Emma Johnston

Emma Johnston
Johnston in 2016
Born(1973-06-11)11 June 1973
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Died26 December 2025(2025-12-26) (aged 52)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
EducationUniversity of Melbourne
Occupations
  • Marine ecologist
  • academic
SpouseSam
Children2
AwardsNancy Millis Medal for Women in Science (2014)
Clarke Medal (2018)
Scientific career
FieldsMarine ecology
InstitutionsUniversity of New South Wales
ThesisEffects of Transient Copper Pollution Events on the Ecology of Marine Epifaunal Assemblages
Doctoral advisorMick Keough

Emma Letitia Johnston AO (11 June 1973 – 26 December 2025) was an Australian marine ecologist and academic. In February 2025, she became the vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne.

Johnston was also the deputy vice-chancellor for research at the University of Sydney, as well as the former dean of science and pro-vice-chancellor for research at the University of New South Wales. She had also been the president of Science & Technology Australia.