Tribute messages

Your passing was such sad and shocking news and my heart goes out to your family and friends. Thank you for your passion for our career, academia. I remember watching you speak to us at home about the desperate race to save the great Barrier Reef sparking great conversations with our kids. This passion and commitment to bringing academic and scientific research to everyday Australians is incredibly inspiring. Using your lens as an ecological marine scientist, combined with your leadership experience in Australian universities brought such pride to our institution - our first female VC and an Australian Stem superstar. Whilst we only had a few short interactions, I was looking forward to working with you going forward for many years to come. Thank you for your inspiration, your knowledge development and communication, your passion and your leadership.

Michelle Evans

It was evident from the start of Professor Johnston's tenure that the University was so fortunate to have someone of her calibre step up to the plate. Such sad and devastating news of her sudden passing, it's no wonder the broader UniMelb community is still processing this great loss. Deepest Sympathies to Emma's family. Rest in Peace.

Marija Udovicic

I was greatly saddened to hear the shock news of Emma’s passing. I did not know her well, but from my brief interactions, I was very confident she was on a path to make a significant and lasting difference to our beloved University. I hope her ideas and plans come to fruition, and I pass on my condolences to the family. Kind regards Philip Crutchfield

Philip Crutchfield

The news of Emma Johnston’s passing landed heavily, and has stayed with me. I first came across Emma on the TV show Coast when I was living in the UK, and was immediately impressed by her clarity, authority, and quiet confidence. Some years later, I had the privilege of working with her during her time as Dean of Science at UNSW Sydney, and then watching her step into the role of Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne. She was an exceptional leader and an extraordinary human. I remember travelling to China with Emma and, during a long journey between meetings, asking her about her ambitions. She shared, calmly and without hesitation, that one day she hoped to become Australia's Chief Scientist. I was left in no doubt that she would achieve it. Gone far too soon, but what an inspiration she was, and will continue to be.

Ben Jordan

Australia has undoubtedly lost one of its brightest and best. I remember Emma from her time as Student Union president back in undergrad days, a charismatic leader even then, and was so happy that my ‘cousin’ – with joking reference to our shared common surname – had returned home to UniMelb. The hope that Emma was able to inspire in staff and students in her brief time as VC was remarkable. She will be sorely missed.

Prof Leigh Johnston

I was deeply saddened to hear of Professor Emma Johnston’s passing. I first met Emma in 2015 when she was Dean of the Faculty of Science at UNSW and I was a PhD student. I vividly remember seeing her marine research work, standing in diving gear by the ocean, which left a lasting impression on me. She embodied a rare combination of excellence in research, deep passion for science, and outstanding leadership. When I later learned that Emma had become Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, where I began my continuing academic career, I felt immense pride and joy. Watching her devote herself tirelessly to improving the University and leading with vision and integrity was truly inspiring. As a female leader in STEM, she inspired so many of us. Her passing is a great loss. She was admired, respected, and deeply loved by many, and she will be profoundly missed. May she rest in peace, and may her spirit and legacy continue to inspire future generations.

Helena Wang from Chemical Engineering

I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Professor Johnston. Her vision for the University was refreshing and inspiring and I am sure that her influence will guide us for years to come. My deepest sympathies got to her family and loved ones. Vale, Professor Johnston.

Molly Gillio

Dearest Emma, Even though I didn’t know you, I have heard such good things about you and I pray that God gives you the highest rank in Heaven. With all my love

Afsa

The Community has lost a great inspirational leader who supported science, teaching and community advancement. VC Emma had a very bright future in the education space. Our condolences to her immediate family.

Prof Josh Aleri

I am so pleased and grateful you had a chance to serve our university as a Vice Chancellor. Your legacy will live in the lives of people you served and created an education environment for those yet to join us a Melbourne University. May you be surrounded by Angels! Raul Estevez.

Alumni from Sydney

Thank you for all your hard work and contribution to the community here at Unimelb.

George

My sincere condolences to Professor Johnston's family, friends and the University of Melbourne community. Such a very sad and tragic loss.

Robert Shaw