Tribute messages

She was always so bright and full of energy. I loved her early morning photographs of the coast around Sydney. They always brought a smile to my face. Douglas Robertson Former Director of Research Services at ANU

Douglas Robertson

Vale Professor Emma Johnston AO FAA FTSE She achieved more for #womeninscience and the marine environment by the age of 52 than others in 5 lifetimes. My deepest condolences to her husband Sam and their two children. Maree Davenport.

Maree Therese Davenport

Dear Sam, Milly and Antonin, Thank you for inviting us all to celebrate Emma today. I will always remember her infectious enthusiasm! She gave the best pep talks! When I was her student, I made sure that our meetings were on Monday mornings. I would leave that meeting feeling like I could achieve anything, and I would ride that high all week! She was the most caring and inspirational supervisor, mentor and friend. She was one of a kind.

Aria Lee

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO. We had only met a few times, and each time was so incredibly positive and memorable. Emma’s extensive contributions to education, research, and public understanding of science were extraordinary. In such a short time, she achieved so much, always with integrity, purpose and vision. Her deep passion for education, for students in higher education, and for advancing girls and women in STEM was evident in her words, her children’s books and educational advocacy, and her world-leading research and leadership. As an academic (& mum) of a similar age to Emma, I remain in awe of her incredible achievements and global impact. Her passion for learning, generosity of spirit, and her drive to empower others were truly inspiring. Emma’s impact will continue to shine at the University of Melbourne and beyond. She was, and will remain, a shining star. My heartfelt condolences to Emma’s family, friends and colleagues.

Sophie Specjal

Emma is the first person who comes to mind when asked what a truly brilliant leader looks like. She was more than just the first female Dean of Science at UNSW. She was a leader who could move seamlessly from discussing her extraordinary research to sharing stories about her son’s Nerf gun battles. She welcomed me warmly into the Science Faculty family and treated me as one of her team from the very beginning. I treasured our monthly conversations about philanthropic opportunities and felt immense pride introducing her to donors. She had an exceptional ability to spotlight rising academic stars whose research deserved investment. I am proud that together we helped establish the Women in Maths and Science Champions program through a generous donation. Emma’s warmth was her greatest gift. On one occasion, I came to her office to discuss a personal family challenge. Her generosity, kindness, and steady reassurance gave me the confidence to face the challenges ahead. I remain her loyal fan.

Anna Gauchat

We have lost a truly wonderful human. The outpouring of respect and affection can only partially reflect the extraordinary impact Emma Johnston had on so many people. She was a brilliant scientist, a community builder and collaborator, a change-maker, a visionary scholar, a generous colleague, and a leader of the highest calibre. My most heartfelt sympathies go to Emma’s family and friends. While no words can offer sufficient comfort, I hope her loved ones know that Emma has left an profound and indelible mark on our community. Her life was cut far, far too short, but we will honour her legacy by carrying forward her work and living the values she championed.

Ben Henley

I was priveleged to meet Emma once and hear her speak at staff events on a few occassions. I was struck by her honest, welcoming and kind face and her ability to speak strongly and clearly about so many issues. I held her in very high esteem and felt so motivated and inspired by her. Now that I have shared in her memorial, I feel like I understand more of what motivated her. I feel like I met the "real" Emma, as a junior member of the Advancement team, I felt just as "worthy" as any head of department or Dean. Thank you to her family for sharing so vulnerably. What a loss to our University, to the wider sector, but mostly to you all in your immense grief. To me, her lasting legacy is Love. Be kind. Do what you can. Keep going. Quite an act for any VC to inspire. I am in awe of her. Thank you Emma.

Sarah Balis, Project Officer, Advancement

I will be forever grateful that my life crossed paths with Emma at the University of Sydney. While we only worked together for a couple of years, her impact on me will last a lifetime. When I think of Emma, I see a leader who was deeply grounded in her values, driven by purpose and passionate about seeing those around her succeed. She was and will continue to be a source of inspiration to me and so many. I have no doubt she would have achieved her ambition of saving the planet and our oceans – she was formidable and truly a leader for good. My deepest sympathies to Emma’s family, I cannot imagine your loss. To Emma, thank you for everything. We will miss you, always. Rest in peace now, let us carry on your work and save the world for you.

Vicki Sloan

The last time I chatted with Emma, we talked about how awfully unfair it had been to be robbed of our respective fathers by cancer. We concluded there were no words to describe our feelings. It is hard to believe that we have now lost her in a similar way. A great loss for marine science, for women in science, and for Australian universities. Thank you, Emma, for refusing to accept nonsense rules and for defending our right to have a family and a career at the same time. You touched us in ways we didn’t see at the time. Over the past few weeks, so many times I have thought of you and how you would’ve approached something. But there are still no words to describe it. Love and strength to her children, her mum, her husband, and her close friends. Vale Emma — thank you for inspiring us.

Ana Vila-Concejo

Vale Professor Emma Johnston. I followed Emma for many years on Twitter where she skillfully demonstrated passion, intelligence clarity and dignity in an environment where showing even one of these attributes is notable. It was exciting to see Emma come to Melbourne, and even more exciting for me to join the University under her leadership. She clearly leaves an enormous legacy, and I send my heartfelt sympathies to all who knew her.

Vanessa Solomon

I only spoke to Emma twice, but she left a very big impression on me. So intelligent, so inspiring. Big loss.

Kim Kurdell, Advancement, University of Melbourne

Emma was a force to be reckoned with, shaping the future of science and Australian education. I count myself so lucky to have benefitted from her advocacy, energy, and dedication. To her family and friends, thank you for sharing her with us. My deepest condolences for your loss.

Dr Steph McLennan