Tribute messages

It was such a shock to hear of Emma's passing over the summer break. She has been such a force and a beacon for the environment, marine ecology, climate STEM and closing the gender gap across tertiary institutions. Taking the reigns as a leader for science, frank and fearless with politicians but always remaining close to students and colleagues past and present. She is already deeply missed.

Tim Ingleton

It was both an education and a joy to work alongside Emma. When Emma spoke, you knew you were going to hear something worth listening to which would move the discussion forward. Her intelligence, judgment and composure were equal to her warmth, compassion and humour. The combination made her a natural leader in any setting, but she always celebrated what the group could do together. As a source of individual advice, Emma was generous and shrewd. But above all, in every interaction, whether at work, socially, or just running into each other around the neighbourhood, it was Emma’s kindness that shone through most. I genuinely never met anyone else quite like her. We have all lost someone remarkable and who had so much more to do and to give, and I offer my deepest condolences to Emma’s family.

Andrew Lynch

We remember Professor Emma Johnston with deep respect and gratitude. Though her time as Vice-Chancellor was tragically brief, she led with clarity, warmth, and quiet determination. She embodied integrity, humanity, and a deep commitment to the values of the university. Her leadership and spirit will be remembered and greatly missed.

Abdullah Saeed, Professor of Islamic Studies

As a member of the Heritage Society, we had much pleasure in conncting with Prof E. Johnson in several of the Society's functions. We admired her friendliness and warm reception and personal communication and the wider university and community well being. Our most sincere condolences Drs. Judy and Peter Yeung (Dentists-retired)

Drs. Judy and Peter Yeung ( Dentists-Retired )

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Emma's passing and I send my deepest condolences to her family. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Emma on a couple of occasions and was inspired by her confidence, respect for UoM staff and students and passion for all education. Her vision for UoM and her incredible legacy in the sciences will continue to inspire for many years to come. A life well lived and taken far too soon.

Francesca Pecoraro

Emma lit up every room with her enormous energy, empathy, humility, strength and intellect. She showed so many of us what is possible, and I will hold onto that. With deep condolences to her family -

Lou Harms

Thinking of Professor Emma Johnston and family. You made a remarkable contribution to the world around you. I am so proud of our first female VC!

Linvin

Professor Emma Johnston made an extraordinary contribution to the work of The Ian Potter Foundation in a short time - her expertise and strategic insight shaped our environmental funding objectives. Within the Foundation, Emma was valued not only for her expertise but for her mentorship, warmth, and generosity. She shared her time freely with staff and fellow Governors and enriched every conversation with her clarity of thought and deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Her energy, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to protecting our environment inspired all who had the privilege of working with her. Her influence will be felt in our work for many years to come.

The Ian Potter Foundation

I am deeply saddened by Emma’s passing. The world has lost a truly special person. She was an energetic, inspirational and deeply passionate leader who made a lasting impact on this institution and on all who worked with her. She once shared with me that she regarded this role as her dream job—and that was evident every day in the way she engaged with people, led with purpose, and gave so generously of herself. As our first female Vice-Chancellor, she was a role model to so many and a powerful example of what principled, purpose lead leadership looks like. Her deep love for this institution was unmistakable. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her and learn from her, and I will miss her greatly. My deepest condolences to Emma’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Katerina Kapobassis

Myself along with Emma's friends and colleagues in the Australian Marine Science community are profoundly saddened - just reeling at the sudden loss of Emma Johnston. I knew Emma since her PhD days as we spent nearly a decade together on Council of the Australian Marine Sciences Association. Emma was a long serving editor of the AMSA Bulletin which gave her a platform for her brilliant communication skills. She was an also key and very effective member of AMSA’s Science Meets Parliament team. We have lost a great friend and exceptional marine scientist. Emma was a power of nature in everything she devoted her vast energies to. Emma’s legacy in marine science will live on through all her great works and in our memories of working with Emma through the years. It was a great pleasure and honour to have known and worked with Emma. I express my deep condolences to Emma's family. Vale Emma Johnston Professor Maria Byrne (Past President Australian Marine Science Association)

Professor Maria Byrne

May the active life of Professor Emma Johnston give us all a precious meaningful life ahead. Vale Emma Johnston RIP.

Peter Lee

I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our Vice‑Chancellor. Though I did not know her well personally, I admired her as a true leader and an inspiring woman whose dedication and presence earned respect across the university. Her unexpected death is a profound shock. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and close colleagues at this difficult time. I will remember her as someone who modelled possibility and integrity, and whose legacy will continue to inspire. Repose en paix, Emma.

Eliette