All of us at Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) and the wider melanoma community are mourning the loss of our esteemed colleague and friend, Professor Richard Scolyer AO.
Richard was a renowned pathologist and a world authority on skin cancer and melanoma diagnoses. His broad knowledge of and passion for pathology, along with his generous mentorship and teaching, have inspired many and transformed melanoma and skin cancer research and diagnosis across the globe.
Richard’s first position in 2001, after completing his pathology training, was as the inaugural Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Institute Pathology Fellow, a role which saw him contribute significantly to building the world’s largest melanoma biospecimen bank, first established in 1998. The biobank today remains an invaluable resource that continues to facilitate melanoma research and treatment advances.
Through his leadership roles with the World Health Organization and as Vice Chair of the Melanoma Expert Panel for the American Joint Committee on Cancer, Richard shaped international standards for melanoma classification and staging. His 800 peer-reviewed publications substantially contributed to the scientific literature on melanoma biology, genetics, and pathological features.
Richard was an integral and esteemed part of MIA and the melanoma community for over two decades. His commitment to and advocacy for his profession, coupled with his enthusiasm for life and his genuine humanity, resonated broadly, and has left a lasting positive impact.
Richard served as Co-Medical Director of MIA for over seven years with Professor Georgina Long AO, and they also co-led MIA’s translational research laboratory at The University of Sydney. In 2024, Richard and Georgina were honoured to be named joint Australians of the Year – testament to their work in progressing MIA’s mission of zero deaths from melanoma.
Professor Long said: “I am deeply saddened to lose such a cherished colleague. Richard was a truly extraordinary pathologist – the ‘pathologists’ pathologist’ – who also made generous time for clinicians navigating complex diagnostic cases, understanding that an accurate tissue diagnosis was critical to patient care. His knowledge was vast, his skill exceptional, with an unparalleled eye for accurate tissue diagnoses, and the precision to apply decades of experience where it mattered most.”
“He shared his expertise widely: through consultation on external specimens, through diagnostic and classification frameworks now used worldwide, and as a devoted teacher and mentor. Richard has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
MIA is proud to have instituted the Richard Scolyer Pathology Fellowship to support the next generation of melanoma pathologists. Those wishing to honour Richard’s legacy are warmly invited to contribute to the Richard Scolyer Pathology Fellowship, which will carry forward his extraordinary commitment to the next generation of melanoma pathologists.
Our thoughts are with Richard’s family during this difficult time, particularly his wife Katie and children Emily, Matthew and Lucy.
Please consider sharing a tribute on this page using the link below.
Vale Richard.
Richard Scolyer 2002
Richard Scolyer at microscope 2016
Richard Scolyer 2020
Richard Scolyer with pathology fellows Peter Ferguson and Tristan Dodds 2017
Melanoma Institute Australia translational research team at Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney 2021
Melanoma Institute Australia team June 2023
Share a Tribute to Richard
As we mourn the passing of Richard, we also reflect on a remarkable life that touched so many. This Tribute section is a space to share your reflections—whether a memory or a quality you admired. Each tribute will be shared with Richard’s family as a lasting expression of his impact.
I live in Wales, United Kingdom and first read about Professor Richard in February 2024 via a BBC article about a remarkable melanoma researcher who was pioneering a new approach to glioblastoma treatment – to treat his own brain cancer. I remember thinking how difficult that must be for him, without appreciating how devastating that diagnosis truly is for a person and their loved ones, but in my head I wished him well and moved on to read my next article.
Less than 2 weeks later, my lovely mum was diagnosed with exactly the same as Richard.
I remembered reading about Richard and later followed his ‘uncertain path’ updates.
It has been a difficult road for my mum and the rest of our family over the last couple of years, but Richard’s updates have been a beacon of hope and it has been truly inspiring to see just how active his life continued to be, despite the odds.
I am not a researcher or a medical professional – I am just an average guy walking the same road as Richard’s family, and just wanted to wish them my sincere condolences and say THANK YOU to them and Professor Richard for being a source of inspiration and hope not just for Australians, but for people globally who are, or have a loved one, suffering from this awful disease.
With love, from (what Australians might call) ‘Old South Wales’ ❤️ xx
Such a beautiful human being. Your legacy is profound. You made the world a better place
Richard was such an inspiration to many. I didn’t know him personally, but felt like he was in my life as he shared so much with everyone. He wanted to help people throughout his life and he was such a humble man, well respected and loved by many. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to his wife and children
I am so very saddened to hear of Professor Richard’s passing. I have followed his journey which he has shared with transparency and integrity. Even though I didn’t know Richard personally, I came to admire him, pray for him and be inspired by him for his kindness, honesty and humility. I really hoped he would survive this insidious disease. Thank you Richard for sharing with us all
My heart breaks for his beautiful and adoring family.
Rest in peace Richard. 🙏💜💙
We lost the best kind of human.
Richard Scolyer was more than an extraordinary doctor and researcher. he was an inspiration, a beacon of hope, and a testament to courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Through his work, he changed countless lives. Through his own journey, he showed the world what resilience, grace and determination truly look like.
His legacy will live on in the lives he saved, the hope he gave, and the people he inspired.
Rest peacefully, Richard. Thank you for everything.
My thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched. 💙
Members of my family owe their lives to the work and dedication of Richard and the team at MIA. Richard’s contributions to the diagnosis, treatment and understanding of melanoma – underpinned by patient care and compassion – have changed our world and made it a better place in so many ways. A man who lived life well, with generosity, kindness, humility and the greatest humanity. Our thoughts are with Richard’s family, friends and colleagues.
Professor Richard, is a humble person, mentor and a great skin pathologist! His commitment to cancer treatment, particularly melanoma is inspiring and encouraging, as a dermatopathologist! My prayers are with you and your family, rest in peace!
I am also a researcher in Brazil, in the area of skin cancer, and I came to follow Professor Richard’s story as a scientist and as someone who rooted for his recovery. For me, his greatest legacy was not giving up and fighting as far as science allowed for his life. And not only his research but his life story will be remembered throughout the world. He beat cancer every day. Thank you for your story. Rest in peace, Professor!
Thank you Professor Richard Scolyer for your extraordinary contribution to Melanoma Research which has gifted me life. I am forever grateful and in awe of your incredible courage. Sending love and strength to your family
I never met you but have been following your journey since I found out about you after your glio diagnosis. I lost my father to this cancer, and, in the many years hence, not much progress has been made in increasing survivability. Thank you for all you have done to help those suffering from melanoma and glioblastoma. I am deeply saddened by your passing, but grateful to you for giving it all you had, and for being such a remarkable human. Much respect from America.
As someone who has just had my 7th melanoma removed, I woke up this morning not believing that Prof Richard had passed. You taught me to fight, but not only fight, fight with dignity and humility. I am devastated, you were my hero! We ALL needed you❤️ sadly I’ve just about finished reading your book, only now I’m not sure I want to finish it, knowing how it will end. 😢 Thank you for everything you did for Melanoma research, you have touched and saved so many. May you get to run many more parkruns up there in the clouds. (I actually ran at Greenway parkrun in February hoping to bump into you just so I could say ‘thanks’ in person, unfortunately you had a wee fall just the week prior so I missed you.) Thank you again Professor, you will be forever missed. When I can run again, I will run a PB just for you at parkrun! ❤️ You will forever be my hero!
Rest in Peace Professor Richard Scolyer. Your bravery, generosity and inspirational spirit will be remembered always, as will the mark you have left with your contribution to medicine. The world has lost one of the good ones. 💔
Leon, Ashlee, Sarah and I are saddened by Richard’s passing. We first met Richard in 2017 when he was involved in Emma’s Australian Story episode. At this point we learnt that Richard was able to confirm Emma’s, unusual/difficult, 2012 melanoma diagnosis. Over the years our paths have crossed on many occasions. Leon and I will miss these catch-ups. He was a compassionate, kind, warm and caring man. Inspirational, dedicated and enjoyed life right to the very end whilst working tirelessly on melanoma and brain cancer.
Our love is sent to Katie, Emily, Matt and Lucy. Also thinking of Georgina – she has lost a great colleague and ‘mate’.
Richard was an extraordinary man and his amazing legacy will benefit so many. I so admired his passion and skill and what he’s achieved in his field. Sincerest condolences to Richard’s family, colleagues and friends at this very difficult time.
One of the things I love most about my career is being surrounded by people who are truly thriving in their genius.
Prof Richard Scolyer AO was one such person.
Richard was deeply passionate about his work, making extraordinary advances in melanoma pathology and helping to save countless lives through diagnosing some of the most challenging cases that others could not. He also shared his glioblastoma diagnosis and experimental treatment journey publicly, giving hope, insight and precious time to those facing similar challenges.
But what I will treasure most is the way he spent his career lifting others up. His humility, generosity and genuine nature were inspiring and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet him.
In his last email to me, he wrote:
“MIA is incredibly fortunate to have such an incredible team of dedicated and remarkable individuals, such as yourself, that are vital to its success. Keep up the amazing work you do – it is just as important as the research and you may not always hear it but you are valued and appreciated for all that you do.”
Those words meant so much to me, and they perfectly reflect the kind of person Richard was.
Richard, you have left an extraordinary legacy. You will be deeply missed, but your impact will continue to be felt through the countless lives you touched, the people you inspired, and the community you helped build.
I’ve followed Richard’s journey since he first shared his diagnosis with all Australians.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues on his passing. 🕊️
A remarkable human being and a wonderful Australian.
When grief is deepest, words are fewest – Ann Voskamp
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer
Richard I didn’t know you but I’ve followed your journey as I’ve walked mine.
Due to the tesearch you and your colleagues have done in the battle against Melanoma, I am still here and enjoying life.
You then moved onto the battle of helping gioblastoma patients by offering yourself for trials.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage and strength.
To your family, friends and colleagues I offer my sympathy, my heart is weeping with theirs.
My deepest thoughts go out to you all at this terrible time on losing this wonderful human. A beautiful soul who was unselfish, helped many and saved so many lives. It is unfair that he couldn’t be saved. Thankyou Richard together with Prof. Georgina Long in your incredible work. I will forever be grateful.
Remembering Richard (& his beautiful family) today, especially with love for the life of my brother Rhys (48), stage IV melanoma survivor 12.5 years on from diagnosis. xoxo
Such a wonderful & inspiring man. A huge loss for the world. May he Rest in Peace. Love & sympathy to his family & all his colleagues x
Today is a very sad day. As a melanoma survivor, I owe so much to Richard. I’m still able to enjoy my life with family and friends due to the wonderful work and passion of Richard.
Thank you Richard for doing your bit to make the world a better place.
My heart is breaking with the rest of Australia.
I didn’t know Richard personally, but his story really hit us hard. My partner (Jeff) was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma in 2019 and I remember sitting with Jeff when Richard was diagnosed with brain cancer.
My kids and I got to spend four and a half years with their dad before he lost his Melanoma battles, because of the work Richard pioneered with melanoma.
4.5 years is not nearly enough time (at 40 years of age) but it can make a huge difference – the difference between remembering your dad’s tickles and hugs for two little 3 year olds and kicking the footy and going fishing for an 8 year old boy.
The passion and humility Richard showed during his greatest battle will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of all of Australia.
Richard “gave it a crack” and inspired a nation.
Thank you Professor Richard Scolyer AO for sharing your journey, brilliance and legacy with us – our thoughts and love are with your family and everyone who adored you.
Richard has left an amazing legacy, a wonderful and generous man who will be sadly missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.
A life well-lived by a joyful, giving man, devoted to his beloved family and the pursuit of excellence in his career. Many people are indebted to him for their health and wellbeing. Sadly missed by all.