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 died from complications with cancer, the university announced on Monday.
She was 52.
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.
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.
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But she was also remembered as an impactful communicator who was dedicated to her students.
Her family said their heartbreak had been greatly comforted by the outpouring of love and respect for 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.
Johnston made a meaningful contribution despite her all-too-brief tenure at the University of Melbourne, the institution’s chancellor, Jane Hansen, said.
“Significantly, 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,” she said.
“She had an unwavering commitment to our 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.
“Most of all, she just liked spending time with them to hear their stories. They were her inspiration.”
Hansen said Johnston’s death was not only a loss to the university, the higher education sector and the research and science sectors, but to the nation.
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.
Science and Technology Australia president Jas Chambers said 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,” Chambers said.
“She was the rare, complete package, defined by her commitment to meaningful human connection and improving our planet.”
The education minister, Jason Clare, said he was shocked and saddened to hear of Johnston’s passing, describing her in a social media post as “a real reformer”.
The university will commemorate Johnston at a later time and Michael Wesley will continue in the role of acting vice-chancellor.