OBITUARY

Professor Emma Johnston passed away on 28 December 2025.

Professor Johnston was a highly celebrated marine ecologist, research leader, collaborator, mentor and advocate for the power of science and technology to improve the world around us. Elected to the ATSE Fellowship in 2019, she was recognised for her broad contributions to Australian STEM across industry, academia, policy, governance and public communication over the course of her career.

Prior to her death, she was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. Read a longer obituary from ATSE CEO Kylie Walker and long-time colleague of Emma's Professor Rob Brooks.

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.