Professor Fay Johnston is a public health physician and environmental epidemiologist who heads the Environmental Health Research group at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania; and is a senior Specialist Medical Advisor for the Tasmanian Department of Health.

‍

She has made major contributions to global knowledge about the health impacts of bushfire smoke, and her expert testimony shaped many recommendations for government policy following the air pollution emergencies during Australia’s Black Summer bushfires in 2019/2020.

‍

Professor Johnston’s team developed AirRater, a real-time environmental and symptom surveillance system designed to support self-management for people with health conditions sensitive to outdoor airborne hazards like smoke and pollen. AirRater was downloaded more than 50,000 times during the Black Summer emergency and has won multiple awards for innovation, impact, and community disaster resilience.

‍

Professor Johnston frequently provides expert advice for government agencies, community organisations, media, and legal proceedings for issues and incidents relating to air quality.

‍

‍

Photo Credit: Nikki Davis Jones, The Mercury