Tribute messages

Emma complimented my favourite pair of boots as we both stood in the Chancellery lift early one cold winter's morning. It was a brief, warm, light-hearted, human exchange and every time I put them on after that day I would think "the Vice-Chancellor likes my boots!" I was and continue to be in awe of her extraordinary achievements, but she also just seemed like a genuinely lovely person. Sending love to Emma's family and all those closest to her.

Belinda

In her short time here as Vice Chancellor, Professor Johnston's leadership helped reinvigorate the University's belief in itself with her clarity, rigor, sagacity and humanity - a rare mix. I remain grateful for her leadership, her contributions to science, Australia and beyond. Truly a life well-lived. R.I.P.

BC

I ended the year with a heavy heart following the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO FAA FTSE, who made an extraordinary impact on our university. Emma brought enthusiasm, passion, expertise in education and research, and genuine care for our community, especially our students, whom she was always curious about. Emma navigated complexity with grace and determination, leaving strong foundations through our refreshed Strategy 2030 – Resilience, which she proudly launched only weeks ago. I’ve read so many beautiful tributes over the last few days capturing Emma’s visionary leadership in science and research, reflecting what I was fortunate to experience working alongside her. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends as I am heartbroken for you most of all. Emma was deeply admired and will be greatly missed. Sitting by the ocean, a place Emma loved, felt like the perfect way to remember her this week and reflect on how together we will honour her legacy. Xo

Alexis Beckwith - Chief People Officer University of Melbourne

Farewell my dear friend. From our time as undergraduate zoology students celebrating milestone birthdays, weddings, lacrosse championships, chalking campaigns for student presidency, and celebrating (mostly your) successes in our professional and personal lives. To know you was to love you. To love you was to lose you. The world is lesser without you in it. Miss you mate x

Michelle Barrett

I first knew Emma through her amazing science communication and those stunning beach photos on Twitter. I remember thinking that she exemplified someone who had such love and passion for her science and the underwater world. I was thrilled to hear she was coming to the University of Melbourne, and shattered by this tragic news. My sincere condolences to Emma's family, friends and loved ones - please know that she had such a huge impact on the world around here, and will be sadly missed.

Prof Lauren Ayton, MDHS

Best wishes to Professor Johnson's family and friends. A remarkable person who achieved so much and positively impacted so many people.

Ian Moses

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO. Her dedication and leadership as Vice-Chancellor made a profound impact on the University of Melbourne and the broader academic community. Please extend my heartfelt sympathies to her family and the staff working in her office during this difficult time. Professor Johnston's warmth and genuine interest in people always stood out. I fondly remember her visit to the Melbourne Institute, where she took the time to discuss our work on the HILDA Survey. Her curiosity and thoughtful engagement during the visit made that conversation truly memorable.

Scott Soper

I did not know Professor Emma Johnston personally, but the reflections shared over recent days speak powerfully to her integrity, compassion and leadership. Her legacy clearly extends beyond achievements, shaping the culture of the University in lasting ways. My thoughts are with her family and the University of Melbourne community.

NC

While I didn't get the privilege of meeting Prof Emma Johnston, I have certainly been positively influenced by her and I see these policy initiatives as part of her legacy. She had a deep and passionate commitment to ocean science and communication of the facts and indisputable trends to the global community. She made positive steps to address the long-standing gender inequities in the scientific research community. Through her work with the 2030 Resilience strategy, she re-committed the University of Melbourne to high standards of governance and integrity. Reading the other tributes from around the community, I know her legacy runs much deeper than I appreciated. My thoughts are with her family, as this must have been an immense loss , likely to be felt thorought the lives of her husband, children and extended family members. Vale Prof Emma Johnston AO.

Dr. Gregory Harper, honorary Fellow

Thank you for leading the way for women in science, research and leadership. May you rest in peace

Elizabeth Koech

When Emma visited the Dilin Duwa Centre when she first started her job at the University of Melbourne, she was very engaged and interested in what our centre does. I could tell she was kind and someone who really cares about people. It’s not often you see a high level university leader take the time to visit the people she’s leading and have conversations with them. It’s a big loss for our university that Emma left us so soon. We will miss her. My condolences to her family.

Angela Chen

Emma’s passing is deeply sad. Although I did not meet her in person, it was clear that in less than a year at the University of Melbourne she made a strong and lasting impression on many. Emma reminded us that impact is not measured by how long you are here, but by the care, kindness, and respect you show others. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with her family and those closest to her.

Adel Toosi