Tribute messages

Dearest Emma I am so sorry for your loss & still processing this very sad news- you were a joy to work with, incisive intellect, inspiring & always a positive influence on us all & consistently empathic. We will miss you deeply as a colleague, a fellow thallasophile, & warm & loving friend. Without doubt, a powerhouse for Australian science & a role model for Women in Stem and we are all the poorer for your passing.

Emeritus Professor Rob Harcourt

I knew Emma through her cherished partner Sam and they were a wonderfully positive, fun, curious couple who brought joy around them. I loved seeing Emma's leadership journey and her amazing community reach. Of course I'm sure she would have said her greatest gift was her children. Thinking of Sam and their wonderful children during this difficult time

Shoshana Wall

EJ was an extraordinary mentor whose empathy, wisdom, and integrity shaped not only my career aspirations and choices, but my life. As her student, I could only watch in awe as she balanced her career, her students, media commitments, and family with remarkable compassion, strength, ambition, generosity, and drive. At a critical juncture in my journey, EJ showed the same warmth and attentiveness that defined her work, recognising early warning signs in my own health that could so easily have been missed. Her care and support gave me the strength I needed at that moment and made a profound difference to my life. I will always remain deeply grateful for her humanity and the lasting impact she had on me. I will forever be grateful and honoured to have passed through her orbit — to have learned from a leader in her field who led by example, with humility and genuine kindness. Her absence will be deeply felt.

Vivian Ushiama (nee Sim)

My admiration for Emma’s outstanding leadership and kind nature grew as I attended the staff forums, it was exciting to hear the University news, the vision she shared and all the projects on which she was working. She was so vibrant, humble, articulated and an inspiration to so many and will be deeply missed. My condolences to her husband, children, family, friends and colleagues who had the privilege to know her deeply. I will keep Emma and her family in my prayers. May you fly high Emma and keep inspiring others to follow on your footsteps to be a great role model and compassionate leader as you were.

Carmen Monte

It is with a sad heart that we gather today to commemorate a wonderful, talented, empathetic, thoughtful and highly acclaimed human being. My heart goes out to Emma's husband, her children and her family. Whilst we gather as a community to honour Emma's life and her legacy, the human toll is huge for her dearest family members. My thoughts are with you all. x

Craig Connelly

I had the privilege of working in Emma’s team and sitting outside her office when she was Dean of Science at UNSW. Witnessing her passion, optimism, warmth, and service to the community was greatly influential at that early time in my career. She was an encouraging leader and role model, and an inspiring advocate for science and women in STEM. I am deeply saddened by Emma’s passing, a testament to the lasting impact she had on people, no matter how briefly met. I offer my sincere condolences to Emma’s family, friends and colleagues.

Lauren Sullivan

Emma was a generous and delightful friend, leader, advocate, and inspiration who gave so much and had an immense positive impact in such a short time. Emma had time and astonishingly good memory for everyone she interacted with despite the pressure she carried with grace and charm. Emma enlivened every forum we attended together and won people over with vision, commitment, and insight. What a great privilege it has been to have known, admired, and worked with Emma over the years. I wish it could've gone on longer. So grateful for the short times that were shared.

Brendan Wintle

I first met Emma at a media workshop. She was erudite, warm and wonderfully engaging. A person in full command and flourishing. I still draw on the advice she shared. Her legacy will live on.

Kudzai

It is still difficult to come to terms with the passing of such a brilliant, inspired and inspiring person, taken at a time when her achievements were many and the promise of more unquestionable. We are richer for Emma’s contributions across so many domains and for the impact she had on people, policy and directions worldwide. My sincerest condolences to Sam, Emma’s children and her friends and colleagues. She will be deeply missed. Anna-Maria Arabia

Anna-Maria Arabia

I and my colleagues at Children’s Medical Research Institute interacted with Emma during her time as the University of Sydney DVCR. In all of those interactions her intelligence, commonsense, humanity and enthusiasm for science and scientific excellence shone through. Any group photo that included Emma was visually dominated by her smile. For her life to be cut short at such a young age is incredibly sad.

Professor Roger Reddel AO

On behalf of the Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning, we pay tribute to VC Professor Emma Johnston's extraordinary passion, commitment, intelligence and drive that have had a huge impact on the whole University community. She was a breath of fresh air, bringing optimism and joy, as well as pragmatism and finely-honed judgement. She is an enormous loss to the University and we mourn her passing. She had so much more to give. Our deepest sympathies to her family and friends for this unfathomable loss.

Professor Julie Willis, Dean ABP

Warmth, connection, energy, inspiration, vision. And so much more. I wished I had the chance to work more closely and for longer with Prof Emma Johnston. She touched so many people, and has left an indelible mark on the university community. Her legacy of focus, resilience and excellence will continue. My heart goes out to her family.

Allison Howell Quinton