Prof Richard Scolyer, the world-renowned cancer researcher and former Australian of the year, has died at the age of 59.
Scolyer’s family shared a statement the eminent pathologist and melanoma expert penned before his final stages of illness.
“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 in the statement.
“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.
“I haven’t sugar-coated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all. I hope I have in some small way made the road ahead easier and smoother for others.
“If my legacy was to continue beyond these words, I would be delighted and humbled to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who ‘gave it a crack,’ and in doing so, inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions with humility, love and compassion.”
Scolyer was diagnosed with grade-four inoperable brain cancer and told he had six to eight months to live in May 2023. In a world first, he underwent a series of novel immunotherapy treatments, successfully slowing the growth of the glioblastoma until its return in early 2025.
In March, Scolyer announced via his Facebook page 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 told his 150,000 followers that he was a “bit anxious” about the brain scan, which was scheduled shortly before he was due to take part in a four-day leg of the Tour de Cure charity cycling event in Tasmania, where he was born and grew up.
Anthony Albanese said the world had lost “one of our brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts” and confirmed Scolyer will be mourned at a state funeral.
“Prof Scolyer took his place in the national spotlight with determination and purpose as he very publicly dealt with his glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer,” the prime minister 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.
“Richard’s journey was difficult and confronting … yet it was one he travelled with courage, determination and a grace that never ceased to be remarkable.
“The way he shared it with us was an act of profound generosity. He showed us what it means to hope, and to keep searching for solutions.
“He showed us how to stand firm against fear and stay true to yourself.”
Prof John Thompson of Sydney University hailed Scolyer’s “cheery, down-to-earth ‘lad from Launceston’ personality”.
“His stellar career in medicine and pathology research has produced huge benefits for countless cancer patients worldwide,” he said.
Scolyer and his co-medical director at Melanoma Institute Australia, Georgina Long, were jointly made Australian of the year in 2024 in recognition of their work on immunotherapy as a cure for advanced melanoma.
He nine times received the New South Wales Premier’s Award for Outstanding Cancer Research, including the Wildfire Highly Cited Publication award, and was in 2021 appointed an officer of the Order of Australia.
– with AAP
