December 29, 2025
The Group of Eight (Go8) is devastated by the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
This is an unfathomable loss for Australia’s higher education and research community, and for all who knew and worked with Emma.
Professor Johnston was an exceptional individual and leader, an internationally renowned marine biologist and conservationist, mentor to many, and outstanding advocate for science and technology and women in STEM. Emma was also a treasured colleague whose warmth and generosity touched everyone she worked with.
On behalf of Go8, Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said:
“Emma was simply amazing — brilliant in her science, principled in her leadership, and unfailingly generous as a colleague and mentor. Our heartfelt grief is shared across the nation’s universities and beyond. We have lost a remarkable leader and friend.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Emma’s family, to the University of Melbourne community, and to her many friends and collaborators across Australia and internationally.”
