Tribute messages

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Prof Emma Johnston. Emma came to tour The Royal Melbourne Hospital in October 2025. Everyone who met her across all of the wards and units was impressed by her intellectual curiosity, her warmth and sense of fun, and her determination to collaborate closely together in science and translation to improve care. At the end of the tour we met together with our mental health team to discuss the wellbeing of students, particularly international students. Emma and I committed to do everything we can, together, to improve our shared resources and care for these young people who can often feel isolated. We have our first meeting to address this with the Prof Elizabeth Molloy and colleagues this month and we will take this forward in memory of Emma and the commitment we made.

Prof Shelley Dolan

Emma was an exceptional leader and colleague. During her time at UNSW, she led with warmth, generosity and a deep commitment to science and to people, leaving a lasting impression on all who worked with her. She had a rare ability to bring humanity to leadership and curiosity to every conversation. Emma’s influence will be felt for many years — through the institutions she shaped, the colleagues she supported, and the values she embodied. She is deeply missed. My thoughts are with her family, friends and the many communities who loved and admired her.

Professor Sven Rogge, Dean UNSW Science

Emma’s inspirational and energetic leadership will live in on all who had the privilege of working with her. In just a short time, Emma had a significant impact on the future direction of Melbourne University and it was an honour to be part of that change. Emma’s million watt smile, gracious humour, genuine interest in people and intellect will be remembered. A special person with a gift to connect with people. Deepest condolences to Emma’s family, friends and colleagues.

Carlene Wilson

Emma was an extraordinary person — curious, collaborative, and always lifting others up. She created spaces where people felt safe to share ideas and where teams genuinely thrived. As a friend, she had a way of making me feel truly seen. She encouraged me to be brave, to lead with kindness, and to trust my instincts. Her guidance shaped me in ways I’ll always carry. Emma didn’t just talk about collaboration — she lived it. She believed in the power of research to make a real difference, and she showed that belief in everything she did. Her kindness, generosity, and brilliance touched so many of us. Her legacy will continue through the people she supported and inspired. Rest in peace, Emma. Thank you for your warmth, your wisdom, and your friendship. I miss you deeply. My thoughts are with Sam and the family during this heartbreaking time.

Kathy Belov

Emma was a warm, thoughtful and creative leader. She was generous with her time and her intelligence. I am deeply saddened about her passing and the gap she leaves our university sector in Australia.

Luke Sheehy

Emma was an extraordinary person as a scientist, communicator, educator and a leader. We lost her in her prime. Emma was a pleasure to work with and we all miss her greatly.

Australian science media centre and FBE advisory board

Our family met Emma and her family when Emma and our daughter bonded at playgroup when they were three. What followed was a life long friendship between the two girls as well as the families. In their early and teenage years they were almost inseparable. Their friendship continued into adulthood and when each married they signed the others marriage certificate. We rejoiced at all of Emma's many achievements and her premature loss has been devastating and heartbreaking for our family. Everett and Diane Weaver

Everett and Diane Weaver

I was fortunate to meet the Vice Chancellor Emma Johnston a number of times at our museums and galleries during her all too brief time at the University. I immediately warmed to her intelligence, directness, interest and curiosity, understated but palpable strength and sense of purpose, ethics and commitment to make a difference. Her public presentations were noticeably personal. She was present, attentive and deeply engaged in every conversation and situation. My team and I were so thrilled by her appointment and to be working under her leadership, not only as the first female Vice Chancellor at the University but as a firmly grounded and inspiring leader. Our deepest condolences to her family.

Charlotte Day, Director, Art Museums

I have so many wonderful memories of Emma and wanted to share just one, hoping that it might bring some solace to her family and friends. I remember being on a coach with Emma years and years ago - when she was considering whether to make the move from focussing on her specialist field to a university leadership position. I had recently made a similar move and was able to provide encouragement - it was so clear that Emma’s flair for compelling communication, compassion, humour and passion would position her to thrive in these roles and thrive she did! The very fact that Emma’s first concern was to ensure in what way she would be able to serve with impact rather than to pursue her own ambition was testament to her character. I was fortunate that when my time as a member of the CSIRO board concluded, Emma was there to fill the breach. Emma sense of purpose lives on in each of us who dedicate our lives to improving our world through science and higher education.

Tanya Monro

On behalf of the Embassy of Switzerland in Australia, I offer my sincerest condolences. We had the pleasure of working with Professor Emma Johnston as a high-level delegation visited the University of Melbourne in July 2024. She was full of energy, eager to engage, and just a wonderful person. The news of her untimely death saddened us all. Our thoughts are with the family and her friends.

Ambassador Nikolas Stuerchler

Emma had a profound impact on me as a colleague, witnessing her remarkable skill in advocacy for science and for women in science. She will be sorely missed as an exemplary role model and valued and highly respected leader.

Melodie McGeoch

I first met Emma more than 20 years ago when we were both members of a committee revising the ANZECC Water Quality Guidelines. Although still fairly early in her career at that time, she was already an impressive and generous researcher, a great science communicator and a genuinely nice person. Over the years I have been deeply impressed by her accomplishments in both marine research and academic administration, fulfilling with apparent ease and skill the positions of Pro Vice Chancellor, Dean of Science, DVC Research and VC. She has also done so much in the broader science sphere, including the fields of science communication and advocacy. Her ability to progress the role of women in STEM has been outstanding, and hard to replicate. Emma was truly inspiring and her passing leaves the Australian science community much poorer. Vale Emma.

Professor Jenny Davis, Research Institute for Environmnet and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University