Professor Emma Johnston AO has been named as the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and will become the first woman to hold the role in the university’s history.
Professor Johnston is a well-respected marine scientist and the current Deputy Vice- Chancellor of Research at the University of Sydney. She is the former President of Science & Technology Australia and has led major research projects both in Australia and internationally.
She has spent much of her career at the University of New South Wales, where she held positions including Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Dean of Science.
She will become the University of Melbourne’s 21st Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Johnston’s appointment was announced on Monday by the University of Melbourne Chancellor, Jane Hansen AO, who said Johnston is a strong advocate for higher education.
“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,” Hansen said in a statement.
“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.”
Hansen described Professor Johnston as one of Australia’s “preeminent university leaders” and someone who has a great understanding of the issues facing the sector.
Professor Johnston is the author the 2021 State of Environment Report for Australia, as well as 185 peer-reviewed journal articles. She is also a Director of the CSIRO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
She is set to commence the role in February 2025.
Image: L-R: New University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Emma Johnston AO and Chancellor Jane Hansen AO. Picture: Peter Casamento/University of Melbourne.