Professor Emma Johnston AO Condolence Book
Vale Professor Emma Johnston AO
The University of Melbourne advises with deep sadness of the passing of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston AO, due to complications associated with cancer.
Professor Johnston commenced as our Vice-Chancellor in February 2025 and made a significant and meaningful contribution to scientific discovery and higher education. Her extensive experience as a leader in education and research, her understanding of the increasingly complex university environment and her care for our entire community leaves an imprint which belies her short tenure.
The University Council, Executive and entire University community extends sincere condolences to Professor Johnston’s family, friends and loved ones.
Read the University's notice of the passing and an obituary that was published in The Conversation.
Follow the link below to leave your tribute
Share your tribute
Staff, students, colleagues, alumni, friends and community members are invited to leave a personal tribute to Professor Johnston.
View tributes
As we mourn the passing of Emma with great sadness, we also take this moment to reflect on a life that touched so many.
Reflections
Colleagues and leaders from across higher education and the science and research community reflect on Emma’s leadership, generosity of spirit and the legacy she leaves behind.
In her own words
In her own words, Emma reflects on a life shaped by curiosity, purpose and the values that shaped her journey.
The Professor Emma Johnston Fund
If you wish to make a contribution to remember Emma and continue her legacy, her family have asked for donations to the Professor Emma Johnston Fund. This has been established by her family within the Australian Communities Foundation.
The fund will honour Emma’s lifelong love and commitment to marine ecology, to research and the people behind it, and to communicating science.
Granting will be guided by experts who knew and worked with Emma, and will prioritise:
- Supporting early career researchers, particularly women;
- Time-critical research in response to catastrophic events;
- Effective public communication of research findings.
The fund has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and all donations are tax deductible.