Tribute messages

Emmas was energetic and thoughtful and a much valued contributor to the Ian Potter Foundation.

The Hon Susan Crennan AC KC

Emma's loss leaves a huge whole in the Australian's research ecosystem and the hearts of many Australians. Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. I knew Emma only briefly, when she was a PhD student, when she commenced work at UNSW, sharing her work as her career advanced, and bumping into her at the 2025 Garma Festival. From the outset, I could see Emma was on a trajectory of greatness. She got there, and then some more. I will miss those brief moments with Emma. A huge loss.

Carmel Pollino

My deepest sympathy and condolence to Emma's family and friends. Her passing is indeed an enormous loss for everyone but none more than her partner and children. I had the brief privilege of travelling to Garma Festival in August with Emma. Having not met her prior, I'd heard of her warmth and approachable nature from other staff and students. But still I was nervous with intimidation before the trip. I needn't have been. She was every bit as kind, intelligent and open as I'd heard. Over camp-side chats at Garma we learned about the work being led by Indigenous communities in NE Arnhem Land. Emma was the warm and approachable person I'd heard about with everyone she met there. She listened with curiosity, asked poignant questions, engaged with genuine interest. I left the festival excited to be working under such an extraordinary leader. The right leader for these times. Her life cut far too short, and the change she so passionately pursued, is a profound loss for us all.

Antonia Lawson

I can still remember the energy that Emma created at last year's Melbourne Leadership Conference. She was in her first week as VC, and her keynote address was engaging, articulate, energetic, and she showed herself to be contemporary in her thinking about our challenges and how to lead through them. The round of applause was rousing, and the excitement from our leadership group was palpable. I'm saddened that we won't get to see how she would have taken up the VC role over time to bring the new strategy to life - may we honour her memory by bringing the strategy to life in coming years.

Claire Hopkins

As students, Emma Johnston went to a party with my niece Tomoko Nakata and realised that they didn’t know anyone there. Emma announced to Tomoko let us just introduce ourselves to those present. A multitalented people person, Emma will be a great loss to her family and friends. As a leader in Science and academia, Emma had given so much but a life cut short with so much more she could have given. A talent rarely seen. My family in Japan send their sincere condolences.

Sachiko Noguchi

I was one of many alumni that were so excited to learn that Emma would become the Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. I had been following and admiring her career from a distance as an Ecology PhD student. Her energy and enthusiasm when she spoke at the Ecological Society of Australia conferences were contagious. I am deeply saddened by her untimely demise. I extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends. Vale Emma Johnston.

Dr. Himali Ratnayake

I knew Emma virtually through her magnificent early morning beach photos shared on Twitter, her clear articulation of the benefit of science on ABC's Q&A, through her compelling arguments in support of increased & sustained investment in science as President of Science & Technology Australia and her drive to encourage girls & women to embrace STEMM as the foundation of a career & ensure women had the necessary support to have a successful scientific career. A dynamo, taken too soon but whose legacy will continue.

Dr Alison Rice

Professor Emma Johnston AO led Science & Technology Australia as President from 2017-2019, at a pivotal time in the organisation’s history. Her energy and vision catapulted STA’s visibility, mobilised our membership and grew our capacity to influence. Emma helped to establish the Superstars of STEM program, which has now supported 270 women and non-binary people to develop their voices and their careers. She was the first STA President to address the National Press Club. On Valentine’s Day 2017 she shared why Australians love science and her positive vision of the solution sector. Emma delivered deep impact through Science Meets Parliament, engaging with the business community and leaders of our member organisations. She brought dedication and heart to everything she achieved. We are proud to be one of many organisations to benefit from her legacy and she will continue to serve as an inspiration to many across our sector. She will be deeply missed.

Jas Chambers, President of Science & Technology Australia

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.

Therese N. Hopfenbeck

My condolence to Emma's loved ones and colleagues. I had the good fortune to meet Emma when we were both presenters on the TV documentary series Coast Australia. Although we filmed our stories separately and never worked together on screen, when all the presenters came together behind the scenes on a couple of occasions I enjoyed talking with her very much. She was able to bring her expertise in marine ecology to a wider audience by engaging in this kind of media work, and she did it in a very clear, purposeful and engaging manner. May she rest in peace.

Alice Garner

Emma was always a standout person and scientist. I remember working at the Zoology Department, Melbourne University in the early 1980s while Emma was doing her Honours year. She left an impression on me, even then. Later, when our paths crossed again through the Australian Marine Sciences Association and its Committee work and annual conferences, I always enjoyed sharing in her enthusiasm and progress, and greatly admired her achievements and brilliant communication skills. She was such an inspiration for women in science, too--particularly for those younger. Her life's work constitutes an amazing contribution and legacy for Australian marine and environmental science, for women in science, and for science and the community, in general. It was such a pleasure and honour to have known and engaged with her. Her unique style and brilliant smile cannot be forgotten.

Dr Gina M Newton (Past President of the Australian Marine Sciences Association)

Professor Johnston — I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing. Though we never had the chance to meet, I listened closely to your staff engagements and admired the warmth, clarity, and sense of purpose you brought to every conversation. When you were appointed in early 2025, my Aunt Sally (Madsen) told me we were distant family — third cousins, through our grandmothers Vilia and Norma. Since then, I often wondered what I might say if our paths crossed on campus. I imagined I would be a little star struck, perhaps even tempted to say “hey cuz,” though I doubt I would have ever had the courage to actually do it. May you rest peacefully and continue to watch over all those you loved. To Professor Johnston’s family, My heart breaks for your loss. I hope you find strength in the memories you hold and comfort in sharing these with the generations who will join your family in the years ahead.

Emily MacKay