Tribute messages

I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Emma's sudden passing. In her short time as VC she made such a strong impact on our university. She had the remarkable capacity to speak incisively and succinctly about the complex issues facing the university institutional level, but also to connect authentically with staff at a personal level about their research and teaching. I met Emma only on a few occasions but appreciated her warmth, interest and care for us all - staff and students alike. I was looking forward to her leadership over the coming years. She will truly be missed. My deepest condolences to her family.

Janet McGaw

We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news of Academy Fellow Professor Emma Johnston AO FAA FTSE. Emma's contributions to science, research and higher education have been phenomenal and her sudden loss is a big loss to these sectors and Nation at large. We are grateful to Emma's contributions and support to the Australian Academy of Science over the years. She will be dearly missed by all of us who had the opportunity to work and interact with her. Our deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Though Emma is not with us, her legacy lives on.

Chennupati Jagadish, President of the Australian Academy of Science

I'm deeply saddened on the sudden death of the Vice-chancellor Emma Johnston. Although, I don't know her personally and never met with her, but I believe she must be a great human being and a great teacher who served many academic institutes. To me, the incredible role of a teacher can never be forgotten whether he/she is alive or not because the knowledge transferred by a teacher to many students keeps on passing which illuminates and lightens many souls. May her soul rest in peace and may her family and friends have patience over this loss. Amen

Iqra Mukhtar

We are saddened to hear about Emma’s passing and extend our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Emma’s family. Emma was a valued member of the Marine Park Authority Board and passionate about protecting the Reef for future generations. Her impact and involvement were outstanding, and her passing is a loss to the community.

Shayne Blackman (Chair) and the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee (IRAC), GBRMPA

When Death Comes (abridged), by Mary Oliver I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering: what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness? And therefore I look upon everything as a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I look upon time as no more than an idea, and I consider eternity as another possibility, and I think of each life as a flower, as common as a field daisy, and as singular, and each name a comfortable music in the mouth, tending, as all music does, toward silence, and each body a lion of courage, and something precious to the earth. When it's over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms. When it's over, I don't want to wonder if I have made of my life something particular, and real. I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened, or full of argument. I don't want to end up simply having visited this world. *Emma, thank you for transforming our world.

SG

Emma was one of the best people I had the pleasure of working with. She was kind, committed, thoughtful, generous, immensely talented and a gifted leader. It's devastating to lose her so young, she was one of the good ones. Commiserations to her family, her colleagues and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Misha Ketchell

RIP Prof Johnston

Rick Zhang

In her short time as Vice Chancellor, Emma was generous, thoughtful, and determined to lead the University in excellent directions. A stellar scientist, her deep interest in ecosystem resilience and sustainability was important and had a big impact. She was a brilliant communicator and excellent listener. I was so thrilled when she was appointed as VC. My deepest sympathies to her partner, two children and wider family. She will be deeply missed.

Celia McMichael

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Emma Johnston. During her tenure at the University of Sydney, I had the privilege of working closely with her as her Administrative Officer, and I came to admire her professionalism, integrity, and leadership greatly. Beyond her distinguished career, Emma was a person of genuine compassion and kindness. During one of the most challenging periods of my life, when I experienced the loss of my baby, she offered me understanding, support, and care that I will never forget. Her humanity and empathy left a lasting impression on me and on many others who had the honour of knowing her. Emma’s contribution to the University and the wider community was significant, and she will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the community as we mourn during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of such a remarkable person.

Jaie Surve, Admin Officer(DVCR), University of Sydney

Whenever I think of Emma Johnston I'm filled with a profound sense of gratitude. In my mid-twenties I was yearning to explore and to grow and I wanted more than anything to start an adventure, to learn, and to transform my life. Emma helped me achieve all of that and more. She took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to move to Australia, where I pursued my PhD in her lab. She guided me as a young scientist and enabled me to succeed and obtain my Doctorate. Perhaps more profoundly, she set me on a path that allowed me to travel the world, experience nature and wildlife more deeply than ever before, and build a successful career and life working in ecology. I know Emma had a huge impact on the lives of many people because she had a huge impact on my life. It is a terrible tragedy that she is gone far too soon and she will be sorely missed. Emma – thank you for everything. Sincerely, Dr. Andrew McKinley

Dr. Andrew McKinley

Professor Emma Johnston AO, I am a new student at the University, I wish you were still here as the Vice Chancellor of the school, but you are not, it's so unfair to loose an icon like you in a time like this. From what I've read about you from the University write-up, you were indeed a Force! Doing what you knew how to do in excellence and dignity, what a human-angel you were. Thank you for all your contributions to this world, from cradle to the last moment. I trust you are now resting in perfect Peace with the Lord, where there is no pain, no struggle, and no hardship. My condolences to the family. I wish I can give everyone of you a big hug 🫂 Please stay strong for Emma everyone for I know without doubt that it would make her happy where she is. Sending God’s love and blessings to the family ❤️ Roseline Chiwueze Omenoba

Roseline Chiwueze Omenoba

It's hard to believe that Emma - that vibrant, dynamic, inspiring and memorable person - is no longer with us. She was a superstar who remained grounded, a scholar who remained humble, and a leader who genuinely sought input and advice to guide her. She gave so much, and still had so much to offer. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all the communities to which she belonged.

Professor Jane McAdam AO