TASMANIA — Richard Scolyer, co-medical director at Melanoma Institute Australia, died at the age of 59. He was diagnosed with grade-four inoperable glioblastoma in May 2023.
Medical professionals gave Scolyer a prognosis of six to eight months following his diagnosis. He received experimental immunotherapy treatments, which slowed the tumor's growth until early 2025. Scolyer announced in March 2025 that his brain cancer had progressed.
Scolyer and Georgina Long were jointly named Australian of the Year in 2024. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 and received the New South Wales Premier's award for Outstanding Cancer Research nine times. Scolyer was born and raised in Tasmania.
"My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family," Richard Scolyer said. He maintained approximately 150,000 followers on a social media platform.
"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 said.
"Professor 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," Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, said. "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," Albanese said. "His stellar career in medicine and pathology research has produced huge benefits for countless cancer patients worldwide," John Thompson said.