Death of Prof Richard Scolyer, cancer researcher and 2024 Australian of the Year
Consensus Summary
Professor Richard Scolyer, a world-renowned melanoma pathologist and 2024 Australian of the Year, died on June 7, 2026, at age 59 after a nearly three-year battle with aggressive glioblastoma. Diagnosed in mid-2023 with a median survival of 12â14 months, Scolyer defied expectations by undergoing experimental immunotherapyâderived from melanoma research he co-developed with Professor Georgina Longâbecoming the first patient to test this approach for brain cancer. His openness about his journey, including tumour recurrence in March 2025, inspired global support and raised awareness for brain cancer research. Scolyer, born in Launceston, Tasmania, was a prolific researcher with over 1,000 publications and a passionate advocate for funding and clinical trials. His legacy includes a $5.9 million government commitment to brain cancer research at Chris OâBrien Lifehouse and a clinical trial launched in the US based on his case. Tributes from Prime Minister Albanese, colleagues, and the public highlighted his humility, scientific courage, and enduring impact on cancer treatment.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Professor Richard Scolyer died aged 59 on June 7, 2026, in Sydney from glioblastoma (brain cancer).
- Scolyer was diagnosed with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma in mid-2023 (May 2023 per Guardian), given a median survival of 12â14 months but lived for nearly three years.
- Scolyer underwent experimental immunotherapy treatment for his brain cancer, becoming the first patient to test a melanoma-derived approach for glioblastoma.
- He was co-medical director of Melanoma Institute Australia with Professor Georgina Long, who proposed the experimental treatment.
- Scolyer and Long were jointly named 2024 Australians of the Year for their work in melanoma treatment and brain cancer research.
- Scolyerâs tumour recurred in March 2025, and he was told his prognosis was in months, not years.
- Scolyer was born in Launceston, Tasmania, on December 16, 1966, and was a world-leading melanoma pathologist with over 1,000 research publications.
- He was married to Dr Katie Nicoll and had three children: Emily, Matthew, and Lucy.
- Scolyer was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 and received multiple NSW Premierâs Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research.
- The federal government committed $5.9 million to establish a brain cancer research chair at Chris OâBrien Lifehouse in his honour.
- Scolyerâs open letter to Australians, published posthumously, expressed gratitude for public support and urged continued funding for cancer research.
- Scolyer was a keen triathlete and completed the City2Surf run and Tour de Cure cycling event in Tasmania shortly before his death.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Scolyerâs family confirmed his death in Sydney on Sunday (June 7, 2026).
- He was a senior staff specialist in anatomical pathology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and conjoint professor at the University of Sydney.
- Gail OâBrien (wife of Chris OâBrien) called Scolyerâs advocacy approach 'uniquely Australian' and deeply collaborative.
- Scolyerâs legacy includes raising awareness for brain cancer and pushing for more research funding.
- Scolyerâs brother-in-law, Charles Nicholl, read a family statement confirming his death and announced a state funeral.
- Scolyerâs childhood included playing football, swimming, and riding bikes in Tasmania, with a competitive streak from a young age.
- He walked and camped 65km along Tasmaniaâs Overland Track at age 10.
- Scolyerâs mother had strokes and psychiatric hospitalisation as a child, influencing his decision to become a doctor.
- He was awarded Inner West Citizen of the Year in 2025.
- Scolyerâs open letter was published as an obituary, emphasizing his role in melanoma biobank development and global leadership in cancer research.
- He described his childhood as full of adventures built on 'how, not if,' shaping his inquisitive nature.
- Scolyerâs case was published in *Nature Medicine* in early 2025, showing a 10-fold increase in activated immune cells post-immunotherapy.
- He underwent voluntary medical tests to advance scientific knowledge of brain cancer.
- Prime Minister Albanese called Scolyer a 'personal friend' and neighbor in Camperdown, Sydney.
- Scolyerâs open letter was republished verbatim, emphasizing his pride in being remembered as an 'everyday Aussie who gave it a crack.'
- He was ranked the worldâs leading melanoma pathologist in 2022.
- Scolyerâs memoir, *Brainstorm*, was launched in November 2024 with co-writer Garry Maddox.
- Scolyer wished to be remembered as 'a proud everyday Aussie who gave it a crack.'
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian and ABC state Scolyer was diagnosed in May 2023, while THEAGE mentions 'mid-2023' without a specific month.
- THEAGE and Guardian mention a $5.9 million government commitment for brain cancer research, but THEAGE omits the specific name of the chair (Chris OâBrien Lifehouse) while Guardian includes it.
- ABC and Guardian describe Scolyerâs tumour recurrence in March 2025, but THEAGE states it was 'March last year' (2025), which aligns, though THEAGE also mentions 'after surgery to explore concerning changes to his brain,' which is not detailed in other sources.
- THEAGE and Guardian mention Scolyerâs tumour was 'grade-four inoperable,' while Guardian specifies 'IDH-wildtype glioblastoma,' a detail not repeated in THEAGE.
- ABC and Guardian describe Scolyerâs childhood as influenced by his motherâs health struggles, but THEAGE does not mention this.
Source Articles
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Former Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer dies
The world-recognised pathologist survived for three years after being diagnosed with a savage form of brain cancer.
'Gave it a crack': Professor Richard Scolyer's open letter to Australians
Professor Scolyer wrote he "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".