Tribute messages

I was deeply saddened to hear the passing of Emma. I had the pleasure of meeting Emma over a decade ago at UNSW. I volunteered to assist on projects in her lab in my final year of my undergrad. She also made time to meet with me when I expressed interest in joining her lab to complete my honours year. She was incredibly passionate about the marine environment and this passion radiated. She was a popular choice for a supervisor for PhD, masters and honours students and I believe this was attributed to her vast knowledge, positive leadership and the kind and caring way she led her lab. She was and always will be a powerhouse in academia. I admired the way she communicated science to the community especially advocating for women and girls in STEM. She was an incredible human and a huge loss in the world of science. To the Johnston family, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Emma with the world. Vale EJ

Emma Tang

In my message to the MDHS Faculty after the announcement of Emma’s death I described her as an outstanding leader with a clear vision that she approached with a deft combination of humility and steely resolve. She really was an exemplar of everything that can be so impressive in humanity with a sharp intellect and a strong sense of the right thing to do, whilst being so pleasant and able to bring people along with her vision. She handled her diagnosis with incredible courage and told me how indebted she was for the care that she had received in our health precinct. The university will be so much poorer for her loss, but I am confident her legacy will penetrate our future in the way she wished. A life cut tragically short but already delivering so much more than most of us can dream to do.

Mike McGuckin

I first met Emma when I interviewed her for the VC role at the University of Melbourne. She found time for an early morning breakfast at Coogee beach before she zoomed off to give an 8am lecture. Of course the ocean-side venue was most apposite! Emma spoke passionately about her research in marine ecology (particularly Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica), the importance of science to civilised society and qualities of leadership. We also discovered we shared a love of Williamstown - both having lived there. In Emma’s too-short tenure during 2025 I saw many of the things we discussed at Coogee put into practice with great energy and clarity. Not just a strategist for her time but also someone able to implement her ideas by guided consensus. Emma was very clear that she didn’t want to be defined by her illness. She was intensely proud of her family, her science and her future plans for teaching, research and resilience at the University of Melbourne. This is what I will remember.

Andrew Cuthbertson

It was with shock and saddness to hear of our Vice Chancellor's passing, and I extend my sincere condolence to her family, friends and colleagues. I was lucky to hear Emma speak at the 2025 Professional Staff Conference, about the vision for Melbourne University, and a small part of her past. Her words resonated with me; she was honest about the challenges ahead but she spoke with passion about the future. I was very much looking forward to her making a greater mark on the University than she already had and it saddens me that she only had a brief opportunity to do so.

Cate Macnamara

I send my deepest condolences to Emma's family and friends. I was fortunate enough to have been at a number of events with Emma since she commenced as VC. I am grateful for the time she gave me, she truly cared about people and the environment and I really admired her. We all have a lot to learn from her, and she will be missed greatly.

Kirsten Clark

When I began my PhD at USYD in 2013, Emma was Director of the Sydney Harbour Research Program. I remember thinking what an extraordinary program that was, and hoping that one day I might lead with the same passion, warmth and clarity that Emma embodied. What she went on to achieve over the following decade was exceptional, and I watched in awe as I began my own academic career. I was delighted when Emma was appointed to lead the institution I later called home, returning to UoM. Every time I saw Emma or watched her present, I was inspired to fiercely protect our marine environment, strive for excellence, be collaborative, and lead with compassion, kindness and resilience. Emma will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on through the profound impact she had on so many. She was also a wife and mother, and a role model for women who aspire to a career in academia without sacrificing family. I cannot fathom the depth of Emma’s loss to her family, and I send my heartfelt condolences.

Rebecca Morris

Profoundly saddened by the untimely passing of Professor Johnston, a truly irreplaceable loss to our University, Australia's university sector, and the field of marine ecology. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

Prof. Frederik J. Vervaet

I have known Emma since I sat on her promotions committee from Level A to Level B at UNSW. Over the years she progressed from a colleague to a friend to being my Dean who still had time to come over for dinner. She showed me kindness and support when I needed it. Most notably when my own wife, another incredible female academic leader, passed away from cancer. She insisted I take all the time I need away from UNSW with no questions asked. The same sadness floods over me now that we have lost another incredible person. My heart bleeds for Sam and the kids.

Professor Justin Gooding

While I never had the chance to meet Emma formally, I had the privilege of hearing her speak at several events over the past months. I deeply admired the authenticity she brought to every engagement; the way she wove personal anecdotes into her messages made her incredibly compelling and relatable. In her short time as VC, she not only created space to truly listen to the needs of our community, but she also acted decisively to ensure Indigenous voices were elevated. This built a profound sense of trust within the community, and I greatly admired her leadership for that. I am so very sorry that her time was cut short. I will always remember her as a true leader.

Lucy

I am deeply saddened the world has lost Professor Emma Johnston - an incredible leader and ecological warrior. I had the absolute privilege of serving alongside and learning from Emma on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Her deep knowledge, passion, warmth and unrelenting drive to protect our oceans and the environment, together with her tireless commitment to supporting women in science, has left a deep and ever lasting legacy. A truly amazing and inspiring woman of our time, her star shined ever so brightly. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Elissa Keenan

In memoriam. Australian academic and marine life are poorer in her wake. Emma combined a vivid passion for life with research itself.

David Thomson, The Rome Foundation

It was a shock to hear of Emma’s passing, and I am deeply saddened by it. Emma had it all and gave it her all. Emma’s intellect, prowess, passion, eloquence and dedication for marine science made a true difference. She was genuine, fun and cared for people. It was a pleasure and privilege to have known and worked with her on the AMSA Council and beyond. Emma has been an inspirational leader who truly advanced marine science and conservation in Australia, her legacy will live on. My sincere condolences to Emma's family, friends and colleagues.

Prof Sabine Dittmann