Professor Emma Johnston appointed University of Melbourne vice chancellor

Prominent researcher Professor Emma Johnston has been appointed as the University of Melbourne’s 21st vice chancellor, and the first woman to step into the role.

Professor Emma Johnston is the first woman to be appointed vice-chancellor at Melbourne University. Picture: James Gourley

Prominent researcher Professor Emma Johnston has been appointed as the University of Melbourne’s 21st vice chancellor, becoming the first woman to step into the role.

The CSIRO director will depart her position as the University of Sydney’s deputy vice-chancellor (research) and make the move home to Melbourne in time to commence her new job in February next year.

University of Melbourne chancellor Jane Hansen made the announcement on Monday, crediting Professor Johnston’s success to her passion for research and desire to help students and staff reach their full potential.

“Professor Johnston is one of Australia’s pre-eminent university leaders … She has a proven track record of leadership excellence and transformational change,” Ms Hansen said.

Professor Emma Johnston will take up her new role from February 2025. Picture: John Appleyard

“Her strategic thinking and inclusive approach will support the University of Melbourne to continue to thrive.”

Professor Johnston grew up in Williamstown and studied at the University of Melbourne, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science and her Doctorate. Her research specialised in the ecological impacts of human activities in marine ecosystems.

She spent 20 years at the University of New South Wales where she rose to the positions of pro vice-chancellor (research) and dean of science, prior to her stint at the University of Sydney.

The Ian Potter Foundation Governor was later made an Officer of the order of Australia in 2018 for her distinguished service to higher education.

“It is a great privilege to be appointed the university’s next vice-chancellor and I look forward to building on the work of Professor Duncan Maskell and his leadership team,” Professor Johnston said.

“I see the university as a foundation stone for the city, the state and the nation, creating resilient graduates with the know-how and flexibility to support the needs of government, business and community.”

Outgoing vice-chancellor Duncan Maskell, who announced in April he would be stepping down in early 2025, said he looked forward to working closely with Professor Johnston to “ensure a smooth leadership transition”.