Tribute messages

When news of Emma's appointment circled, our faculty, the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, was so thrilled. Here was a brilliant mind who saw vast strengths and symmetries across disciplines, who had affinities with artistic development and creative practice alongside STEM, and with whom we would grow and evolve. There is such an emptiness left in Emma's wake. Sending love and respect to Emma's closest people.

A/Prof Anna Cordingley

My heartfelt condolences to Emma’s family, friends, and close colleagues. It is an immense loss to say goodbye to someone so talented, kind, and genuine. Emma’s leadership and generosity touched so many lives, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and compassion.

Rachael Connor

Although I never had the opportunity to meet Professor Emma Johnston AO personally, her reputation as an inspiring scholar, compassionate leader, and principled academic extended well beyond institutional boundaries. As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, she exemplified intellectual excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to the public good. Her outstanding contributions as a marine ecologist, her leadership in promoting sustainability, equity, and scientific responsibility, and her dedication to students and staff reflect a rare combination of scholarly rigour and moral clarity. Her loss is deeply felt within the academic community. May her soul rest in peace.

Associate Prof Nadeem Malik

What an inspiration to academic women everywhere - passion, commitment and ethics. Gone too soon and will be very sadly missed.

Professor Suzanne Rice

To Emma's family, my deepest condolences. I was so happy to hear of her being appointed at Melbourne last year, both for her professionally and for me personally to enable reconnection. I am deeply sad that she had so little time in that role that I was sure she would make her own as she had everything else in life. Emma was a fabulous role model and life long friend. She achieved so much professionally and personally and was always an amazing positive person to spend time with. She will be missed.

Kristina Bennett

Emma’s untimely death is desperately sad for the university, Australian science but most importantly her family. As a fellow scientist, my friendship with Emma was easy, her company was excellent and her efforts were always focused on what mattered – quality, impact and improving access. I enjoyed working with her very much. We will miss her terrible. To her family, my wish is that the bright, joyful light Emma generated stays in your hearts and minds forever. While it may not feel like it now, the brain is remarkable and with time the joy will resurface. All of the good memories are locked in. My wish for you is that these memories surface often and with great clarity. As they are with the memory of my own parents, I hope they are a source of happiness and comfort.

Prof. Moira O'Bryan, Dean of the Faculty of Science

The news of Professor Johnston's passing still seems unreal. When she spoke to university staff in December, it was with passion and belief in a better tomorrow. A leader of the modern age who embodied and lived her talk with clarity and compassion. May she rest in peace and her memory be eternal. Sincere condolences to her family.

DT

Although your tenure as VC was far too short, your legacy will live on. Thank you for your positive example & leadership and many significant contributions to the higher education system. As you said, coming full circle after doing a BSc degree together back in the late 90s, who would have thought that you would been VC one day! Rest in Peace.

Andrew Siebel

My deepest condolences to Professor Johnston's family and loved ones. Professor Emma Johnston brought with her optimism, direction, a deep understanding of the sector, and leadership with humility. She will be missed.

Minay Lodhiya

I never had the opportunity to meet Emma in person, however, reading all the heartfelt tributes from people who worked closely with her, it is clear what a passionate and inspirational leader she was. I'd like to offer my deep condolences to Emma's family during this very sad time.

Hari Petsios

Our first female VC was with us for far too short a time. A brilliant scientist and inspirational, visionary leader with a genuine will to engage with students and staff, may she have opened the door for others. Vale.

Mark Davis

I was so shocked to hear the news of Emma's passing. She brought such an energy, optimism and enthusiasm to the University and I was so looking forward to seeing where she'd take us. My sincere condolences to her family and all those who knew her. Such a huge loss.

Katherine N