Tribute messages

Though Emma’s tenure at the University of Melbourne was short, her influence as a leading scientist, a powerful voice for the environment, and the first female Vice-Chancellor leaves a permanent impression on our institution. She championed curiosity and collaboration, demonstrating deep dedication to her staff and students. Her legacy is defined by intellect, courage, and visionary leadership. The greatest tribute we can pay to Emma is to successfully realize the future she envisioned for the University.

Shanika Karunasekera

My deepest condolences to Emma’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. As a colleague at UniMelb, I have always admired Emma’s leadership and her dedication to our community. She was an inspiration to many of us, and her legacy will be felt for years to come. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

Penn Li

Inspirational. Authentic. Visionary. Compassionate. Humble. Steely. Our bright guiding light. I will truly miss her.

Phil G

I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO. Her loss has been felt heavily throughout our community. As the first female Vice-Chancellor at our University and an outstanding academic, she will forever remain an inspiration for everyone in the academy. My condolences to the family and friends of Emma at this difficult time.

Lara Mossman

A devastating loss for all of us, Emma's passing came as such a terrible shock. Full of life, immersing herself in our university community, reaching out to so many of our colleagues in the short time given. Emma's whirlwind has set us on a new strategic course to be even better at what we do. We hope to live up to those aspirations and know that Emma would be cheering us on.

Paul Kofman

As an alumnus and the new Vice Chancellor, Emma brought strategic clarity, enormous energy, and commitment to engage across the university, a depth of knowledge of the higher education sector, a great global network of connections, and a commitment to help the university achieve greater ambitions. As a leader, she was inspirational as well as being clear in what she is expecting from others and was very determined to act decisively on difficult issues. As a person, Emma was very easy to connect with, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with Emma from the day we met back in 2024. In mid-December, she was very happy to share how she is feeling energetic, her health is improving and she is looking forward to 2026 as we spoke over the phone. I was shellshocked and devastated to hear her passing. My thoughts are with her family. Vale, Emma!

Thas Nirmalathas

I never met Emma but admired her vision and influence work from afar. I wish to express my deepest condolences to her family and to all who were close to her.

John Clements

It was a wonderful to see Emma's vision for the University taking shape last year - there was a real sense of possibility in the air. And then, absolutely devastating to hear of her passing. She had an incredible and unique spirit, and I wish we'd had more time with her in this world. Mostly I feel for her family and friends who will be feeling her loss the deepest - sincere condolences to you all.

Rose Hawkins

I was deeply saddened by this news and immediately reflected on the positivity and enthusiasm that Emma brought to the work we do to engage students, and student leaders in particular. Emma listened carefully to what the students had to say and was keen to connect and share in the excitement of the new academic year. It was the same for the hard questions students like to ask, too. These were listened to thoughtfully and answered honestly and with integrity and compassion. Your passing is a great loss to our university, and you will be missed.

Tim Brabazon

I had the privilege of meeting Emma at a few University of Melbourne events in 2025. Watching her in action and talking to her in person were enough to see how lucky we were to have her as our new Vice Chancellor and to recognize now what a loss this is for us as a University of Melbourne community. I am grateful for the contributions she has made that we can continue to build on. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and close colleagues.

Professor Lisa Gibbs

My heartfelt condolences to Professor Johnston’s family. Her legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire many.

Guerdon Mukama

I was deeply saddened to hear of Emma’s passing. While I did not know her personally, our paths crossed through different institutions over the years, and I had the privilege of listening to her speak on a few occasions. Emma was a true role model. She was kind, down to earth, and genuinely attentive. She had a rare ability to listen with care and to show real interest in others. Her leadership was the kind we truly need, grounded in empathy and a deep belief in people. I remember how excited I was when I heard she would be joining the University of Melbourne, and I was looking forward to the impact she would undoubtedly make, not only through her work, but also through the way she led and inspired others. My thoughts are with her family, her colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her more closely. She will be deeply missed.

Patricia Menéndez