September 30, 2024
The Group of Eight (Go8) congratulates Professor Emma Johnston AO on her appointment as the 21st Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
Professor Johnston is a leading figure in Australia's university and research sector and internationally recognised for her distinguished service to higher education and research.
She leaves her current role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney with an outstanding track record, including having boosted the university's research capability including through initiatives that support early and mid-career researchers who are focused on solving complex problems around climate change, health and sustainability.
Professor Johnston has an exceptional research profile, specialising in the ecological impacts of human activities in marine ecosystems. She is a world-leading authority in marine science and conservation and a Chief Author of the Australian State of Environment Report 2021. A former President of Science and Technology Australia, Professor Johnston is currently a Director of the CSIRO and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
A strong advocate for the vital role of universities, she also serves as Chair of the Group of Eight Deputy Vice Chancellors Research Group and was a member of the Project Advisory Group for the recent Go8 report Australia's Research and Development (R&D) Intensity: A Decadal Roadmap to 3% of GDP.
Professor Johnston succeeds Professor Duncan Maskell who has led the university with distinction since October 2018. Prior to his tenure in Melbourne, Professor Maskell was Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cambridge. He announced his decision to step down as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne in April.
Professor Johnston's appointment will see the continuation of the university's commitment to advance its teaching and research excellence and enhance its world-class reputation.
