Prof Richard Scolyer, the world-renowned cancer researcher and former Australian of the year, has died at the age of 59. Scolyer, an eminent pathologist and melanoma expert, was diagnosed with grade-four inoperable brain cancer in May 2023 and was given six to eight months to live. In a world first, he underwent novel immunotherapy treatments that successfully slowed the growth of the glioblastoma until its return in early 2025.
Final Message to Australia
Scolyer's family shared a statement he penned before his final stages of illness. In it, he thanked Australians for their love and support. "My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family," Scolyer said. "Those of you I met during my travels as joint 2024 Australian of the year, my amazing online community which spans many countries, and of course my hometown Tasmanians – you've laughed with me, cried with me, and provided encouragement and support to keep going just when I needed it most." He added that he hoped he had made the road ahead easier for others and expressed a wish to be remembered as "a proud everyday Aussie who 'gave it a crack.'"
Experimental Treatment and Cancer Progression
Following his diagnosis, Scolyer underwent a series of experimental immunotherapy treatments. In March 2025, he announced via Facebook that the cancer had progressed. "Not the best day ever," he wrote. "There seems to be further progression of my brain tumour … Whilst it is a bit disappointing, in the big picture it's not the end of the road and I've got more to do!" A week earlier, he had expressed anxiety about the brain scan, which was scheduled before his participation in a four-day leg of the Tour de Cure charity cycling event in Tasmania.
Tributes from Leaders and Colleagues
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the world had lost "one of our brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts" and confirmed Scolyer will receive a state funeral. "Prof Scolyer took his place in the national spotlight with determination and purpose as he very publicly dealt with his glioblastoma," Albanese said. "Every day, this remarkable man – the cancer specialist who became his own subject – took us into his confidence and he lifted us all in the process." Prof John Thompson of Sydney University praised Scolyer's "cheery, down-to-earth 'lad from Launceston' personality" and noted that his stellar career had produced huge benefits for countless cancer patients worldwide.
Achievements and Legacy
Scolyer and his co-medical director at Melanoma Institute Australia, Georgina Long, were jointly made Australian of the year in 2024 for their work on immunotherapy as a cure for advanced melanoma. He received the New South Wales Premier's Award for Outstanding Cancer Research nine times, including the Wildfire Highly Cited Publication award, and was appointed an officer of the Order of Australia in 2021.
