Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer Passes Away at 59
Professor Richard Scolyer, the renowned melanoma pathologist and joint 2024 Australian of the Year, has died at the age of 59 following a courageous battle with brain cancer. His death on 7 June 2026 marks the end of a remarkable journey that combined groundbreaking medical research with personal resilience.
Scolyer, who served as co-director of the Melanoma Institute Australia alongside Professor Georgina Long, transformed the landscape of skin cancer treatment in Australia and beyond. His work helped shift advanced melanoma from a near-certain death sentence to a condition with significantly improved survival rates through innovative immunotherapy approaches.
Diagnosis and Experimental Treatment Journey
In May 2023, Scolyer received a devastating diagnosis of grade-four IDH-wildtype glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumour. Rather than stepping back, he chose to become the subject of a pioneering experimental treatment regimen developed in collaboration with his colleague Professor Long.
The approach drew on advances in melanoma immunotherapy, applying similar principles to his brain cancer in what was described as a world-first effort. Scolyer underwent the treatment with the goal of advancing scientific understanding, even as he faced the median survival expectation of 12 to 14 months for his condition.
His decision reflected a lifelong commitment to research that had already saved thousands of lives through melanoma breakthroughs at the Melanoma Institute Australia. Family and colleagues have highlighted how Scolyer continued contributing to the field during his illness, including through public advocacy for cancer research funding and awareness.
National Tributes and Albanese's Offer of State Funeral
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led national tributes, describing Scolyer as one of Australia’s “brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts.” Albanese confirmed he spoke directly with Scolyer’s wife, Dr Katie Nicholl, and offered a state funeral, which the family accepted.
“The hearts of all Australians go out to his wife, Dr Katie Nicholl,” Albanese stated in Canberra. The gesture underscores the profound impact Scolyer had on the nation, both through his professional achievements and his personal example of facing terminal illness with openness and determination.
Other prominent Australians, including the Governor of New South Wales, have echoed these sentiments, emphasising Scolyer’s selfless legacy and the inspiration he provided to patients, researchers, and the broader community.
Family Statements and Open Letter
Scolyer’s family has shared heartfelt messages, remembering him as a loving husband, father, and brother. His brother-in-law read tributes highlighting his warmth and dedication. An open letter from Scolyer to “All Australians,” released after his death, expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support and reflects on his journey.
In the letter, Scolyer thanks the public for their love and support for him and his family, underscoring his desire to keep contributing even in difficult times. The family has noted that his legacy “will never be forgotten,” with the state funeral serving as a fitting national recognition.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Legacy in Cancer Research
Scolyer’s contributions extended far beyond his personal battle. As a pathologist specialising in melanoma, he co-led efforts that dramatically improved outcomes for patients with advanced skin cancer. Australia, with one of the highest melanoma rates in the world, benefited immensely from his advocacy for sun-safe behaviours and early detection.
His partnership with Professor Georgina Long earned them the joint 2024 Australian of the Year title, recognising their enduring work at the Melanoma Institute Australia. Scolyer also received the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his service to medicine.
Even after his glioblastoma diagnosis, Scolyer’s willingness to trial novel therapies offered hope and data that could influence future treatments for brain cancer, a field where options had remained limited for decades.
State Funeral Arrangements and Public Response
Details of the state funeral are being finalised, with the service expected to honour Scolyer’s life and achievements in a manner befitting a national figure. The decision reflects Australia’s tradition of recognising individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society.
Public reaction has been one of widespread mourning mixed with celebration of Scolyer’s impact. Social media and news outlets have carried stories of how his research directly benefited patients, with many sharing personal accounts of lives extended or saved through the advances he helped pioneer.
Colleagues at the Melanoma Institute Australia and across the medical community have paid tribute to his intellect, generosity, and courage, noting that his example will continue to motivate research into cancer treatments.
Broader Context of Melanoma and Brain Cancer in Australia
Melanoma remains Australia’s national cancer, with high incidence rates linked to the country’s sunny climate and outdoor lifestyle. Scolyer’s work emphasised prevention through sun protection alongside cutting-edge therapies that have lifted five-year survival rates for advanced cases from around 5% to over 55% in recent years.
His own case highlighted the challenges of glioblastoma, where survival rates have seen less dramatic progress. By applying lessons from melanoma research, Scolyer and Long sought to bridge gaps between cancer types, potentially opening new avenues for treatment.
Health authorities and research bodies continue to stress the importance of ongoing investment in cancer research, building on the foundation laid by pioneers like Scolyer.
Personal Life and Character
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Scolyer was known as an athlete and family man. His openness about his diagnosis and treatment humanised the experience of cancer for many Australians, encouraging conversations about health, research participation, and living fully despite adversity.
Friends and family describe a man of deep commitment, humour, and resilience who faced his illness with the same determination he brought to his laboratory work. His story resonates as one of service, from saving lives through research to inspiring others through personal example.
Photo by Daniel Forsman on Unsplash
Implications for Cancer Research and Policy
Scolyer’s death comes at a time when Australia continues to grapple with cancer burdens, including the need for better brain cancer therapies. His experimental treatment journey may inform future clinical approaches, even as experts caution that individual outcomes vary and further trials are essential.
Policy makers and research funders are likely to reference his legacy when advocating for sustained support of institutes like the Melanoma Institute Australia and broader oncology initiatives. The state funeral itself serves as a platform to highlight these issues nationally.
Looking Ahead: Honouring a National Figure
As preparations for the state funeral proceed, Australians are reflecting on Scolyer’s dual role as scientist and patient. His life exemplifies how personal challenges can intersect with professional purpose to drive progress.
Communities across the country, from medical professionals to everyday citizens touched by cancer, are expected to participate in or follow the commemorations. Scolyer’s story reinforces the value of research, compassion, and national unity in the face of health challenges.
His passing leaves a profound void, yet his contributions ensure that his influence endures in improved treatments and heightened awareness that will benefit generations to come.
