Tribute messages

It was a pleasure to have worked with such a warm, inspiring, supportive and forward-looking leader as Emma. We both began our roles at the University of Melbourne at about the same time, Emma as Vice Chancellor and me as President of the Academic Board. I quickly learned that Emma had a clear vision for our University that she was able to articulate so well. She gave her full support to the work of the Board and clearly understood its roles and responsibilities. She was also incredibly well respected as a leader who could listen to staff and students, and relate to their ambitions and concerns. Her passing is a great loss but her contributions at this University and others will be remembered. Her legacy is huge. My thoughts are with her family.

David Shallcross

Emma, your clear eyed leadership was greatly appreciated by me, and others, and the University has suffered the loss of a great leader at a time of uncertainty. Rest in peace.

Martin Bower

Emma was an inspiration, and a lovely person. I interacted with her through her leadership at UNSW and through her role as a science outreach superstar. Her passing leaves a huge gap in our community that is going to be hard to fill. We remember you with utmost fondness Emma.

Tamara Davis

Professor Emma Johnston was inspirational leader for our university - a wonderful role model for women in STEMM and Institutional leadership. I am very sad our university could not continue to experience her skills, experience, knowledge and warm personality. Her qualities leave a legacy of inspiration for all people in leadership and the scientific method. My sincere condolences to her family, close friends, and colleagues.

Lena Sanci, Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School

As a student at Melbourne university, I first learned about Professor Emma Johnston's appointment as Vice Chancellor through social media, eagerly anticipating whether this would bring fresh changes to our campus. In February 2025, I received her welcome email for the new semester. Yet life is unpredictable, this kind and radiant elder has passed away, leaving us with profound sorrow. May the departed rest in peace, and may her loved ones find solace in this grief. I deeply regret not paying closer attention to campus affairs during those two semesters, missing the chance to hear her teachings firsthand. Now, I can only piece together and imaging Professor Emma Johnston's legacy through other's tributes.

Yiling Xu

Emma was an exceptional scientist and leader. I first met her when she was a PhD student in my department when I was Head of the Department of Zoology. Our paths crossed many times in her subsequent outstanding career. I had the privilege to co-lead with Suzanne Cory the “Australia Day” meeting of the Lindau Nobel Laureate meetings in Lindau and we (the Academy of Science) invited Emma to give the address to celebrate Australian science. Needless to say it was an impressive showcase and was talked about for the rest of the meeting. I was also the first chair of the Nancy Millis medal committee and Emma was the very first awardee. I was subsequently involved in nominating her for her well deserved election to the Academy. She will be missed in her many roles. I fondly remember her in her wet suit, diving in Port Philip Bay and in Sydney Harbour. Science and the University has lost a remarkable and wonderful person.

Marilyn Renfree, Laureate Professor Emeritus, School of BioSciences.

As John Wooden so perfectly said: “The true test of a person’s character is what they do when no one is watching.” Emma embodied that truth. Away from titles, meetings, and public recognition, she showed up with quiet, genuine care. During my own battle with cancer when she was our DVCR, Emma would call me on weekends—not because she had to, but because she wanted to check in, to listen, and to make sure I was coping with my treatment and was ensuring that my workload was not too burdensome. Those moments spoke volumes about who she was. Emma’s compassion, integrity, and humanity were evident in those unseen moments. She leaves behind a legacy not just of significant and impactful professional contribution, but of kindness that will be remembered by those fortunate enough to experience it. My heartfelt condolences to Emma’s family. She will be greatly missed. The world is a little darker without her smile...

Nicole (Nic) Makoviney - USyd

Emma was a force of good, who took on the challenges of the day and brought the world with her. She was a joyous friend who I will miss forever. My heartfelt sympathy to Sam, Amelia, and Antonin for your loss.

Brian Schmidt

Emma was a giant of the higher education sector, a brilliant communicator and intellect on behalf of the scientific world, and so much more. Emma truly worked towards building a better world, and used her position to influence government and colleagues alike to work towards that outcome. I learned so much from my conversations with her when we worked together at UNSW, but also found her a pleasure to spend time with - a warm and generous person who was interested in you as a person as well as the topic at hand. It was a privilege to have known Emma.

Robin Schuck

Australia and Australian science, in particular, have lost a much beloved "daughter" - we will miss her but not forget her. Emma, may you rest in peace.

Prof Robert M. Graham

Like so many others here, I was so heartened when I heard that Emma was to become the next Vice Chancellor of Melbourne Uni. Well known for her genuine commitment to conserving nature, to fairness and to women in science, I knew that Emma would be an unstoppable positive force in the University. I was camping by a creek with fellow ecologists and academics when we all heard the devastating news of Emma's passing. After many long silences, we shared our personal encounters with Emma, all illustrating her brilliance and humanity. This is such a profound loss for everyone who knew Emma, and even for those who didn't. But to her kids and family, this loss is unimaginable. We think of you often.

Bonnie Wintle

I knew Emma as a fellow marine scientist, fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, and friend. She was a superb scientist and an outstanding communicator. She was also a wonderful parent. When we were both on a review panel for the Australian Institute of Marine Science in 2017, I watched Emma using her spare time to mother her young children, who were at home in Sydney. She was even on the phone in the car between Townsville and AIMS helping them with their homework. in 2025, when I was on an Academy of Science delegation to China, Emma was incredibly helpful to me arranging access to research materials on coastal restoration to assist in my plenary address. Emma was one of the most charismatic and talented people I have ever met and a really nice and generous person as well.

Helene Marsh