Tribute messages

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Professor Emma Johnston AO. Her appointment as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne was a moment of genuine hope and excitement, and it spoke to her vision, courage, and commitment to leadership that widened doors for others. I was especially honoured when shortly after her arrival to Melbourne, she invited me to speak at the University’s International Women’s Day event. Her decision to shine a light on Indigenous health and transgender health made our research and our communities feel truly seen and heard, and reflected her rare ability to lead with both intellectual rigour and profound humanity. My heartfelt condolences are with Sam, Amelia, and Antonin, and with all of her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Emma’s impact will endure through the people she supported, the voices she elevated, and the values she embodied. She will be remembered with great respect, gratitude, and warmth.

Prof Ada Cheung

Australia has undoubtedly lost one of its brightest shining lights. I remember Emma from her undergrad days as the Student Union president, a charismatic leader even at that point, and joked last year with colleagues that my 'cousin' of Johnston clan had returned home to the University of Melbourne. It was inspirational to experience the hope that Emma brought to our institution during her brief time as VC. She will be missed.

Prof Leigh Johnston

Emma was an inspiration to a wide range of people from the University of Melbourne and far beyond. I am greatly saddened by her passing. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. She will be greatly missed.

Bernie Pope

Massive loss to our university and the academic community. Dearly missed. Thoughts and prayers with the family.

Khaled Ahmed

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO. Although I did not have the opportunity to meet her, I greatly admired her leadership, and the impact of her work. My sincere condolences to her family, colleagues, and all those who were touched by her life and legacy.

Meg Keage

My sincere condolences to Emma's family on her passing. It is devasting. To paraphrase the late Queen Elizabeth, 'grief is the price we pay for love'. And in that sense Emma was perhaps the richest of us all.

ABA

My deepest condolences to Emma's family and to all who loved her. My first experience of Emma was via the wonderful photos of seascapes and beaches she regularly shared on social media; they were great 'feed relievers' and said a lot about Emma's passions. I was really struck when I first heard Emma's address the University by her emphasis on resilient ecosystems being both highly diverse and highly connected. May we all at the University hold what we learned from Emma's all too brief tenure and keep working towards the diversity and connectedness we need for a sustainable future.

Professor Jo Barraket

We have lost a wonderful role model and dedicated leader. Her legacy will no doubt live on through the work she has begun and through the many young scientists and academics she has inspired. While we knew her as our VC, she was treasured by her loved ones as a mum, wife, sister daughter and friend. Keeping Professor Johnston's family in prayer. May you find comfort in God's loving arms and may these messages of condolences from our university provide some peace as you navigate a new life without her. She is dearly missed. Ia manuia lau malaga Professor Johnston, ma ia maua sou nofoaga tumau i le lagi. Rest in Love Professor Johnston.

Rita Seumanutafa-Palala, Oceania Institute

I was deeply saddened to hear of Professor Emma Johnston's passing; the premature loss of such a promising, dedicated and sincere leader at the helm of our extraordinary institution is heartbreaking. My sincere condolences to Emma's family and to the whole of our university community during this difficult time. Let's ensure Emma's vision for the University of Melbourne, and more than this, her dream of a resilient, informed and motivated citizenry that can weather the storms of climate upheaval, endures well beyond 2025.

Julienne van Loon

I did not have the privilege of meeting Emma, it is evident that she was an exceptional leader who left a lasting impact. Thank you for the positive contribution brought to our university community, the world of science and beyond. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

MR

Although connected on LinkedIn for years, my first proper conversation with Emma was straight after she gave her first speech at the University Leadership Conference in Feb 2025. She had shared with the audience her origin story, growing up as the daughter of an academic, a mathematician in fact, and she gave enough clues that I quickly realised who her dad was. Afterwards, I joined the queue of admirers to tell her how inspiring her speech was, but also added “by the way, I think I know who your dad is … Robert Johnston of cutting and packing fame”. She beamed instantly and I could see the pride in her eyes when she spoke of her dad’s achievements. We also spoke longer about our children, and again, her love and pride in her family was unmistakable. She was an inspiring leader, brilliant scientist, an adored daughter, wife and mother, and a genuinely decent human - a role model for so many of us. My deepest condolences to all who knew her, especially to her beloved family.

Kate Smith-Miles

I met Professor Emma Johnson on one occasion and had a brief conversation. Her outstanding leadership qualities and humanity were evident even though our interaction was short. My thoughts are with her family at this devastating and sad time. I will remember Emma's contribution and strive to do all I can to honor her memory and vision for a resilient University community.

Professor Sandra Eades