Tribute messages

Vale Emma Johnston. An inspirational appointment, as the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, who brought a reputation of generous and ambitious leadership. A huge loss for all of us at the University of Melbourne, and a devastating loss for her family, friends and close colleagues.

Marie Segrave

Emma Johnson led with wisdom, compassion, and purpose. She will be deeply missed, and her impact on our university will be felt for many years to come.

Bhawana Bhatta

I knew Emma during my time as a member of the Reef Authority. She was insightful, always looking for evidence based answers and innovative solutions. A remarkable lady in every way, a passionate flag-bearer for all things marine and delightful company to boot. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. My sincere condolences to her family, of whom she spoke often.

Wendy Morris

I never met Emma, but we could all see what type of person she was. Her warmth shone through her interactions, how she communicated, her willingness to engage with everyday staff, not just executives, and to get out and be with students. She embodied the public good the University is supposed to be. This is not the end, I know that we will see her again. Until then, vale Emma.

Tom

Emma your absence will be sorely missed by people such as me who ask too many questions in trying to refine our understanding of ecotoxicology and marine science, most particularly at conferences. You and I had brief discussion on those questions but then it went to skiing, family and politics. My heart goes out to your family and colleagues - rest in peace and hopefully be high up there - with respect and smiles.

Dr Tom Rose - semi retired estuarine and coastal systems ecologist

I was heartbroken by the news by death of Emma Johnston. She was a role model to my daughter and will be sorely missed

Andrew Majiga

On behalf of The Wheeler Centre’s Board and staff, I am writing to extend my deepest condolences to the University of Melbourne community, and the family of Vice Chancellor Emma Johnston. A natural leader, Vice-Chancellor Johnston’s dedication and service left an enduring mark on the university. She was widely respected for her commitment to academic excellence, research, integrity, teaching, the wellbeing of students and staff, and her unwavering belief in science’s ability to provide solutions to humanity’s problems. We can only imagine this loss will be felt profoundly across the university and in the wider community. Please know that our thoughts are with you, Emma’s family, and with all who had the privilege of working alongside her. May you find comfort in the legacy she leaves behind, and in the many lives she touched through her work shaping the Australian research and higher education landscape and her environmental advocacy.

Erin Vincent, CEO, The Wheeler Centre

I first met Professor Johnston when she was leading the CSIRO and delivered an impassioned speech at a SAGE/Athena SWAN event on the importance of supporting women in STEM. It was a momentous day - the same day Britain voted to leave the EU. Emma reflected on what that decision might mean for women in science, and spoke with such clarity about the importance of championing women for the sake of the environment in our wider world. My deepest condolences to Emma's family. I hope this collective outpouring of beautiful and meaningful memories offers even a small measure of comfort during such a difficult time.

Sharon Kitt

I was so sad to hear of Emma's passing. I met Emma whilst a fellow student at Melbourne University. I recall her as a force to be reckoned with, passionate (including in our shared passion for supporting a free East Timor), always positive, and with a bright smile on her face. I've noted Emma's inspriring achievements in awe over the ensuing years, including the invaluable contributions she has made to marine ecology and higher education, which will no doubt live on in so many tangible ways. My deepest sympathies to Sam and the rest of Emma’s family.

Penny Savidis

I was so pleased to have the opportunity to work with Emma as a member of the University Council and in my capacity as Deputy Chancellor. Emma brought a freshness, a great feeling of energy and optimism to the University and her inclusive and confident style was to bring people in rather than lock them out. Her first address to the Leadership Conference in February 2025 drew on her own research area, talking about the interdependence of ecosystems. This is what she brought to the culture and the thinking of the University Community, and her impact was so great in such a short time. My thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends. I cannot imagine how acutely you must be feeling her loss. It is no comfort, but I want you to know I feel privileged to have a short time to get to work with Emma, to experience her energy and her intellect, and to see her impact. Thank you to her for all that she gave in such a short time.

Dr Helen Szoke AO Dep Chancellor

I did not work with Emma for long, but we did work closely together for the better part of a year. My enduring memories of her will be energy, clarity of purpose, remarkable political and strategic acumen, sheer cleverness and humour. It was a wonderful, exciting set of conversations. What a tragedy and heartbreaking loss for our whole community. My most sincere condolences to Emma's family.

Gregor

I met Emma when I arrived at UNSW in 2015 where we met up a few times early morning for coffee in Coogee. She was so curious and hungry to learn about the strategy. She joked that all she wanted was a secretary! I watched her mostly from a distance on her meteoric rise - so remarkable. I dropped her her note when appointed at Melbourne where she was hopeful in having a secretary!!!. She connected through linked in just before she passed away - I was not close but it had a profound affect . Still cannot believe it. We are all lucky to have known Emma. God rest her soul.

Peter Noble