Tribute messages

Both personally and on behalf of all my colleagues at the Centre for Youth Mental Health I would like to express deep sadness and respect on the passing of such a beacon of hope kindness and real leadership talent as Emma Johnston. We only had the chance to interact in her role as VC a little but I did know her previously and we were so looking forward to the years ahead under her leadership. It is a huge loss for all of us and our University sector which desperately needs Emma's kind of vision and unique leadership.

Patrick McGorry

I met Emma in the 1990s when she was a student standing for election to be president of the Melbourne University Student Union. I was taking photos of the candidates on her ticket. Emma stood out even then as a passionate and thoughtful leader. She insisted on a photo with a background of trees and not the boring union building. She was elected due to a well run campaign (in which no doubt she played a large part). When Emma the scientist started to appear in the media I was so proud to have known her and excited about what Emma was still to achieve. Emma’s appointment as VC was welcome for the same reasons. She will be missed by people she had long forgotten.

Helen Collins

Thank you for your company. We have now set out from the University of Melbourne to all over the world and have our own careers. This must be what you want to see. Rest in peace.

yike liu

It is with profound sadness that I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO. Emma was more than a Vice-Chancellor; she was a brilliant scientist whose passion for our oceans was matched only by her dedication to the people of this university. I will always remember her for her infectious passion for marine science and her ability to make complex environmental issues resonate with people from all walks of life. She didn't just lead our university; she taught us all how to be better stewards of our natural world. She led with a rare combination of intellectual rigor and genuine empathy, making everyone feel seen and heard. Her legacy as a champion for STEM and a visionary leader will continue to inspire us for generations. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and the entire university community during this incredibly difficult time.

Wenjun Xu

Condolences to the family

Tai

My deepest condolences to Emma's family and the Uni. She selflessly served the community and contributed to the growth of the University with dedication. My Her Soul Rest in Peace

Malawi

Your achievements are truly inspirational for us all as alumni and for women in leadership . May your soul rest in peace, Professor Johnston.

Li Sa Ooi

Deepest condolences to the late Prof. Emma Johnston's family on her passing. A great loss to the family, university, nation and the world. May her legacy live on.

Dr Melissa Perry

I was thrilled to hear of Emma’s appointment – and then even more so when she started in the role and we were able to quickly see what a remarkable leader she was and the potential that lay ahead. While I didn't work with her closely, I was genuinely impressed and inspired by Emma’s leadership in the moments I was able to witness her in action. Sending love and condolences to all her family, friends and colleagues.

Lynette Gillman

I did not have the privilege of knowing Professor Emma Johnston personally, but as I learn more about her, I am deeply impressed by her leadership, intellect, and unwavering commitment to climate science. To lose someone so soon after her appointment as Vice-Chancellor is a profound loss, not only for the University of Melbourne, but for academia and the world more broadly. Her work and values will continue to resonate with those of us who believe strongly in the importance of climate action. A brilliant mind taken far too soon.

Jeremiah Lim

I've been fortunate to know Emma for many years - I used to volunteer in the field with her back when she was a PhD student and I was an Honours student in the then Department of Zoology. Back then she was already kind, inclusive and great to work with and learn from. Our paths have crossed many times since in the world of science and science communication and it was always a delight to catch up with her. I learned a lot from Emma over the years and was beyond delighted when she returned to UniMelb as our VC. As proved to be 100% true, I knew she would bring vision, passion, integrity and compassion to the role. Vale Emma, we will miss you and I will endeavour to continue championing many of the things you cared about - education, making science accessible, empowering women in STEMM and more.

Jen Martin

A few years back Emma attended a Q&A session on the ABC on climate change. I loved her well articulated responses and how she held herself. I sent her a message on LinkedIn, commending her for the professionalism and integrity on the programme. She thanked me. We became instant connections on LinkedIn. We spoke again regarding the 2019 bushfires and how devastating it was. Then when I heard she became the Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, I was excited that she was given the position. That same year, I had just started further graduate studies at the university. When I read that she had passed away, I was shocked and devastated. The loss of a remarkable person who contributed to the preservation of the GBR, with a sharp mind enlightening people about climate change. Vale Professor Johnston, you will be sadly missed by family, friends, peers, and students. May you rest in peace.

Paul Anthony Howard