Marine biologist Emma Johnston named Melbourne¡¯s next v-c

Cut-through science communicator Emma Johnston has been named 바카라사이트 first female vice-chancellor of 바카라사이트 University of Melbourne, in a homecoming for 바카라사이트 charismatic marine biologist and women¡¯s advocate.

Professor Johnston¡¯s meteoric rise through 바카라사이트 ranks of academia has catapulted her from 바카라사이트 level of lecturer to leader of 바카라사이트 country¡¯s top-ranked institution in 바카라사이트 space of 15 years.

Along 바카라사이트 way she has worked as a television presenter, headed representative group Science & Technology Australia, co-authored 바카라사이트 federal government¡¯s State of 바카라사이트 Environment Report and led an influential research programme on life in Sydney Harbour.

She spent more than 20 years at UNSW Sydney, working her way from associate lecturer to dean of science and pro vice-chancellor for research before crossing town to become deputy vice-chancellor of 바카라사이트 University of Sydney in 2022.

But she described herself as a ¡°sixth generation Melburnian¡± and said her academic career had grown out of her ¡°childhood curiosity¡± in 바카라사이트 ¡°wonders¡± of Melbourne¡¯s Port Philip Bay.

Professor Johnston obtained her bachelor¡¯s and doctoral degrees from 바카라사이트 University of Melbourne, where she served on 바카라사이트 governing council and academic board in her capacity as student union president in 1995.

She said 바카라사이트 institution was a ¡°research powerhouse¡± and a source of ¡°resilient graduates¡± with flexibility and know-how. ¡°I see 바카라사이트 university as a foundation stone for 바카라사이트 city, 바카라사이트 state and 바카라사이트 nation.¡±

Melbourne Chancellor Jane Hansen said Professor Johnston¡¯s ¡°passion for 바카라사이트 transformative power of research and education¡± had stood out during a ¡°comprehensive selection process¡± that had attracted an international field of candidates.

¡°She¡­has a keen understanding of 바카라사이트 issues facing 바카라사이트 sector [and] a profound awareness of 바카라사이트 Australian political context,¡± Ms Hansen said. ¡°[She] is a strong advocate and a cogent voice for higher education.¡±

Professor Johnston will assume 바카라사이트 post in February. Incumbent vice-chancellor Duncan Maskell, who announced his departure last April, said he was ¡°delighted¡± at her appointment. ¡°I look forward to working closely with her to ensure a smooth leadership transition.¡±

john.ross@ws-2000.com