Tribute messages

As an alumna of the University of Melbourne, I deeply admired Professor Emma Johnston’s leadership and her contributions to the University and the broader academic community. As a woman in academia, I found her work and example truly inspiring. She leaves a lasting legacy.

Malka N. Halgamuge

Deepest sympathy to the family of Professor Johnston. Her sudden and unexpected loss will be felt by many. Her stellar career and reputation brought her home to the University of Melbourne and her legacy will be the strategic plan she developed for others to implement in the years to come. Yvonne Panagacos.

Humanities Foundation Board

Only met Emma once, but later realised we probably studied Science undergrad @UniMelb at the same time. When we met, I was struck by Emma’s calm confidence, her gentle manner & her clear intellect. I was looking forward to a new exciting chapter in the leadership of Melbourne University. Am devastated by her passing.

Andrea Jasper

Your contribution to the University and students will always be remembered. May your family find strength in this difficult time. Rest in eternal peace.

J. Naikjar

Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Professor Emma Johnston. Her contribution to academia will not be forgotten. Best regards, Rodrigo Studart Corrêa

Brazil

I first crossed paths with Emma more than a decade ago during Science Meets Parliament, and during her time in Science and Technology Australia. She was both a force and a light, full of energy and warmth. I have never stopped admiring her from afar. I am always awestruck by her strong sense of curiosity and her ability to get people interested in and inspired by her science. Her growing responsibilities and leadership role did not stop her from being a brilliant researcher. I bumped to her several times (the last one was when we got off the same flight from Syd to Mel), and although our interactions were brief, I was surprised she remembered me well and asked me relevant details that would have been missed if she didn't pay attention. She was genuine and very lovely. I'm sad that Australia truly has lost a leading superstar in academia and an amazing authentic leader with still so much to give and learn from, but taken away too early from us. My deep condolences to Emma's family.

Professor Flora Salim

Our condolences to Emma’s family and friends on passing. Your inspiration in voice for science and technology / STEM -STEAM, will not be forgotten. I remember you saying you can always add the ‘A’ in STEM to cater for all learners. As a visual learner I was able to understand how you wanted the best for our marine environment.

Eliana Mappouridou-Hockley

Deepest Sympathy to Emma Johnston's family, friends, students, colleagues and alumni. This is such a heart-breaking loss of a wonderful person who exemplified everything that the University of Melbourne stands for. To honour Emma's legacy I, for one, plan to continue for as long as possible to make the most of every day, doing my best to help others, and to advance the University and its exemplary work in teaching, research, and in setting the highest possible, yet most humane, standards in Tertiary education and research, on into the future.

Deidre Griffiths

May her soul rest in peace. Sending strength to her family and friends.

Nizamuddin.

Remembering those halcyon days at Melbourne University Lacrosse Club

Ian Chopper Heaney

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Professor Emma Johnston. Her life of service, scientific excellence, and generous leadership touched the University of Melbourne community and far beyond. Though her time as Vice-Chancellor was far too short, her impact will continue to echo through the many people and places she influenced. My heartfelt condolences go to her family, colleagues, and all who are grieving. May her example bring strength in this moment of loss, and may her legacy continue to guide and heal. With gratitude, Dana H. Lindsley Born (MA ’91) Former Member, University of Melbourne USA Foundation Board

Dana H. Lindsley Born

I first met Emma when I was a post doc at UNSW. I admired her brilliance in both her science research and communication, as well as being just an all-round nice person. It was amazing to see her take the position of dean of science at UNSW, she trail-blazed the field for many more female academics like myself. I would think, "if she can do it, then so can I". I left UNSW Sydney in early 2021, and didn't interact with Emma after this. She continued to trail-blaze as DVC at USyd, and then on to VC at UniMelb. Seeing her take on these amazing leadership roles....it planted the seed for me to do the same one day. At the beginning of last year, a colleague strongly encouraged me to reach out to Emma to ask her to be my mentor. I put it off, surely Emma wouldn't have time? or remember me? I finally did send her that email, only weeks before she died. I'm devastated I never got to tell her thank you for lighting the way. Sending my deepest condolences to her family.

Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, ANU