Tribute messages

Emma, may you rest in peace. Your contributions to Australian community and science will never be forgotten.

Ant Raic

My heartfelt condolences to Emma’s family. I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Please take care. Emma brought energy, dynamism, and a deep commitment to a diverse and thriving University community. With a call to action to connect people across different disciplines and capabilities and create an environment that was adaptable and able to achieve sustained success. This is a legacy for the University community to carry forward as we keep alive the vision of a brilliant leader and person. Your impact will shine brightly for many of us!

Padmini Sebastian

I was thrilled when Emma was appointed as Vice-Chancellor, and I felt confident and optimistic about her leadership and the course she was setting for us. I was so sad to learn about her death, and my sense of our collective loss has deepened as I've read the tributes being shared about her contributions to science, her intellect, warmth, generosity, leadership and impact. My condolences to Emma's family, friends and all who are grieving for her.

Kat Frame

Vale Professor Emma Johnston Your premature passing has left a deep loss for the entire University academic staff, University professional staff, students & University executive administrative & Faculty departments. Thank you for your contributions throughout 2025.

Kevin Kwong, final year Biomedicine immunology student

I was deeply saddened by this tragic and premature loss and send my sincere condolences to Emma's family and friends. An outstanding academic and inspiring leader, I always enjoyed conversations with Emma during her time as Sydney DVCR and Melbourne VC. Despite Emma's short tenure in the latter role, her legacy and vision for education, research and resilience will endure.

Mark Hargreaves, Emeritus Professor

Your sincerity and kindness will forever transcend through the University in every aspect. May your beautiful soul rest in peace

Steven Chan

Emma, although I never had the chance to meet you in person, your leadership, warmth and presence were deeply felt. As a staff member, I noticed how you made time to be among people, at Open Day and across the University, connecting genuinely with staff, students, alumni and partners. In such a short time, your impact was clear and inspiring. One word that will always stay with me from your leadership is, resilience. A value you embodied and so clearly instilled in our University’s 2030 strategy. Your contribution and legacy will endure, and you will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences go out to Emma’s family and loved ones. May they find strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.

Steffan Irugalbandara

Deeply sadden by Emma's passing. I was looking forward to working towards the vision she had created for the university. In the short time she was with us, she returned education, learning, sharing knowledge, innovation and research to the heart of our university's objective, where it belongs. Treating the university like an ecological system, living, breathing entity which requires a holistic approach to ensure we are attuned with our purpose, able to sustainably grow with the shifting environment and innovation, and are resilient to the challenges that comes with change and progress.

Dimple Rajyaguru

My thoughts and deepest prayers are with the family of Professor Emma Johnston, and the UniMelb community. Such a heartbreaking loss!

Liliane Yarak

Thank you for your contribution. May you rest in peace.

Nuolin （Avery）Liao

Every day we meet people who speak of their values through words, in the media, in recognition, or in conversation. But Professor Emma Johnston was the kind of person who lived her values. She showed everyone around her what she believed through the way she carried herself, with grace, kindness, and generosity. People like that are rare. Their passing is felt not just in moments of grief but in waves over time, remembered in the quiet stillness of the goodness they leave behind. My heart goes out to her family, friends, everyone she uplifted and inspired over the years, our university community, and across Australia. Professor Johnston, you will be remembered as you lived, by the example you set and the light you shared.

Dr Mohammad Taha

Although I did not meet Prof. Emma Johnston personally, I felt a sense of optimism from her first address to our community. Her leadership, alongside other University female leaders, marked an inspiring moment for me. My sincere condolences to her family and her loved ones.

Yovanna Adamis