​Joint statement from the Chancellor and Interim Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University

The Australian National University is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.

Professor Johnston was an outstanding leader in Australian higher education and a highly respected peer across the university sector. She brought clarity, integrity and intellectual rigour to her leadership, and was widely admired for her commitment to academic excellence, public purpose and the role of universities in serving society.

Professor Johnston’s contribution to Australian higher education was shaped by her leadership across multiple institutions, including more than two decades at the University of New South Wales and her time at the University of Sydney, where she was highly regarded for her scholarship, collaborative approach, and deep commitment to the mission of public universities.

Her loss will be felt profoundly across the sector. As a Vice-Chancellor, colleague and collaborator, Professor Johnston was generous with her time, thoughtful in her counsel, and deeply engaged in the collective challenges and opportunities facing universities in Australia and globally.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Professor Johnston’s family, friends and colleagues, and to the University of Melbourne community and colleagues across the Australian and global higher education sector at this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with them as they grieve the loss of an exceptional leader and person.

Professor Johnston’s contribution to Australian higher education will endure, and she will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

The Hon Julie Bishop
Chancellor
Australian National University

Professor Rebekah Brown
Interim Vice-Chancellor
Australian National University