[ASA] Fwd: Honouring the life of Professor Emma Johnston

[Richard McDermid]

Dear ASA,

Following the tragic passing of former STA president, Professor Emma Johnston, in December last year, the University of Melbourne will be holding a commemoration service this Friday, with a livestream link - see the below message from STA.

While Emma was not an ASA member, nor an astronomer, her impact as a science leader was felt far and wide. Please consider joining this celebration of the life of an exceptional scientist.

Best wishes,
Richard

----
Professor Richard McDermid
(he/him)

Director, Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO)
Director, Astrophysics and Space Technologies Research Centre
President, Astronomical Society of Australia
Macquarie University,
Sydney, Australia

T: +61 (0)2 9372 4811 / +61 (0)2 9850 4476
W: https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/FX03C3QNPBi9MG0LEugfzIQvt4F?domain=bit.ly

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the Macquarie University Land, the Wallumattagal people of the Dharug nation, whose cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, this land since the Dreamtime.

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Begin forwarded message:

From: Science & Technology Australia <info at sta.org.au>
Subject: Honouring the life of Professor Emma Johnston
Date: 4 February 2026 at 2:04:38 pm AEDT
To: <richard.mcdermid at mq.edu.au>
Reply-To: Science & Technology Australia <info at sta.org.au>

[https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/7XMOC4QOPEi9Wm3LvuxhNI4UrPW?domain=mcusercontent.com]

Dear Members,

We invite you to join us in remembering and honouring the life of Professor Emma Johnston<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/o4mBC5QPXJipKx4qDsyiYIkTbGf?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, a remarkable scientist, leader and advocate whose loss is deeply felt across our community. We are writing to share details of the commemoration service, which will be held on Friday 6 February at 2 pm (AEDT).

The University of Melbourne has made a livestream available so that members of the broader community can join in honouring Emma's life, leadership and extraordinary contributions.
Watch the livestream here<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/tOnfC6XQ4Lf0918QBh5syI5XYvA?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
[https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/77xeC71R2NTV6Qo3JFqt7IoVfvu?domain=mcusercontent.com]
Science & Technology Australia President, Jas Chambers, has shared a condolence message reflecting on Emma’s impact and legacy:

”Professor Emma Johnston AO led Science & Technology Australia as President from 2017-2019, at a pivotal time in the organisation’s history.

Her energy and vision catapulted STA’s visibility, mobilised our membership and grew our capacity to influence. Emma helped to establish the Superstars of STEM program, which has now supported 270 women and non-binary people to develop their voices and their careers.

She was the first STA President to address the National Press Club. On Valentine’s Day 2017 she shared why Australians love science and her positive vision of the solution sector.

Emma delivered deep impact through Science Meets Parliament, engaging with the business community and leaders of our member organisations. She brought dedication and heart to everything she achieved.

We are proud to be one of many organisations to benefit from her legacy and she will continue to serve as an inspiration to many across our sector. She will be deeply missed”.

Jas Chambers,
President of Science & Technology Australia
✍️ Leave a message in the condolence book<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BNhxC81V0PTPMzLnKTwuBIydmAL?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>

Emma was a deeply respected scientist, mentor and advocate, and a valued member of the STA community. We hope this livestream provides an opportunity for members to reflect together and honour her memory.






This email was sent to richard.mcdermid at mq.edu.au<mailto:richard.mcdermid at mq.edu.au>
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