Tribute messages

A terrible loss as a friend and colleague and for our ecotoxicological community. A life well lived and well worth celebrating. Will be sadly missed.

Jules Mondon

It's just heartbreaking to lose our wonderful Emma at such a young age. Emma had so much energy, warmth, intelligence, and creativity still to give. I have so many treasured memories of working with EJ when she first arrived at UNSW, running field trips to Jervis Bay and LEI. Emma was immediately a star on the rise, pouring her energy into training undergrads and ECRs in the beauty of marine ecology. At the time we were 2 of only 3 staff based at the old Centre for Marine & Coastal Studies. EJ rose to stratospheric heights in no time, but she never lost her wonderful compassion, kindness, and fun sense of humour. She was always a joy to work with and so very insightful no matter what the platform. Sam and family - I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I also have such lovely memories of our baby Jess enjoying cake and 'ika-lily' (ice cream) at your home back in 2002. 18 years later Jess would run into Emma as Dean on campus, as a UNSW B. Adv. Sci. student! With much love, Matt & family

Matt England, UNSW

Professor Emma Johnston was a force of intellect, compassion, and quiet determination whose brief tenure as our Vice Chancellor filled me with hope for the future of universities. To have a woman for the first time, and one of such standing in science and academia, leading our university was inspirational, especially as she made herself available to staff and students with obvious support for our endeavours. Her expertise and leadership in marine ecology and the state of our oceans inspired me and many others with a concern for our environments. She was generous with her time, listened with care, and lifted others with a rare combination of strength and grace. She was especially supportive of our Indigenous initiatives and successes. Her influence will ripple through generations of students, scholars, and communities. I admired how she brought brilliance to every room she entered — not as performance, but as purpose — always focused on making knowledge serve people, justice, and the fu

Prof Marcia Langton AO

The first time I met Emma was at an AMSA conference, I was a bit starstruck and couldn't believe she knew my name, obviously I knew hers. Reading the many messages, I can see that this friendliness, awareness and kindness was universal. Whenever I was lucky to cross paths with her in the years since, I was always struck by her elegance and how considered she was, and always enjoyed talking shop. I think her example will be something we all reflect on to help drive us forward in marine and coastal science. I feel honoured to have known her just that little bit as part of the extended Keolab alumni family. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and those close to her.

Jacqui Pocklington

These are sad and thoughtful times for our university in the loss of our first female VC. I remember in Emma's inaugural town hall she talked about a frightening experience while doing research underwater and how she was very proud once she escaped the situation that she "didn't drop the lab notebook." That inspiring phrase has been become part of my own self talk for approaching hard things. Vale Emma, and condolences to your family.

Tina Brock

I extend my sincere sympathies to Emma’s family and loved ones. Thank you for allowing us to share in memories of Emma. The many stories shared have reflected her deep empathy and humanity, and have demonstrated not only her great leadership but also her strength of character. We have lost a wonderful person, far too soon. I hope we can honour her legacy by continuing to bring her strategy for the University to life in the way she would have hoped.

Jessie Leung

The Australian scientific community has been deeply enriched by Emma’s inspirational leadership and vision over many years. She had so much more to give, and it still feels unreal that we will not see her reach her full potential. Our world is a little duller without her. I first met Emma through the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA), where we connected over conferences and mutual friends. We both went on to serve as Presidents of the NSW AMSA Chapter, sharing a commitment to promoting STEMM and marine science. Our paths continued to intersect through our work at UNSW and SIMS, and through shared research interests. Throughout it all, I found Emma’s care and dedication to science deeply inspiring. She had a rare ability to strengthen our academic community through her wisdom, kindness, and compassion. As a friend, Emma had a rare sparkle that was quietly magnetic and had the ability to lift others up. Emma, you are already missed.

Jane Williamson

It was a profound privilege and honour to work closely with Emma following her appointment as the University of Melbourne’s first female Vice-Chancellor, a moment of historic significance filled with hope and promise for our institution. She led with courage and kindness in equal measure. Emma had a special way of making people feel seen and valued, and a unique ability to inspire those around her through her vision. Her career was defined by purpose, connection, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference across many arenas of public life. Her strength and passion helped so many others to find theirs. Her impact will be felt far beyond her time with us. She leaves behind an enduring legacy and a deep sense of loss. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside her, and for the example she set for all of us. Thank you to Sam and Emma’s family for sharing your Emma with us.

Nardia Dazkiw

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Emma Johnston, and all staff members at Melbourne University. I am about to commence a Master of Teaching at Uni Melbourne, and I have heard wonderful things about her. Never having had the honour to meet her in person, I am deeply impressed of all the descriptions I read in the articles written about her. God rest her soul, Vale, Professor Johnston.

Bernhard Henger

So sad to hear of Emma's passing. An inspiring leader, much needed by Australia and the world. I was in awe of her ability to bring people together to work on solutions and create positive change. Our thoughts are with Emma's family, friends and peers.

Kate McCaughey

sorry to here of the passing of a Emma. She will be truly missed.

Lynda Avery

So very sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful colleague - sincere condolences to her family and friends. I valued the friendship I had with Emma. She was an inspiration to so many. One of the few visionary leaders we had and someone that had so much more to give.

Bronwyn Gillanders