Richard Scolyer shares final message in open letter before death at 59
7 reported
Professor Richard A. Scolyer, a world-leading melanoma pathologist and cancer researcher, died on June 7, 2026, at age 59. In an open letter to Australians published after his passing, Scolyer reflected on his three-year journey with glioblastoma (brain cancer) since his diagnosis in May 2023. He described himself as the first patient to receive experimental brain cancer treatment based on melanoma science he helped develop. Scolyer also participated in the development of a brain cancer clinical trial and advocated for greater investment in brain cancer research. He expressed pride in his career, which included authoring over 1,000 research publications and helping start the world’s largest melanoma biobank. Scolyer was joint 2024 Australian of the Year and noted that the federal government recently named a Chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in his honor. He concluded his letter by stating that “cancer does not define us” and thanked Australians for their support.
What’s reported
Richard Scolyer died on June 7, 2026, at age 59.
He was diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain cancer) in May 2023.
He was the first patient to receive experimental brain cancer treatment based on melanoma science he helped develop.
He authored over 1,000 research publications and helped start the world’s largest melanoma biobank.
He was joint 2024 Australian of the Year.
The federal government recently named a Chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in his honor.
He is survived by his wife Katie, children Emily, Matthew, and Lucy, his elderly parents in Tasmania, and his brother Mark.
Key figures
Prof Richard A. Scolyer AO – melanoma pathologist, cancer researcher, joint 2024 Australian of the Year
Katie – his wife
Emily, Matthew, Lucy – his children
Mark – his brother
Sources: The Guardian
