Tribute messages

Emma’s warmth, wit, positive energy and optimistic vision for our future quickly won hearts and minds right across the University. From Town Halls, faculty visits, student events and conferences, she openly shared things with us she valued - her childhood love of Melbourne's bay, her pride in UoM from student days to VC, her sheer joy and wonder for science, nature and particularly marine life, her thoughts on Leading from the Side - and showed deep and genuine curiosity, understanding and connection with us on our terms. I think it will take time for us to recover our collective spirit in the wake of this incredible loss but we will never forget the inspirational leadership of this stellar human being.

Claire Hooper

My deepest condolences to Emma's family and friends. Emma was an amazing leader that we had here at Melbourne for all too short a time. Her vision for a resilient university was clear and inspiring, and I'm sure will leave a lasting legacy here at Melbourne. She was a role model for us all.

Professor Tava Olsen

Farewell to a wonderful leader. She devoted her life to furthering the cause of human knowledge through research advocacy and her own work to understand and protect our oceans. My deepest condolences to her loved ones

Dale Amtsberg

Thanks for your contribution! You never leave us.

Benhao Gu

I am still deeply saddened by the passing of our great Vice Chancellor. She was a respected and caring leader who made a positive difference in our university community. I share my heartfelt condolences with her family, friends, and colleagues. May her memory and contributions continue to guide and inspire us.

Muhammad Bilal, PhD Student

I arrived at Melbourne in mid-2024 and saw Professor Johnston in her first weeks at the Leadership Conference in early 2025. I had had very mixed experiences with senior management at my previous institution and had grown accustomed to thinking of VCs as a necessary evil, but from the very beginning Prof Johnston showed me that they can be genuinely inspiring leaders. Her leadership was humane, thoughtful, and empowering, and it was exciting to work at an institution with her at the head. It's devastating to lose her but she has set the University on a really good path and we will continue to walk it. My condolences are with her close colleagues and her family.

Ika Willis, Head of School, Culture & Communication

A profound loss for the University of Melbourne and the nation. Professor Emma Johnston AO was an inspiring leader, a trailblazing scientist, and a person of immense character. Her impact on Australian education and discovery is enduring. Rest in peace.

Syed Afroz Keramat

My condolences to the Johnston family.

Lupiya Mujala

What a devastating loss for our University, the academic community at large, and most of all, Prof Johnston's family and friends. I remember seeing Emma present at her first Town Hall. Her warmth, charisma and intelligence were evident, but what I remember most was how optimistic and hopeful she made me feel about the University's future. I was so affected, I emailed her afterwards to express my thanks and was pleasantly surprised to receive an email straight back. Prof Emma Johnston AO was an inspiration to so many people and I extend my deepest condolences to her loved ones at this devastating time.

Emily Woodhams

My sincere condolences to Professor Emma Johnston 's family, friends and colleagues. She had an incredible ability to connect meaningfully with people, vividly shared in her reflection on resilience and presence through her shark story at the Professional Staff Conference. Vale, Emma Johnston, thank you.

Denise Ho

It was privilege to be able to work with our VC over the past nine months - she was remarkable person who strongly supported our neurodivergent students and staff (as well as everyone else), and she will be greatly missed by our community.

Matthew Harrison

Dear Professor Emma Johnston AO and the family, please accept my deepest condolences. Although I did not have the opportunity to meet you in person, your kindness, leadership, and values were felt across the University. You will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

Amable