Tribute messages

May your soul rest in peace and may God bring peace to your family.

Charles

I was shocked and sad to hear of the loss of her. I wish her family the best and the rest of the University of Melbourne community.

Susana G

I was deeply saddened to hear of Emma's passing. She was an exceptional marine scientist — brilliant in her thinking and a true pragmatist in her approach. Her work on the marine ecology of Kurnell was outstanding and has left a lasting contribution that will continue to matter for years to come. It was a genuine joy for me to have her on the team. She brought clarity, rigour and warmth to everything she did, and she was deeply respected by all who worked alongside her. I also hold a fond personal memory of seeing her cycling with her family on an island in Ha Long Bay — a moment that captured her spirit so beautifully: curious, active, and deeply connected to both nature and those she loved. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy — both scientific and personal — endures.

Susan Trousdale

I had been eagerly anticipating my meeting with Professor Emma this year, so this news is truly heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences go out to her entire family. Sending my warmest wishes.

KY

My deepest condolences to the family of Late Professor Emma Johnston, to the University of Melbourne community and everyone affected with this loss. We thank her for her contributions to UniMelb and higher education at large. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Wilma Paka, MC-TEM 2018

I was so sorry to hear about Emma's passing, and I send my deepest condolences to her friends and family. Emma's death is such a terrible loss to this world. I met her only briefly, when I was doing some women in science/science outreach at UNSW. In the short 15 minutes before the event started I was lucky enough to chat with Emma about the challenges and delights of being a scientist with a family, and we chatted about ocean research. I left the conversation and event with so much hope for science and for the future world, based on Emma's warmth and enthusiasm. I don't think I have ever quite met someone who left such a strong impression of hope and inspiration in such a short time. We will all do our best to keep up the message of hope for our future in her absence. Vale Emma.

Ash Hood

Your contribution and commitment will be everlasting for the benefit of our wider community. Rest in peace

Andrew Farran

Such a terrible shock and tragedy. I didn’t know or work with Emma personally, but I was a huge admirer of her achievements and felt it was such a coup when she was appointed to lead the University. She was here for such a short time, but she made a real mark. As well as her strategic thinking, she had a sense of fun and adventure, and was a brilliant communicator. Her video on Open Day last year, in which she roved about campus and enthused about the (slightly crazy) science experiments being staged by the students (involving kids making ice-cream, I seem to recall), was an infectious burst of energy and pride. It spoke volumes about her warm and easy and intelligent style of leadership and about being embedded with staff and students and the larger community. It was a wonderful way of communicating her vision and the energy and passion she shared for the University. Sending my condolences to Emma’s family, friends and loved ones.

Clara Tuite

As an alumnus of the University of Melbourne, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Emma Johnston. Although I did not know her personally, her leadership and commitment to scholarship and public service clearly reflected the values of the University. My sincere condolences to her family, colleagues, and the wider University community.

Hugo Zhu (Bachelor of Commerce, 2012)

As the former Principal of University High School (2015-2020) I pass on my condolences to Professor Emma Johnston's family and friends. In 2016, my school community overwhelming supported the renaming of a House after Emma, based on her remarkable achievements, professional and personal attributes. From that moment every new year 7 student in her House received a Johnston scarf and we embraced Emma when she came back to Uni High to address the students and staff. Emma was loved by us all and it was a privilege to have known her.

Heather Thompson, Principal University High School (2015-2020)

My deepest condolences to Professor Johnston's family, friends, and colleagues. Although I did not know her personally, I admire her contributions to our university community.

Chris L.

I offer my deepest and sincere condolences to the family, relatives, work colleagues, students and friends for the loss of VC Professor Emma Johnston AO. Such a great and sad loss to the University of Melbourne, its staff, students, colleagues, family and friends and also to the nation of Australia as a whole and the academic world. May She Rest in Peace and in God's Arms.

John Ferrito a former student and alumni.