Tribute messages

Prof Emma Johnston was our first female Vice-Chancellor. She previously guided the student community as President of the Student Union in 1995. Over the past couple of months, we have felt the difference she has made at the University. The community has felt energised, and her infectious enthusiasm has filtered through the University’s leadership to departments across campus. We will miss her dearly, and her legacy will remain in our hearts.

Saman Halgamuge

Dear Emma’s children, I was heartbroken to hear of your mum’s passing. Emma meant a great deal to many people, but none more than her immediate children and family. I am holding you close in my heart right now. With warmest sympathy.

Joanne Potts

Emma, was a beautiful soul, who from day one as the VC showed a commitment and level of empathy and compassion for the University, students and the community that was inspiring to say the least. She cared! I had the privilege to meet Emma on a number of occasions in my role of Sustainability, at the University, most notably on a biodiversity tour we hosted for Emma. She was curious, inspiring, humble and a pleasure to be around. She 'got it' - the need to care for our planet, place and honour custodianship of the University, its lands, and the flora and fauna we protect and enhance. She was also an inspiration to me personally, due to her nature of equality, equity and fairness. She went far too soon, she had SO much more to give and her passing floored me. As a female and scientist, both, she was a true leader to me, embodying everything that is good. My sincere condolences to her family and friends and all who knew her. She will be very much missed.

Sue Hopkins

It is with great sadness that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has learnt of Professor Emma Johnston’s passing. Professor Johnston was a highly valued member of Australia’s scientific and academic community and her death is a great loss to this country. Professor Johnston’s legacy across DCCEEW includes significant contributions to marine conservation and policy, particularly relating to the Great Barrier Reef, Antarctica’s future in a changing climate and global challenges such as extreme events and marine debris. Professor Johnston made important contributions to Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment as a member of the Expert Advisory Committee, helping to provide the most comprehensive and authoritative account to date of the climate risks Australia will face in the coming decades. Her passing is a profound loss. On behalf of DCCEEW I want to express my sincere condolences to her family and colleagues.

Mike Kasier - Secretary DCCEEW

Life doesn't makes sense sometimes, Emma's passing is evidence of this. The UoM community were so lucky to have had Emma as our first female VC- she was perfect. Emma brought so much belonging, purpose, warmth, intelligence and generosity, which will continue to be felt in her Strategy 2030; Resilience. My heartfelt condolences to Emma's family and friends.

Sarah Timms - Advancement

The Robert Menzies Institute was saddened by the passing of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Professor Emma Johnston AO, late last year. As an affiliate of the University of Melbourne, we deeply appreciated the way Professor Johnston supported and encouraged our work, particularly engaging with students and contributing to campus life through our exhibitions, programs and events. Through Professor Johnston, the University experienced a true intellectual committed to what Robert Menzies called ‘the untrammelled clash of opinion’ as essential for truth to emerge in the long run. We offer our deepest condolences to Professor Johnston's family at this very sad time. We welcome the appointment of Emeritus Professor Glyn Davis AC as Interim Vice Chancellor. During his tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Davis was instrumental in the establishment of the Robert Menzies Institute and we look forward to continuing our work under his leadership.

All staff at the Robert Menzies Institute

I was saddened to hear of Professor Emma Johnston's passing. Although I did not have the privilege of working with her directly, I understand how highly respected and valued she was at the University of Melbourne and within the wider HE sector, alongside her critical research, before even acknowledging her family and friends. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time, and may you find comfort in the legacy as well as the memories and life you shared.

Angela Todorovski

I wish to convey my sincere condolences to Emma Johnston's family at this difficult time.

Emma Weiser

My hertfelt condolences on the passing of Prof. Emma Johnston. May she rest in God's loving eternal peace.

Katharina Sukamto

To Professor Emma Johnston's family and friends, I extend my sincere condolences. What a terribly sad time for everyone. What a loss for humanity. The world needs more people like Professor Emma Johnston and her early passing will be sorely missed by the world. With grace and kindness to all those who are mourning this highly esteemed woman.

SARAH JANE WATSON

Emma was a superb contributor to the Ian Potter Foundation and will be sorely missed. A delight to work with — knowledgeable and incisive.

Richard Larkins AC

Thank you, Emma, for all that you have done for women in STEM and advocacy for science in general. For your time at STA, contributions to marine science and being a visible, female figure in STEM. We will continue to build on your work and the great legacy you leave behind.

Flora