Tribute messages

Dear Emma, I didn't know you well and only worked with you briefly, but it's clear to see that your impact on the University was immense. More broadly, it seems like it was the little things you did every day to make people feel special that had the most profound and lasting impact. It's an extraordinary thing to lose someone who, in many ways, big and small, changed the world. I hope that your legacy continues to inspire us all.

Brendan M

I knew Emma as a neighbour when we lived around the block from each other in Maroubra, and I also had the opportunity to hear her speak at several events. On stage, she was an exceptional communicator. Clear, thoughtful and engaging, she had a gift for explaining complex ideas in a way that brought people with her. What I will remember most, though, are the ordinary moments. Even with an incredibly full schedule, she would always stop for a chat during her walks with the dogs. There was no sense of rush, just warmth and genuine presence. Her passing is a profound loss for Australian science and higher education, and for the many people whose lives she touched. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Tania Notaras

Emma, you left such a mark on the 2005 UNSW uni girls - you were young and fun, somehow managed to start a family while smashing through research and teaching - we were swept up by your enthusiasm and energy, i LOVED uni because of you. Who knew bryozoans could be SO exciting! We all went on to start careers across academia, government and ngos - and watched from afar as you climbed the echelons of university ladder - breaking every glass ceiling and showing us what was possible. We were so proud of every conference key note, tv show, every promotion, that’s our teacher! What a mark you have left on this world in science and for our environment. What a wonderful role model you were for us. My heart goes out to your family and your children ❤️

Daniela Binder

All of us at BSL were devastated to hear the news about Emma's passing. The extensive tributes across government, business, higher education, and the broader community — in Australia and abroad — reveal the enormity of her contribution in so many facets of life, and what a huge loss it is. We are so sorry this has happened and want to pass on our deepest condolences to Emma’s family and to staff and students at the University of Melbourne, especially those who worked closely with Emma as Vice-Chancellor.

Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL)

Professor Emma Johnston was inspiring, combining a love of the environment with leadership. I am so sorry that she has left us so soon.

Dr Cate Bailey

I was so deeply saddened to hear of Professor Emma Johnston’s passing. As a STEM graduate and fellow alumna of the university she would later lead, I first became aware of her about a decade ago through her research on microplastics in Sydney Harbour and was instantly captivated by her vibrancy and extraordinary gift for communicating science with clarity and purpose. From then on, I followed her journey with admiration as she moved from one remarkable achievement to another. What has stayed with me most was her honesty about imposter syndrome. Her reflection that we often succeed through passion rather than confidence has remained a powerful reminder that self-doubt can coexist with courage and leadership. Her legacy will continue to inspire many of us who walk paths she helped illuminate. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues and students.

Arabella Daniel

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Emma Johnson, VC of Melbourne University, last December. I've just learned this news and it truly saddens my heart. I am Ani, currently with the International Campus, Zhejiang University, and formerly the Deputy Director of the I Global Engagement Office at ZJU. I had the privilege of hosting Emma in 2023 when she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney. We also had the pleasure of reconnecting and sharing conversations during subsequent events in Sydney, where we bonded over our shared passion for SDGs. Emma was not only a powerhouse in academia and international collaboration but also a beautiful, elegant, and remarkably accomplished woman. Her grace and dedication to fostering global partnerships left a lasting impression on me. Thank you, Emma, for your generous support of international cooperation. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and colleague

Ni Ai， Zhejiang University

Dear Professor Johnston's family, I left University of Melbourne ,as Exec Director Strategy, Planning & Performance, just before Emma started as the first female VC for Uni Melbourne. I met Emma previously at UNSW and was very so impressed with her warmth, enthusiasm, intelligence and understanding of rankings. I think she did amazingly well to break all manners of glass ceilings and very proud to have made her acquaintance - and her achievements at UoM during her one year tenure there. May she rest in peace and many condolences to her family.

Louise Davidson

Prof Emma, Your services to our great Almar Matar is invaluable and may you rest in peace! We remember you forever. Eng. Asantha (Sri Lankan) Alumni of Devtech (1994)

Asanta Sumanarathna (ID # 133630)

Professor Emma Johnston although i never met you i have read all the emaculate immersions and contributions you have made to The University of Melbourne and to all Environments, as a whole, May you Rest in eternal Peace, God Bless You, till eternity

Eftihia Tzelios

Thank you for the kindness you have shown early career researchers like myself during your tenure at Sydney. You recognised big bold ideas and believed in them. Your impact will live on in those bold ideas being taken forward. My condolences to your family.

Dr. Audrey P Wang

On behalf of Chief Executive Women, we offer our deepest condolences on the loss of our member and friend, Professor Emma Johnston AO. Emma was a trailblazer whose courage, integrity and generosity inspired all who knew her. As the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, she showed what principled, inclusive leadership looks like at the highest levels. Through her work establishing the Superstars of STEM program, she opened doors for women and non-binary scientists across the country. We are proud to have counted Emma among our members. Her legacy will live on in the institutions she shaped, the people she mentored, and the generations of women in STEM and leadership she will continue to inspire. To Emma's family, friends and loved ones: please know that she made a lasting difference to so many, and she will be deeply missed.

Lisa Annese, CEO, Chief Executive Women