He was a world leader in "gout" - a condition that is highly associated with chronic kidney disease - and published numerous papers on the mechanisms by which gout damages the kidney and causes kidney stones. He was also one of the key people who identified that a high proportion of kidney disease in Queensland in the 1960's and 70's was caused by lead poisoning from paint on the roofs and verandas.

Professor Emmerson made a significant contribution to the Australian Kidney Foundation (renamed in 2003 as Kidney Health Australia) and was a member of the Board of Directors for almost 20 years as well as Chairman of the AKF Medical & Scientific Advisory Committee in the 1980's.

His contribution to Australian nephrology and to medicine in general was immense.  Kidney Health Australia was greatly enriched and advantaged by his significant commitment to the cause and the  extensive contributions he made both scientifically and to the working of the this organisation.