Tribute messages

Making pasties and an unforgettable election night party in 2010. Just a couple of unconventional but incredible memories of evenings with Emma, Sam and their family. Still heartbroken but full of lovely memories of a wonderful academic and person. All our love, Ian, Rebecca, Ruth and Polly

Ian Bailey and Rebecca Hodges

I had the great pleasure of working with Emma in 2014 filming the Norfolk Island episode of the BBC documentary “COAST AUSTRALIA” series 2 episode 6. They included a sequence on the first detection of solar radio emission at the remnants of the Norfolk Island WWII radar station. Emma was our lead interviewer and despite this being far removed from her usual marine ecology territory she became enthusiastically engaged and the episode was a great success. Emma’s own coral story was filmed in the rain and Emma e-mailed me afterwards: “our story came out very well… but I was sorry about my coral story - perhaps I looked too frozen to show on the telly :)”. Emma had an incredible passion for science, and I still treasure our brief encounter.

Professor Ron Ekers AO, FRS, CSIRO fellow

Emma Johnston was Vice Chancellor for far too short a time. But even in her short tenure, it was impossible not to admire energy, optimism, charisma and plain good sense. What a tragedy for the University and for Australia. My sincerest sympathies to her family and friends for this terrible loss.

Adrienne Stone, Melbourne Laureate Professor

I had heard of Prof Johnston's passing whilst overseas. I wanted to send my condolences to her family and share that working under the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture & Engagement) I felt so proud for Prof Johnston coming back to the University and of her achievements in a short time, for a woman to lead our University for the first time, and for her eloquence and grace weathering an uncertain time for our sector. Sending strength and love

Anatoli Amanatidis

On behalf of Adelaide University, I express our deep sadness and our heartfelt condolences to Professor Emma Johnston AO’s family at a time of such devastating loss. We join with the University of Melbourne community in mourning the passing of a respected, admired colleague and leader who brought such humanity, vitality and energy to her work. The news of Emma’s death was shattering to all of us who had the privilege of working with her during her distinguished career, and to those many, many other people whose lives have been touched by Emma and her work. She will be missed and remembered. Vale, Emma.

Professor Nicola Phillips

I had the wonderful privilege to listen to the VC’s welcome address at the Professional Staff Conference held in September 2025. It was such an inspiring speech, and I vividly remember the warmth and kindness that radiated in Prof. Emma Johnston’s speech. Indeed, a heartbreaking and profound loss for the University and her loved ones. Her memory will live in our hearts. May her soul RIP.

Justina Cardozo

I had the privilege of working with Emma at UNSW Science between 2011 and 2016. During that time she stood out not only for her brilliance as a marine scientist and leader, but for her generosity, warmth and commitment to supporting others. Her vision, integrity and passion for science and education continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. My deepest condolences to Emma’s family and all whose lives she touched.

Laura Jiew

Thank you for your contribution to education and research. Rest in Peace.

E.C

Rest in Peace professor Emma. Thank you for your contribution in every way.

Michelle Ng

I am deeply saddened by the passing of the vice-chancellor Professor Emma Johnston. Her extraordinary legacy provides us with a profound foundation upon which we will continue to build, ensuring the University of Melbourne remains a globally connected leader and a premier destination for Australians and international communities.

Associate Professor Jagannath Aryal

I had the privilege of meeting Emma a few times (the smile when she greeted you!) and sitting in meetings with her. I was greatly impressed by her ability to listen with humility and ask great questions, to synthesise what she'd just heard from others and to then translate that into positive discussion and a course for action. I was also struck by her ability to simultaneously exude both quiet authority and a groundedness. I hope the University will honour her vision and her legacy. To her family and loved ones - sincere condolences and so sorry for your loss; I'm sure, once the pain eases, that you will have many, many cherished memories of Emma and all she brought to your lives and to her work.

Milton Nomikoudis

I met Emma when she first started working at UNSW, when I was an undergrad. Although she was never my supervisor, she immediately became an important and inspiring role model for me, and has remained so. Very recently I asked her advice and every time I did, I marvelled at her generosity in responding with suggestions that were always spot on. Even when she was super busy. I remember thanking her for existing when I had my babies and was navigating the rocky road back to work. I am so grateful that I met Emma and got to spend some of her time with her. I am sure she had much left to do and I’ll spend the rest of my career trying to work to a standard and make a contribution that she would be proud of. Thank you EJ - for everything.

Alex Campbell