Professor Richard Scolyer AO: 1966–2026
A pioneering melanoma pathologist and joint 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Anthony Scolyer AO, died on June 7, 2026, at age 59 from glioblastoma. A state memorial service is scheduled for July 13 at the Sydney Opera House.
Diagnosis and Experimental Treatment
Scolyer was diagnosed with IDH wild-type glioblastoma (Grade 4 brain cancer) in May 2023. He underwent an experimental treatment protocol developed by his colleague, Professor Georgina Long, based on the Melanoma Institute of Australia's immunotherapy research.
The treatment included:
- Combination immunotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab before surgical removal of the tumor
- A personalized cancer vaccine following surgery
- Radiotherapy without chemotherapy
This was the first documented use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for glioblastoma. Scolyer's case study was published in the journal Nature Medicine in early 2025.
Disease Progression and Survival
Scolyer remained free of detectable cancer for approximately 18 to 22 months after treatment. In March 2025, he announced that the tumor had recurred and his prognosis was poor.
His survival of three years from diagnosis exceeded the median life expectancy of 12 to 14 months for his tumor type.
Career and Research Contributions
Scolyer served as co-medical director of the Melanoma Institute Australia and clinical professor at the University of Sydney. He worked as a senior pathologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
His professional achievements include:
- Co-authoring more than 800 peer-reviewed publications
- Serving on the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the World Health Organization
- Contributing to melanoma immunotherapy that increased five-year survival for metastatic melanoma from under 5% to 55%
- Helping build the world's largest melanoma biobank
From 2013 to 2023, annual melanoma deaths in Australia decreased from over 1,600 to approximately 1,300—a decline partly attributed to research Scolyer and colleagues conducted.
Honours and Recognition
- Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 2021
- Joint Australian of the Year with Professor Georgina Long, 2024
- Inner West Citizen of the Year, 2025
- Named to OncoDaily's list of 100 Most Influential People in Oncology, 2025
- Ranked the world's leading melanoma pathologist, 2022
Legacy and Ongoing Research
The Australian government committed A$5.9 million to establish the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.
A clinical trial for combination immunotherapy in glioblastoma patients, informed by Scolyer's case, began in February 2026. A related trial has also been launched at Duke University in the United States. The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will conduct further clinical trials based on his treatment approach.
State Memorial Service
A state memorial service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Sydney Opera House. The service will include tributes from friends, family, and dignitaries.
- Limited free tickets will be made available to the public
- Ticketing opens Monday, June 29 at 9:00 AM EST
- Donations are encouraged to the Brain Cancer Group and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in lieu of flowers
Public Tributes and Events
Nearly 500 participants attended the Greenway Parkrun in Haberfield, Sydney, on the Saturday following Scolyer's death, held in his memory. Scolyer completed his 250th parkrun in June 2025, after announcing his cancer had recurred.
On June 16, 2026, the Inner West Council voted to rename the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre after Scolyer. The facility, which attracts over 700,000 visitors annually, is undergoing a $55 million redevelopment.
Posthumous Letter
In an open letter published after his death, Scolyer wrote that he hoped his case would lead to other brain tumor patients living longer.
He encouraged researchers and clinicians to "stay inquisitive and brave" and urged continued government and community funding for science and medical research.
He asked to be remembered as an "everyday Aussie who gave it a crack."
Personal Life
Scolyer was born in Launceston, Tasmania, on December 16, 1966. He completed medical training at the University of Tasmania and pathology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
He was an athlete who competed in triathlons and other multisport events.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Katie Nicoll, and their three children: Emily, Matthew, and Lucy.