OBITUARY

Professor Emma Johnston died 28/12/2025

Professor Emma Johnston AO FTSE FAA passed away on 28/12/2025. She was elected a Fellow of ATSE in 2019. She was recognised both for the substantial impact of her marine ecology research and for her contributions to the development of marine policy, industry adoption, and broader advocacy for the role of science and engineering in public life.

An active member of the Education, Water and Innovation Forums, she is remembered for her passion and expertise for such diverse areas as marine environments, research policy and championing women in STEM.

Most recently in the role of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, her leadership and passion were evident everywhere over the course of her career. Communication, mentoring and a care for people and the environment were core to her work.

A full obituary was published by The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/emma-johnston-was-a-visionary-scientist-environmentalist-and-leader-with-an-abiding-hope-for-humanity-272609. 

Professor Emma Johnston FRSN AO has made pioneering, sustained contributions to the field of marine ecology research. As an outstanding innovator, research leader, mentor and science communicator, the level of respect she enjoys in her field, as well as across industry, government, the tertiary sector and the broader public, is clear from her string of senior appointments, influential roles and awards, as well as her being named as Officer of the Order of Australia. Moreover, her extensive influence upon marine/coastal policy and industry adoption - both in Australia and internationally - makes her an exceptional addition to the Fellowship.