Vale Professor Emma Johnston AO

Burnet Institute and Acting CEO Professor Caroline Homer AO, on behalf of the Board, staff and students, express their condolences on the death of The University of Melbourne’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston AO.

Professor Johnston was a distinguished scientist, respected higher education leader, and passionate advocate for research excellence and gender equity.

Burnet Institute had the privilege of working with Professor Johnston through our partnership in the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID), where her vision and collaborative spirit helped progress one of the nation’s most important scientific infrastructure, health and medical research projects.

As one of the AIID Foundation Partners, Burnet has been working closely with the University of Melbourne and the Doherty Institute to bring this world-class facility to life, a project Professor Johnston saw as vital in strengthening Australia’s infectious disease research and response capability.

On behalf of everyone at Burnet Institute, Acting CEO Professor Caroline Homer shared this tribute:

"Professor Johnston was a remarkable leader whose passion for science and creating opportunities for collaboration inspired all of us. Her commitment to research excellence and to building a future-facing scientific community was evident in every endeavour she undertook.

"We are honoured to have worked with her and will carry forward her legacy through our continued partnership in the AIID and beyond."

We extend our deepest condolences to Professor Johnston’s family, friends and the broader research and academic community. Her loss will be felt across science, education and public health in Australia and internationally.

Image: Professor Emma Johnston giving a speech at the 2016 NRM Science Conference at the University of Adelaide, 13 April 2016. Source: Wikimedia Commons.