An honorary fellow

With memberships numbers limited to 150 an honorary fellow is recognised for their notable service to the Australian people or in recognition of outstanding achievement.

The University of Sydney’s Engineering and Information Technologies dean, was recognised for his leadership in engineering education and research.

Professor Philippa Pattison, University of Sydney’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) congratulated the engineering dean saying:

“Professor Johnston has played a pivotal role at a number of Australian universities guiding the development of world-class graduates with both the technical and interpersonal skills required by industry for national and global leadership roles.”

“His leadership in tertiary education is recognised both locally and internationally for its visionary direction and setting the agenda for engineering and technical education and policy in Australia. “

“He has been a staunch advocate of academic/industry partnership, nurturing new links between academia and industry partners which has resulted in numerous R&D opportunities for the community.

In the past two years Professor Johnston has spearheaded the establishment of two world first centres: The Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Teacher Enrichment Academy for high school teachers based at the University of Sydney and the John Grill Centre for Project Leadership which attracts world leading engineers.

On the international front he has established strategic education and research alliances with two leading universities in China. The alliance with Shanghai Jiao Tong University involves the faculties of Engineering and Medicine at both Universities collaborating in the areas of translational medicine, biomedical engineering and bioinformatics.

The second alliance is with Tsinghua University to undertake joint research programs in energy networks. This alliance will involve major Australian electricity network service providers, energy and resources companies, as well as the State Grid Corp Ltd, South China Grid Ltd and key industrial leaders in energy in China.