Tribute messages

It was a great shock to hear of Emma's passing. She has made an impact on the University and our community in a short time. I only had a few interactions with Emma and appreciated her genuine interest in people and what they were doing. My heartfelt condolences to Emma's family.

Hun Gan

Emma will be profoundly missed.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Ever since high school I’ve been in awe of her brilliance .. watching her become a stellar marine ecologist and all round STEM luminary, leaving an extraordinary impact in all that she did. Yes it is a huge loss for the university sector, for the world of science and future generations of scholars...but mostly it’s just truly unfair for her beautiful family.

Cathy Oke, Director Melbourne Centre for Cities.

I am a staff visitor and did not know much about Professor Johnston until I received news of her unfortunate passing. Learning about her was inspiring and saddening at the same time. My solidarity and condolences with everyone missing her. Her Instagram showed up and I spent time browsing through her beautiful photos and captions. It was very moving and I can see she was very special and exceptional. Truly, a very unfortunate loss.

Preeti Mudliar

Although I did not know Emma personally, I often saw her walking around campus. I regret not having had the courage to speak with her at the time. As the first female Vice-Chancellor of our university, Emma was a true role model and an inspiration to so many of us. Her leadership and presence will be deeply missed. May she rest in peace, and my sincere condolences go to her family and loved ones.

Dr Lili Chen (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

I was very happy to hear of Emma's appointment as the first female VC at UoM when I was leading QIMR Berghofer in QLD. I emailed her to congratulate her. She barely knew me and I really did not expect a reply. She did reply to me with such kind personal words. This considerate touch alone told me she was no ordinary leader. Emma will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with her family, friends and the UoM community.

Fabienne Mackay

I was so sad to see the news about Emma. I hadn't met her, but had got to know her a little since she was named Vice-Chancellor, and I really admired her. Emma answered a question or two I had submitted before a couple of all-staff meetings, and she spoke so well to open the Professional Staff Conference. I really felt excited that we had a University alumnus as Vice-Chancellor, and that Emma was the first woman to be Vice-Chancellor. I'm thinking of my colleagues who knew Emma well, and those staff in her office who would have seen her every day and been especially close to her; and of course, I'm thinking of her family. Sending you all peace.

Jessica Broadbent

Professor Emma Johnston remained deeply devoted to the University of Melbourne until the very end. Even in her final period, she continued to work with energy and purpose, articulating a clear vision for the University’s future. That such a committed and forward-looking leader was taken so suddenly is profoundly sad. Her dedication, sense of responsibility, and passion for the University will be remembered with great respect. Her legacy will endure in the direction she set and in the values she embodied. With deepest sympathy, I extend my condolences to her family, colleagues, and all who mourn her loss.

Haruki KITAI-GOOI (Student, Faculty of Business and Economics)

The reflections shared over recent days speak powerfully to Professor Johnston’s integrity, compassion, and leadership. Her influence clearly extends beyond her many achievements, shaping the culture of the University in lasting ways. As an inspirational woman, she set a remarkable example of what true leadership looks like. My sincere condolences to Professor Johnston's family and friends.

Elissa Whan

My deepest condolences to Emma's family on the loss of their beloved Mum and wife. Emma was a brilliant woman, who touched so many lives with her clarity of mind and her ability to connect on a personal level. I have always been a great admirer of her ability to clearly communicate science matters, and followed her career with interest. When Emma's appointment as VC was announced in 2024 we included this for 2 weeks running in our team meeting at Melbourne Climate Futures as part of our 'good news' segment. We were all just so thrilled that such a trailblazing woman leader was going to be in such an important role at the university. Emma has indeed left an important legacy for us in the work she was able to pursue through 2025. We will commit to fulfilling her clear ambition on environmental issues and will pursue this with passion and integrity. Vale, Emma.

Kathryn Bowen, Melbourne Climate Futures & MDHS

I was deeply saddened by Professor Johnston's passing. Her visionary leadership had already seemed to strengthen the University. Her steadfast commitment to research excellence, education, equity and inclusion gave hope for positive change across our institution. I know her legacy will endure in the many initiatives and strategic directions that will reflect her desire for the University's continued success. She will be missed.

Professor Janet Clinton

My heartfelt condolences to Emma's family and loved ones. I was sadden to hear of Professor Johnston's passing. It did hit a bit close to home for me and I feel for her loved ones. I didn't have the chance to meet her but her reputation preceded her. I unfortunately missed her keynote at the staff conference last year due to sickness. My staff members and colleagues returned to the workplace truly inspired by her words and presence. Thank you, Emma, for all that you have done for us and the world we live in, and by inspiring us to do the best we can in life. May you be at rest now.

Mae

I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of our Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston. She leaves an ongoing impact in her short tenure. Her warmth and friendliness left an impression when she visited our Faculty. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and the University community touched by the loss.

Phyllis Vellu