University of Melbourne’s vice chancellor dies at 52
The University of Melbourne’s first female vice-chancellor has died of cancer less than 12 months after taking up the post.
Professor Emma Johnston, 52, described as a talented marine ecologist and “visionary leader in science and research”, was appointed to the post in February 2025, replacing Duncan Maskell, who faced a tumultuous period when he took up the post in 2018, marred by COVID-19, pro-Palestinian protests and debates over international borders.
Survived by her husband and two children, Johnston has been described as “an optimist to the end”, having completed her resilience strategy for college, the first step of her 10-year plan, just weeks before her death.
A spokesman for the family said their heartbreak was greatly relieved by the love and respect for Johnston and his work.
“We know he touched many lives, and his legacy will continue through the work of his many students, colleagues and mentees.”
He was the director of the CSIRO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the lead author of the current book. Environmental Status Report, He has authored 185 peer-reviewed journal articles and advised more than 35 honors students.
He previously served as vice-chancellor (research) and dean of science at the University of New South Wales and vice-chancellor (research) at the University of Sydney from 2022 to 2024.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Scott said those who worked closely with him at the university would grieve his loss.
“Emma’s career was filled with amazing accomplishments, 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 his services to higher education, particularly marine ecology, eco-toxicology and research institutes. He was elected a member of the Australian Academy of Science in 2022.
University of Melbourne Chancellor Jane Hansen said Johnston had an “unwavering commitment” to students, whether through tackling cost-of-living pressures, scholarships, teaching or supporting their research.
“He did everything he could to make sure they were best equipped to achieve their goals. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with them to hear their stories. They were his inspiration,” Hansen said.
It has also supported the capacity of women and girls to receive science education, “helping us better understand and protect our marine communities and coastal waterways.”
The Group of Eight Universities described his death as “an unimaginable loss to Australia’s higher education and research community”.
Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said they had lost a remarkable leader and friend.
“Emma was simply magnificent, excellent in her science, principled in her leadership, and always generous as a colleague and mentor. Our heartfelt pain is shared across universities across the country and beyond.”
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering CEO Kylie Walker and UNSW Professor Rob Brooks said in a written obituary that “Emma wanted nothing more than to save the world – but like the ocean – in the end she could only do so much.”
“Emma’s final months were marked by a violent doubling down on this mission; she realized her time was running out. She was only 52 when she passed away after a brief and brutal illness, still not finished parenting, saving the oceans and the planet, nurturing and raising the next generation, or transforming the Australian research and higher education landscape into something great,” they wrote.
“He was truly the leader of our time.”
Professor Michael Wesley will continue in his role as vice-chancellor.
Nicole Precel is an education reporter for The Age. He was previously an audio video producer. He is also a documentary producer. Contact Nicole.precel@theage.com.auConnect with: excitement, Facebook or email.
