Tribute messages

I'll remember walking with Professor Johnston during the Walk for Truth. Grateful for the leadership and everlasting impact she brought to the University of Melbourne. Thinking of all those affected by her passing.

Brodi Purtill

Emma you brought great energy, light and vision to your role as Vice Chancellor. Although I never had the opportunity to work with you myself, I always felt your authenticity and positive influence during your time at the University. You understood the importance of all people associated with the University, be they students, staff, alumni or the broader community. You set a beautiful example of how to be a great Vice Chancellor. My condolences to your family for their monumental loss. You will live on in our memories, having left us too soon.

Catherine Dickson

Thank you for the opportunity to train with you for 7 months in 2025 it was an honour. You were an inspiration and will be missed by many.

Ange La Scala MU Sport

What a devastating loss. I was so excited when Emma was announced as the VC. Though I did not know her personally, I have long followed her career and was excited and encouraged to see an ecologist reach such heights in the academy; it is so rare. She was also an incredible inspiration for me and other female academics. She was a friendly, relatable female leader. I felt such sorrow for her family as well as for the Australian academic community, which was so much improved by her leadership.

Margie Mayfield

My condolences to Professor Johnston's family and to University of Melbourne staff and students. Her passing is a tragic loss to the research and teaching community not just in Australia but worldwide. I never met Professor Johnston, but I have felt the impact of her contribution to governance at UoM during her short time with us, and I commit to honouring her vision by engaging with the strategic plan she helped develop in that time.

Linda

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO. As a member of the University community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and to colleagues and students mourning this loss. Professor Johnston’s legacy as a world-renowned scientist, inspiring leader, and generous mentor will continue to shape our University. Her warmth, curiosity, and genuine engagement with staff and students reflected her deep belief in a connected and inclusive academic community. As we grieve together, may we honour her memory by supporting one another and continuing the values and vision she championed for a resilient, student-centred institution.

Dr. Nuruzzaman Khan

Losing Emma to science and our University has been truly devastating - she brought such vibrant energy and clarity in everything she has done over the short period we have been privileged to have her as as our VC. She has also been a great ambassador for women in science throughout her career. Our heartfelt condolences go to her family and close friends.

Peter Gahan

Please accept my sincere condolences.

Janet Tsoi

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Emma Johnston, the University of Melbourne’s 21st Vice-Chancellor. Professor Johnston was an extraordinary leader whose vision, integrity, and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on the University and the wider academic community. Her dedication to education, research, and inclusion inspired many, and her leadership will be remembered with great respect and gratitude. My sincere condolences go to her family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with her. May her legacy continue to guide and inspire future generations.

Benny Joseph

When Dr Emma Johnston joined the University of Melbourne in February 2025 as Vice-Chancellor, a simple, humble selfie of hers among some other photos appeared in my Instagram feed—posted from the Parkville campus. It was a small moment, yet a powerful one. In that image, I saw a leader who was grounded, approachable, and genuinely connected to the university community she had just joined.

Pooria Pasbakhsh

It may weigh as much as a mountain, or be as light as a feather. Clearly, you have made this world infinitely meaningful because of you. Thank you for being here.

Yawei Qi

While I didn't have the opportunity to meet Emma in person, I felt her passion and enthusiasm, and I was very excited by the direction she was moving the university in. I hope we continue to honour her legacy in both education and in marine ecology.

Natalie Ryan