Tribute messages

Emma was a long-standing personal colleague and a founding member of Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF). Her influence was profound. Conversations with Emma were lively, informed, incisive, warm, humorous. Her knowledge of marine science, of the ways to convey science more broadly, and of the significance of science to society was extensive and always well-articulated. Within the SAEF community, Emma provided excellent science, exceptional scientific guidance, a set of values that helped establish our foundational approach, and a way of working that was both academically brilliant and collaborative. Emma made it her business to ensure a better life for all, informed by science. We all admired and benefitted from Emma’s wisdom, exquisite ability to interpret her context, and unfailing adherence to a profoundly ethical approach. Emma will be much missed. Sincere sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues.

Professor Steven L Chown FAA

On behalf of The Australian National University, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Professor Emma Johnston AO’s family, loved ones, and colleagues on her passing. Emma was an extraordinary leader and an internationally respected expert in marine ecology and environmental science, whose scholarship and advocacy shaped national conversations on sustainability and the public value of science. She will be remembered for her intellectual clarity, generosity of spirit, and humanity. Our thoughts are with Emma’s loved ones at this deeply sad time.

The Hon Julie Bishop and Professor Rebekah Brown

My team and I spent last year reflecting on how great it was to have a VC who engaged with us on the data and operations so positively - lots of great questions, clear direction - and who also called to check on how the team received this feedback and if her impact and intent were aligned. Emma was a special leader and a generous human. I am grateful for the brief time to observe her as a leader. Our loss as a university community is large but our thoughts are with her family and their loss.

Lucy Franzmann

I met Emma at an event at the Shine Dome, where she was receiving her Academy of Science Fellowship. I helped her connect to WiFi so her family could watch her speech. She was so friendly and humble, introducing herself to me. I said I already knew who she was and that I have a tea towel with her face on it (which she found funny, and said she knows the one). She gave a brilliant speech. I only met her for a moment and she made a big impression on me. Everyone I look up to respected her, and is deeply grieving her loss.

Jasmine Schipp

The world has lost one of the most admirable scientists, an inspiring person, a true leader, and a beautiful role model for female researchers. Thanks for supporting my career and of many others.

Andrea Taschetto

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Emma Johnston. My sincere condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues. I only met her a few times at the AMSA conferences, but was much inspired by her knowledge and motivation. I read her papers, listened to her presentations, and was always in awe of her ability to convey complex concepts so well and of her drive for marine science and science education. The world has lost a lot with her passing. She was a legend, and she will be missed by many!

Halina T.Kobryn

I met Emma briefly while serving on the Executive of the Society of Crystallographers in Australia and New Zealand and as a member of Science & Technology Australia. Emma was the incoming President at the time. Her advocacy for science and EDI was infectious, and her positive energy and professionalism immediately established her as a role model. I am shocked and deeply saddened by this news. Australia and the global science community have suffered a great loss. My sincere condolences go to her family and friends; my thoughts are with them at this difficult time. David Aragao Diamond Light Source Former Executive Member, Society of Crystallographers in Australia and New Zealand (SCANZ)

David Aragao

I was deeply saddend by Professor Johnston's passing. By all acounts an incredible woman and a fine leader. Deepst condolences to her family and close colleagues.

Emeritus Professor Jon Cattapan, VCA

Emma was an absolutely amazing leader and mentor. A shining example for all of us. She will be missed and remembered by so many. I am so sorry for you loss Sam, Amelia and Antonin.

A/Prof Megan Huggett, University of Newcastle

On behalf of the Royal Societies of Australia I would like to express our deep sadness at the sudden passing of your Vice-Chancellor. Professor Johnston was a guiding light in science advocacy as we followed her superlative career in marine science and beyond. Emma was a trailblazer for women scientists in Australia and I'm sure there are many women scientists in Australia today who have been inspired to enter the profession because of her. Emma was a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW and a Member of the Royal Society of Victoria. She supported both Societies with gusto, for which we are very grateful. We were not surprised at Emma's appointment to the Vice-Chancellor role at Melbourne, given her commitment to higher education and the acquisition of evidence-based knowledge, but also her achievements at the University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney. So we were all in shock at the news of her passing, especially at such a young age. Our thoughts go out to her family at this sad time.

John Hardie, President

Too soon, too soon!! Emma, you had already made an enormous contribution, but you were just getting started… You have left a gap that’s impossible for anyone else to fill. My heartfelt condolences to your family, friends, colleagues and students.

Tim Stevens

I crossed paths with Emma in little waves throughout our careers. Each time left an impression, whether it was trading tips for work-life balance at an AMSA conference or listening to her incredible tales from the Antarctic while sipping the world's best bloody Marys. I will miss her wisdom and fierce grace, and the Australian marine science community is dimmer for her far-too-early departure from it.

Rachel Przeslawski