Tribute messages

Professor Emma Johnston AO will be remembered not only for what she achieved, but for how she made people feel — seen, encouraged, and challenged to lift their sights. I had only brief interactions with Emma while CEO of Landcare NSW, but they left a clear impression. She combined intellectual rigour with genuine warmth, listened closely, asked the questions that mattered, and connected science to practical, community-led action with quiet authority. Over the years, colleagues across environmental science and policy spoke of Emma with consistent admiration: generous with her time, steady under pressure, and unwavering on integrity — able to challenge ideas without diminishing people. With heartfelt condolences to Emma’s family, friends and colleagues. She will be greatly missed, and gratefully remembered. — Turlough Guerin

Dr. Turlough Guerin, Honorary Fellow, FEIT

As an employee of UoM I am deeply saddened by the loss of Emma. Her scientific capability and action, alongside her strong and compassionate leadership, resulted in her exceptional contributions that made the world a better place. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Emma's family and all who loved her.

Dr Jacqui Francis

Emma was such an icon and advocate for the environment. Her dedication to Antarctic, marine and environmental science was amazing. Her leadership and communication of that science to policy makers was inspirational. She left fingerprints on so many works of science. I will sorely miss her leadership in environmental sustainability within the University. I had great hopes to see what we could have achieved having her as our first female VC. A dynamic visionary and wonderful human whose life has been cut short far, far too soon.

Prof Robyn Schofield, Associate Dean Environment and Sustainability (Science)

My sincere thoughts and condolences to Emma's family and close ones. Emma was an incredible leader and touched so many in her year here. I know so many of us were inspired by Emma's conciliatory nature. In Irish, we say,' Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam', may she rest in peace.

Martina Cullen, Senior Manager, Academic Support, Fine Arts and Music

Emma's commitment to equity and diversity was deeply appreciated. She doubled down on her vision for a more just society despite the rhetoric circling elsewhere. She brought optimism and hope to her role and will be sorely missed as our first female VC. Thinking of her family and friends.

Odette Mazel

We were delighted to host Emma at Murrup Barak in early 2025 not long after she began her role, and to be with her at our Wominjeka Welcome ceremony at the commencement of the academic year. Emma's commitment to Indigenous student success was genuine and evident every time we encountered her. She listened intently when hearing about Indigenous research, the student experience, and our place in the University community. We valued her focus and hard work to bring the University into a new era and will remember her fondly as a friend of Murrup Barak. Vale Professor Johnston.

Inala Cooper and the team at Murrup Barak

I was devastated to hear of Emma's passing, and the loss of such a brilliant scientist and excellent leader. I worked with Emma on State of Environment reports many years ago, and had followed her career with interest, from her time at UNSW, USyd and then with great excitement when she joined Melbourne to be our Vice-Chancellor. As a fellow ecologist, I was inspired by her translation of that discipline to the resilience concept that informs Strategy 2030, and the application of deep systems thinking to the complex problems we face in higher education. I was very much looking forward to seeing where Emma's leadership could take us. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

Leah Schwartz

My deepest condolences to all the family and friends of Professor Emma Johnston. Although I didn't have the privilege of meeting Emma, I was an admirer as a member of the UoM staff (exhibitions and loans coordinator at the Baillieu). I was so excited to hear of her appointment in late 2024, as the first woman to be appointed VC, and she lived up to those high expectations and hopes, of the whole UoM community. She seemed to be not only extremely competent but a very decent and likeable person. We are so fortunate to have been the beneficiaries of her extraordinary talents and will miss her greatly.

Allison O'Connell

Thinking of you Professor Johnston and your family. You made a very positive contribution to the world around you. Thank you.

Tom Keegan

In her first weeks at the University the Vice Chancellor agreed to open our International Women's Day event. Emma's reflections on gender inequality in higher education and her passion for change inspired the room. They brought a sense of hope and optimism things could change with Emma in the lead. She will be greatly missed.

Katie

Emma being appointed as VC was one of the best things to happen at UoM in some time and her loss is significant for us. Nothing like what her family will have to come to terms with, and I want to express my condolences to them. In her time as VC she showed the ability to be decisive, empathetic, and interested in the details. She was a great leader and a genuine & engaging person. It was a pleasure to work with her for far too short a time. Thank you Emma.

Simon Stewart

It was deeply shocking and saddening to hear of the passing of Prof. Emma. She was a kind-hearted, intelligent, elegant, and strong woman who served as a role model for many female students at the University of Melbourne. Although I did not have the opportunity to speak with her personally, the last time I met her was near South Lawn. Her warm smile and gentle greeting left a lasting impression on me. Her humility and graceful presence truly touched my heart. May her soul rest in peace.

Malsha Munasinghearachchi