the outpouring of love and respect for Johnston and her work. They said she had touched countless lives and that her legacy would live on through her many students, colleagues and mentees.

Professor Johnston had an outstanding academic and leadership career. She served as a director of the CSIRO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, was a chief author of Australia’s current State of Environment Report, published 185 peer-reviewed journal articles and supervised more than 35 higher degree research students.

Before joining the University of Melbourne, she was Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Dean of Science at the University of New South Wales, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney from 2022 to 2024. University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Scott said her death was deeply felt by those who had worked with her. “Emma’s career was marked by brilliant achievements, but her greatest joy was her family. Our hearts go out to her husband and children,” he said.

In recognition of her contributions to higher education and marine science, Johnston was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2018. In 2022, she was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

University of Melbourne Chancellor Jane Hansen said Johnston had an unwavering commitment to students. “Whether it was easing cost-of-living pressures, expanding scholarships, supporting teaching or strengthening research, she did everything she could to help students reach their goals. Above all, she loved spending time with them and hearing their stories. They were her inspiration,” she said.

Johnston was also a strong advocate for women and girls in science, helping to build pathways for them into scientific careers while advancing understanding and protection of marine ecosystems and coastal waterways.

The Group of Eight (Go8) universities described her death as an “unfathomable loss” to Australia’s higher education and research community. Go8 chief executive Vicki Thomson said, “Emma was extraordinary, brilliant in her science, principled in her leadership and generous as a colleague and mentor. Our grief is shared across universities nationwide.”

In a joint tribute, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering CEO Kylie Walker and UNSW Professor Rob Brooks wrote that Johnston had wanted to “save the world”. They noted that even in her final months she worked with relentless determination, knowing time was limited. “At just 52, she still had so much left to give, to her family, to science and to the next generation of researchers. She truly was a leader for our age,” they said.

Professor Michael Wesley will continue as acting vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne.