Jan 04, 2026, Ling Meng

Professor Wang was deeply saddened to learn of Professor Emma Johnston’s passing on December 29th, 2025. He had the privilege of working with Emma through the Sydney Harbour Project, where one of his PhD students modelled circulation and sediment transport under her leadership—an experience that exemplified her generosity, intellectual clarity and genuine enthusiasm for collaborative science. It felt particularly poignant to read this news while travelling by ferry across Sydney Harbour this morning, a place so closely connected to her work and passion.

Professor Wang was also grateful for Emma’s strong support of SARCCM and for working alongside her during our China engagement in 2016, where she represented UNSW with exceptional warmth, authority and scientific vision, engaging seamlessly with senior academic, government and industry leaders. Emma’s ability to bridge rigorous science, leadership and international collaboration left a lasting impression on all of us who worked with her. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable contributions to marine science and higher education, but also for her kindness, openness and humanity. Professor Wang extends his heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this profoundly sad time.