Tribute messages

Emma's passing came as a great shock. We will miss her tremendously, her genuine leadership committed, approachable and with clarity and curiosity. My heartfelt condolences to family and close friends on the loss of such a bright light.

Margreta Kuijper

Professor Johnston was a brilliant scientist, inspiring mentor, and tireless advocate for marine conservation. Her groundbreaking research on coastal ecosystems and her dedication to environmental stewardship left an indelible mark on her field. My thoughts are with Emma's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Associate Professor Guy Morrow

Deeply saddened by Emma's passing. May her soul Rest in Peace.

Shiva Kumar

It wasn't that long ago when we saw Prof Johnston standing on the stage at the Professional Staff Conference and shared her story about breaking barriers and building strengths in her research career. It was inspiring and powerful although she talked about the fascinating experience in a very calm and easy tone. I shared the story with my children and they are both amazed by it and felt strongly encouraged. It is a huge loss for all of us for losing such an amazing female leader and scientist. My deepest condolences for Prof Johnston's family. Her wisdom and legacies will live on and on.

Bochen Huang

On Emma’s second day as VC, I was waiting outside a meeting room when she finished her session. She walked straight over and introduced herself to the group of us waiting. She was warm, curious, and genuinely delighted to meet so many new faces. I remember thinking, how lucky are we to have such a brilliant person leading us as our new VC? It’s heartbreaking to know we won’t have her wisdom and leadership guiding us forward. My hope is that we honor her legacy in everything we do.

Rachael Dalton

As a first year PhD student meeting Emma at International Women's day, her words were inspirational. She referred to the University of Melbourne as a large ship of inspirational minds capable of creating significant influence and change in a very difficult world. It's those words that have directed my research since meeting her in early 2025. And it's those words that I will take into the future, Emma's legacy will never be forgotten. Much love and care to her family and to all of us at the University of Melbourne who have lost such a significant leader, teacher and friend.

Lea Rose, Graduate Researcher

Staff at the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Professor Johnston’s family. Our thoughts are also with friends, colleagues and collaborators who joined with, and were supported by Professor Johnston over the impressive breadth of her career. As an esteemed, renowned and respected researcher Professor Johnston was acutely aware of the challenges of interdisciplinary research, and a champion of emergent fields that contributed to public good. Her ethos, principles and practical contributions to advance a research agenda aimed at improving the health of our nation and beyond resonated strongly with staff at the Cripps Institute, and her passing is a great loss to us all. Vale Professor Emma Johnston.

The Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation

I send my heartfelt condolences to Emma's partner, children and family. It is a huge loss to farewell someone so talented, kind, passionate and genuine. She was an outstanding leader, scientist and role model to all women. Emma's legacy will live in on in the hearts and minds of everyone in the University and wider community. Vale Professor Emma Johnston AO.

Lauren Prince

My deepest condolences to Emma’s family, friends, and close colleagues. Although I didn’t have the privilege of working with Emma here at UoM, I met her on a few occasions during my time at UNSW. Each interaction left a lasting impression—she was warm, approachable, and genuinely personable. Emma’s career has always been inspiring. When the announcement came that she would become our Vice-Chancellor—the first female VC at UoM—it brought a sense of excitement and optimism. Her leadership felt like a breath of fresh air, and even in such a short time, Emma made an extraordinary impact on the University and its community. I am still processing the shock of this news. Emma’s legacy will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Emma.

Justine Maguire-Scarvelli

Professor Emma was a visionary leader, an inspiring advocate for science and technology, and a generous mentor to so many. Her contributions to research, higher education, and public advocacy have left an indelible mark on Australia’s scientific community, and on so many of us - as evidenced by the wonderful tributes here. I first met her via my role as a Science & Technology Australia Superstar of Stem, and then when I was Vice President - and then happily again when she came to lead the University of Melbourne. She was also filmed faculty for Homeward Bound. So many points of connection, and in every endeavour she did, Emma shined. Her leadership broadened my own perspective on the power of collaboration and advocacy in science and she was always never too busy to listen, engage, and share her thoughts and advice. Prof Emma’s legacy - her curiosity, generosity, commitment to advancing science with purpose, and her deep love of nature and sharing it with us will continue. Vale.

A/Prof Anita Goh

It was always a pleasure to interact with Emma. In recent years we would interact a lot more on social media as I would post pictures of my moka pot and Emma would post pictures of the coast. I recall when it was announced that she would be VC I sent her a congrats message and she sent me back a grey picture of Melbourne and the message "Ahgh. It's so cold!". I told her the marble in RPB would keep her warm :-) A great communicator and human being has been lost. I will miss her.

Dr Shane Huntington OAM

I want to add my sincere condolences to Emma Johnston's family and friends, and to all her and my colleagues at the University of Melbourne. As an honorary professor in the university I was looking forward to meeting her soon, but sadly this will not occur. Reading the many tributes here and in the wider media underscores what I knew to be her very admirable personal character, her intellectual distinction, and the remarkable leadership she has demonstrated in many roles. This was leadership in the best way that leaders lead, and I was truly delighted that the university had chosen such a humane and inspiring scholar to take our great institution forward and secure its important role in society. I am deeply saddened by her untimely passing, I assume and trust the university community will recognise Professor Emma Johnston in a suitable way, and reiterate my condolences to her family and friends.

Joseph Lo Bianco