Australia has lost one of its brightest lights and biggest hearts.
The Australian Democrats join the nation in mourning the passing of Professor Richard Scolyer AO at age 59.
As a world-renowned pathologist, co-director of Melanoma Institute Australia, and 2024 Joint Australian of the Year, Richard dedicated his life to turning what was once a terminal skin cancer diagnosis into a curable disease, saving tens of thousands of lives worldwide.
When diagnosed with an aggressive grade-4 glioblastoma in 2023, Richard chose not to accept the status quo. Alongside his brilliant colleague and friend Professor Georgina Long, he courageously turned his own body into a laboratory - becoming the first person in the world to undergo a pioneering, experimental combination immunotherapy for brain cancer.
By choosing to “give it a crack” and share his raw, honest journey with the public, Richard defied the odds, extended his time with his loved ones, and fundamentally revolutionized the future of brain cancer research.
In his final open letter to Australians, Richard stated: “I have always been driven by the belief that we all have a responsibility to try to change the future for others and leave the world a better place.” He achieved that and so much more.
The best way to honor Professor Scolyer’s legacy is to ensure that the scientific pathways he opened are fully realised. The Australian Democrats remain staunch advocates for:
- Sustained medical research funding. Boosting federal grants for early-stage, experimental clinical trials so groundbreaking concepts can transition rapidly from the lab to patients.
- Support for our scientific community. Ensuring robust career pathways and infrastructure for Australian medical researchers, pathologists, and oncologists so we remain a global hub for medical innovation.
Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Katie, his children Emily, Matthew, and Lucy, and his colleagues at Melanoma Institute Australia.
His impact is immortal.
