Tribute messages

Such a sad loss of a trail-blazing leader and academic, my sincere condolences to Emma's family and friends. We here at the University will try to do your remarkable legacy proud!

Prof Christobel Saunders

Emma I did not know you personally but through all the heartfelt messages from so many people, I feel like I did. Your contributions to society should be the benchmark for all to aspire to. You will be missed.

Chantal Hildyard

The University of Melbourne has lost a great leader, Australia a great scientist and the World a great human being. Sincere condolences to Emma's family...

Pascal Perez

My sincere condolences to the family. I didn't know Emma but when I heard I was really upset as Emma seemed to be a very nice person. May Emma RIP and her memory live on

Sophy - Baillieu Library

Emma's passing is very, very sad and all too soon in terms of her leadership of The University of Melbourne. She made enduring contributions as a scientist, champion of the marine environment and academic. Condolences to her partner, children, extended family and friends. "It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lorraine Graham

Although I didn't know Emma personally, I looked on in admiration of her magnificent achievement in becoming UoM's first female VC. A moment in time captured like a star blazing a path across the sky.

Ruth Milne

The tributes to Emma being shared within the University and more broadly speak to her extraordinary legacy as a scientist, environmentalist, leader, colleague, and friend. Emma was an incisive leader and erudite scholar. A visionary and a reformer. I am grateful for her contribution to the University, reminding us what we are capable of when aspiring to be at our best. We can all carry forward in our lives her commitment to aiming high. Thank you for this gift, Emma.

Trent Hennessey

While I didn’t know Professor Emma Johnston personally, from the first time I heard her speak I was eager to learn more about her. She was engaging, intelligent, and someone I was genuinely excited to see leading the University of Melbourne. I am deeply saddened by her sudden passing. If this sense of loss is felt by someone who didn’t have the privilege of knowing her personally, I can only imagine the grief felt by her family, friends, and colleagues. Her passing is a profound loss to the University community and beyond. I have since shared her story of diving with a shark overhead with my children, who listened in awe, my daughter especially, just one of what I’m sure were her many remarkable stories. It led us to learn more about her extraordinary achievements and the legacy she leaves behind.

Belinda Knott

I knew Emma when she was a student here at the University of Melbourne. I taught her in at least one of her undergraduate subjects, and got to know her well during her PhD, when she was a demonstrator in subjects I taught. Emma was smart and focused. She was really switched on about science and about the disadvantages that women faced cutting a path for themselves in academia and in science in general. I found her a joy to be around. I have followed her extraordinary career with complete awe. I was immensely pleased when she was named as our new VC. She was someone who had really cut the mustard as a world class researcher but was also clearly a talented and visionary leader for the academic sector. In her short time as our VC, she put the focus on supporting academics to be the best researchers they could be. I found it immensely encouraging. To me, that was both wonderful and highly inspiring leadership. I am greatly saddened by her passing. My deepest condolences to her family.

Prof Barbara Downes

We will miss Emma's beautiful smile. Rest in peace.

Michael Taouk

The news of Professor Emma Johnston AO’s passing comes as a great shock. My sincere condolences to her family during this difficult time.

Chloe Chen

I was so sorry to hear of Emma's passing. In her short time as VC here she was already having an impact. Emma was a trailblazer, a leader, and an inspirational scientist. As a climate scientist, I have been motivated by her passion for climate action and environmental conservation, as well as for science communication. She will be very sorely missed.

Andrew King