Tribute messages

I only met Professor Emma Johnston briefly, during her tour of MDHS. In the few minutes of our chat, I felt that she was keenly invested in our conversation. She saw the work that we were doing to support students and she made my team feel proud of that work. She cared, she was interested, and she wanted to support us to do out best. We offered her an MDHS Lanyard (which was admittedly a bit cheeky, as it was MDHS branded). She accepted it with a gracious smile and stated that she would use it at home so other faculties didn't feel left out. Even in this brief interaction, I saw Professor Johnston as a funny, personable, thoughtful, and supportive leader. She will be missed.

Abi Brooker

Thank you Emma, for your contributions to the Uni Melb. May you rest in peace.

Adil Nawaz Malik

My heartfelt condolences go to Professor Johnston's family, and also to her closest colleagues at The University of Melbourne. I am so appreciative of the positive impact she made at our University in such a short amount of time. I will carry her legacy of Resilience in my work, and remember her courage when times are tough.

Steve Gauci

Thank you Emma, for your contributions to the University and UMSU. May you rest in peace.

Tianyi Yu - University and UMSU alumni

Devastating loss, so very sorry to learn of this wonderful woman's untimely passing. Condolences to all who were close to her, and feeling for our UOM community.

Professor Linda Kouvaras

Deepest condolences to Prof. Johnston's family... A big loss... Remarkable person..

Luckmika

I only met Emma in person once, and I was struck by her calm, competent dignity. She listened carefully to what I had to say and she balanced the competing concerns of different groups in the university with care. Her memory will be a blessing: she made the university a better place, even over the short time she was at the helm. My sincerest condolences to her husband and children, to her family and to all her friends and colleagues who loved her.

Professor Katy Barnett

Emma was a very distinguished scientist with a passion for the importance of universities to contribute to society wellbeing. Her untimely death will come with much sadness for many. Her contribution in promoting science was international recognized. She will be greatly missed by us all.

Professor Emeritus Frank Larkins

The Burnet Institute extends our sincere condolences to Emma’s family, friends, colleagues and the broader research and academic community. Emma was a distinguished scientist, respected higher education leader, and passionate advocate for research excellence and gender equity. We had the privilege of working with Emma through our partnership in the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID). Her vision, leadership and collaborative spirit helped progress one of the nation’s most significant scientific infrastructure and health and medical research projects. Thank you Emma for your stellar leadership and support.

The Burnet Institute

Emma was a remarkable leader whose passion for science and creating opportunities for collaboration inspired all of us. Her commitment to research excellence and to building a future-facing scientific community was evident in every endeavour she undertook. I am fortunate to have met Emma on many occasions over the last 20 years, both socially and professionally, and she was an exceptional person and I admired so much. I will miss her visionary leadership and wisdom. Emma’s death will be felt across science, education and public health, and she will be remembered with great respect and gratitude for her profound contributions.

Caroline Homer

I mourn the loss of a great scientist and the university’s loss of such a promising leader

Charles Sowerwine

My condolences to Professor Johnston's family. She was a lovely and inspiring person.

Olivia