Society Fellow, Professor Emma Johnston AO FRSN FAA FTSE, has just been named by the University of Melbourne as its 21st Vice-Chancellor, commencing in February 2025.

Professor Johnston is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney, a role she has filled since July 2022.  Before that, Professor Johnston was the Dean of Science and previously the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at UNSW (Sydney).

She is recognised as a leading authority in marine science and conservation, a sustainability and diversity champion, and was a chief author of the Australian State of Environment Report 2021.

She served previously as President of Science and Technology Australia during 2018–2019 and was recognised for her strong advocacy of research and industry engagement in that role.

Currently, she is a Director of the CSIRO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and a Governor of the Ian Potter Foundation.

Professor Johnston is a sixth-generation Melburnian and an alumna of the University of Melbourne, graduating with Bachelor of Science (1998) and Doctor of Philosophy (2002) degrees, and being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science by the University in 2023.

In announcing the appointment, Ms Jane Hansen AO, Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, commented on ‘Professor Johnston’s passion for the transformative power of research and education, and her genuine desire to ensure that students and staff reach their potential stood out during the comprehensive selection process. She understands how cross-disciplinary research and teaching unlocks the power and value of a university’s mission and she shares the University’s focus on equity and student experience.’ Ms Hansen further noted ‘Professor Johnston is one of Australia’s preeminent University leaders, has a keen understanding of the issues facing the sector, a profound awareness of the Australian political context and is a strong advocate and a cogent voice for higher education. She has a proven track record of leadership excellence and transformational change. Her strategic thinking and inclusive approach will support the University of Melbourne to continue to thrive.’

In announcing her resignation from the University of Sydney and congratulating her on the appointment, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Scott AO FRSN, noted ‘Emma has made a significant impact in a short time. She is deeply passionate about supporting early- and mid-career researchers and making Sydney a better place to work and a place that works better so researchers at all levels have the time and facilities they need to focus on their research.’  He went on to say that ‘during her time with us the University secured [its] highest ever ranking overall to be placed 18th globally and 2nd in Australia in the prestigious 2025 QS World University Rankings, and 29th globally and 2nd in Australia in the US News Best Global Universities Rankings.’

An elected fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, Professor Johnston was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday honours for ‘distinguished service to higher education, particularly to marine ecology and ecotoxicology, as an academic, researcher and administrator, and to scientific institutes’.  She has been a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales since 2016 and was awarded the Society’s 2018 Clarke Medal in Zoology.

The Royal Society of New South Wales extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Johnston on her appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.