The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) mourns the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, an extraordinary leader, pioneering marine ecologist, and dear friend to our network.
Emma’s intellectual energy and commitment to advancing higher education and research were truly inspiring. She was a staunch supporter of APRU, and we were privileged to work with her during her time at UNSW Sydney, The University of Sydney, and most recently at The University of Melbourne, where we had begun exploring new avenues of collaboration.
Her contributions to APRU were significant and memorable. We recall her keynote address at the APRU Presidents’ Meeting Gala Dinner in 2017 and her engagement at the APRU APEC University Leaders’ Forum, where she spoke passionately about investing in tomorrow’s biodiversity. As she reminded us then:
“There once was a simpler time, when land was protected from the sea at any cost. Every waterlogged salt marsh was drained and channelized; every port was fortified; and shellfish reefs were harvested and replaced with hard rocks and lots of concrete, but now times are more complicated. Thanks to the research of many universities, community groups, industries, and governments, we have recognized that through this conventional approach, we have lost many crucial ecosystem services, such as storm protection, food production, water purification, biodiversity, and habitat provision.”
Emma also brought her passion for nature and science to APRU gatherings in unique ways. At the APRU Senior International Leaders’ Meeting in 2023, she opened the program by leading delegates on the Coogee-Bondi coastal walk in Sydney. As she said:
“A walk like this is a great way to connect with each other, and with the ecosystems we depend upon. We were able to share important understandings of our local biology, including sharks, whales, and seaweeds, and our local geomorphology, including beaches, sandstone, and rip currents.”
Her words and actions continue to guide our efforts in fostering global partnerships for a sustainable future. Emma’s vibrant presence and leadership will remain in our hearts, and we will honor her legacy by continuing to pursue the shared vision of higher education and research that she championed.
Our thoughts are with her family, her close friends, and our colleagues at The University of Melbourne, The University of Sydney, and UNSW Sydney who share in this unfathomable loss.