Emma Campbell - 2025 Chancellor's Distinguished Awardee

Head of the Australian Antarctic Division| Australian Government
(Bachelor of Science [Hons], 1996)

Emma Campbell, a James Cook University alumna with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Marine Ecology, is a distinguished leader in environmental protection, public sector governance, and Antarctic research.

As Head of the Australian Antarctic Division, she is leading Australia’s efforts in Antarctica – advancing Australia’s environmental, scientific, strategic and economic interests in the region

Emma’s work includes spearheading research, protecting the environment, running Australia’s research stations and logistics, managing the Australian Antarctic Territory and working with other countries to govern Antarctica for peace and science.   In this role Emma has led important science projects – including the first major scientific voyage of Australia’s icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, to study the Denman Glacier and supporting Australian scientists to travel 1200 km to inland Antarctica to drill the first ice cores for a project that seeks to unlock over a million 1 million years of climate data.

Through a stellar career in the Federal Government, Emma has led critical work to protect Australia’s environment - leading the emergency response to protect biodiversity from the 2019–20 bushfires, and securing, designing and delivering over $1 billion in conservation and natural resource initiatives.

As a senior leader in the Federal Government, Emma’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision has achieved outcomes by managing risk, driving strategy, building capability and transforming culture.

With a career marked by innovation, impact, and strategic leadership, Emma has shaped national and international environmental policy, bringing distinction to herself and to James Cook University.

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn.