In Conversation: Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne

Drinks with Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne

Hosted by Professor Vin Massaro

Professor Emma Johnston AO became the 21st Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne on 10 February 2025. A highly awarded scientist, educator, and communicator, Professor Johnston has held multiple senior academic leadership positions across Australian Group of Eight universities. She is an influential figure in the Australian higher education and research sector, and a prominent advocate for science and technology.

Professor Johnston is co-chief author of the 2021 Australian Government’s State of the Environment report, and served as a past President of Science & Technology Australia, Director on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Director of the Sydney Harbour Research Program at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.

Professor Johnston is a leading authority in marine ecology, researching the impact of human activities in marine ecosystems and how we can build ecological resilience. This work addresses key environmental challenges, such as marine debris, and the effects of climate extremes on marine environments. She has led research teams working in diverse field environments, from the Great Barrier Reef to Antarctica and temperate Australian estuaries around Sydney and Melbourne.

Prior to her scientific career, Professor Johnston completed a Bachelor of Science with first class honours and a PhD from the University of Melbourne, and was a former President of the University’s student union.

Professor Johnston is a strong advocate for the higher education sector. She is passionate about the transformative power of education.

Join us for this exclusive opportunity to hear from one of Australia's pre-eminent leaders in the tertiary education space.