On 23 August 2023, the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon. Ed Husic MP, announced that the Australian Government has appointed  Professor Emma Johnston AO FRSN FAA FTSE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) of the University of Sydney, as a member of the CSIRO Board for the next four years.

Professor Johnston is well known to RSNSW members as an eminent marine scientist, a past winner of the Society’s Clarke Medal, and the speaker at the most recent Ideas@theHouse (August 2023) at which she discussed Ideas for marine stewardship and sustainability in a time of acceleration.

In announcing the appointment, Mr Husic noted “Professor Johnston’s impressive marine science credentials will bring environmental expertise to the CSIRO Board, complementing the board’s existing skills and experience”, going on to say that “It’s incredibly important that the CSIRO is at the forefront of applying scientific research to tackle the big challenges facing the Australian community. Having esteemed scientists like Professor Johnston as part of the leadership of our national science agency is invaluable.”

The Council of the Society warmly congratulates Professor Johnston on her appointment.