Professor Emma Johnston to depart University of Sydney

The University of Sydney today announced that Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Emma Johnston, will be leaving the University to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. 

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, congratulated Professor Johnston on behalf of the University community, and thanked her for her significant contribution since joining the University in July 2022.  

“Emma is deeply passionate about supporting early- and mid-career researchers and making Sydney a better place to work and a place that works better so researchers at all levels have the time and facilities they need to focus on their research,” Professor Scott said.

“Her establishment of the University’s Sydney Horizon Fellows scheme has significantly boosted our research capability by recruiting the best and brightest early- and mid-career academics who are focused on solving some of the most complex problems of our time including around climate change, health and sustainability. 

“Alongside our partner the Sydney Local Health District she has driven the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator to help create a globally recognised precinct for the development and translation of health and medical research. 

“Research translation has been a key focus of her work at the University, leading the roll out of a system transformation which reduces workload for academics with an aim to accelerate research and amplify its impact. 

“During her time with us the University secured our highest ever ranking overall to be placed 18th globally and 2nd in Australia in the prestigious in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, and 29th globally and 2nd in Australia in the US News Best Global Universities Rankings.

“I am delighted for Emma as she embarks on this exciting new endeavour and look forward to working with her in her new capacity as Vice-Chancellor of a fellow Group of Eight university.”

Professor Johnston said she was sad to leave the University of Sydney but excited for her new chapter.

“My time at the University of Sydney has been incredibly rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the leadership and support of Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott and the entire leadership team, the research portfolio and all the many members of the University I’ve worked with during my time here.

“I am incredibly proud of the research initiatives we’ve progressed at Sydney. They are gaining momentum, and I believe will significantly accelerate research and amplify impact.

“But opportunities like this one are rare and I am excited to return to my alma mater and continue advocating for the vital role of universities.”

Professor Johnston is a highly awarded and world-leading authority in marine science and conservation and a Chief Author of the Australian State of Environment Report 2021. As the past President of Science & Technology Australia (STA), an elected position, she continues to be a highly influential figure in the Australian higher education and research sector. She has led major research projects for industry, government, the Australian Research Council and the Australian Antarctic Science Program and contributed to international and national research strategies, priorities and plans.  

Last year she was appointed to the board of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) for four years. She also serves as Chair of the Group of Eight Research Working 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. 

She is a former Dean of Science and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Professor Johnston’s departure date and interim arrangements are being finalised.