The School of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) is heartbroken to announce the passing of our colleague and friend Associate Professor Emma Hutchison.
Emma was a wonderful scholar and colleague with a sharp and creative mind, deep commitment to her students, and unstinting dedication to our School.
A Brisbane local, Emma completed her education at POLSIS, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 2003 and a PhD in 2008. She was a staff member with us for over 15 years.
As a researcher Emma’s work examined the politics of emotion, trauma, conflict, and humanitarianism and aid. Her 2016 book Affective Communities in World Politics (Cambridge University Press) was awarded the British International Studies Association Susan Strange Book Prize, the International Studies Association International Theory Best Book Award and the Australian Political Studies Association Crisp Prize. Most recently, Emma published the co-authored article “Decolonising Affect: Emotions and the Politics of Peace” in Cooperation and Conflict (2024). At the time of her passing, Emma was continuing work on projects on the future of international humanitarianism and visualising humanitarian crises.
Recently Emma taught “Ethics and Human Rights” in our Master program and continued to supervise her PhD students. As a teacher and supervisor Emma was committed, exacting, kind and inspiring.
Emma was founding Director of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) portfolio. In this role she led the EDI Working Group and co-designed the School’s plans for ongoing EDI engagement.
Emma continued her work with persistent determination despite the challenges posed by two kidney transplants and receiving dialysis treatment for the past five years. Despite incredibly difficult days with increasing pain and medical complications, Emma retained her identity as an active scholar, supervisor, colleague and friend. This was Emma’s commitment to us, and to a better, more peaceful, more empathetic and thoughtful world.
Emma was loved by us all. We will continue Emma’s work, be inspired by her example and keep her close in our hearts, our thoughts and our community.
While we grieve our loss, we hold her husband and our colleague Roland close, share our deepest sympathies with Emma’s colleagues and friends across the UQ and global disciplinary communities, and convey our deepest condolences to Emma’s parents and brothers.
POLSIS
November 2024
