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.
A State Memorial Service honouring Richard Scolyer will take place at 11:00 am on Monday 13th July 2026 at the Sydney Opera House. Reserve your free ticket through the Sydney Opera House website (Website will be live from 9am Monday 29 June).
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.
When I was an intern seeking melanoma research opportunities, Prof Scolyer unexpectedly replied to my email and gave me a call to link up with my current MPhil Supervisor, A/Professor Katy Bell. His support, generosity and guidance played a major role in my gaining entry into the dermatology speciality program. The fact that he noticed a small email from a tiny someone speaks volumes about his character.
Vale Prof Scolyer, and thank you for your contribution to the world. May we all be inspired and continue to build the path you paved.
An amazing man, beautiful soul and fighting spirit.
May Richard rest in peace.
His family will be heartbroken at the loss of their wonderful husband, father. son. and brother.
Richard made the world a better place
Long may he be remembered for all his achievements but mostly for just being the wonderful man he was.
Rip Richard Sending love to all your family and friends love Tameka Dane and Chelsea Thorley Hobart Tas xx
Thank you for your legacy. All that you have done for so many. We will miss you and you will never be forgotten Professor. Thank you for making each day count and for fighting with all you had.
The world is missing a wonderful man😔
Sending much love & strength to Prof Richard’s friends & colleagues ❤️💜💙♥️🖤💛💚🧡🤍🩶🩷🩵
I have a dear friend whose husband (also someone I love) who has lived an extra nine years and counting due to his work. For us to have our loved ones and his family to lose theirs stings our hearts because we are all human. Dr. Scolyer was such a great example of humanity– kind, brave, gentle and so willing to use his intelligence and skill to help others. That is a wonderful legacy to leave.
An Amazing and Incredible MAN thank you Professor Richard Scolyer for your devotion and care to helping make life better for others I wish you were still here in person for your family and the world 🍀❤️
Thankyou Richard for your passion and drive, I am a direct recipient of your groundbreaking research and for that I am eternally grateful.
I admire your amazing compassion to help people, we need so much more of that in the world.
You are an inspiration to us all.
Thankyou again and condolences to your beautiful family.
Regards,
John Mondy
Professor Scolyer’s leadership and insight elevated melanoma care across Australia and the world.
His kindness, integrity and dedication to patients and colleagues will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Richard — your legacy continues in every life your work has touched.
Thank you Prof Scolyer AO, for your courage, strength and superhuman effort to continue to live your life just as you wanted as you fought this horrific disease. To your incredible family I offer my sincerest sympathy and thank each and every one of you for allowing us fellow Australians to follow along in his inspirational. journey. May your love for him continue to uplift you through the pain of your deep and senseless loss.
Finally, to the amazing Dr Georgina Long AO, and staff at the Melanoma Institute Australia – you are all legends and make us all proud to be Australian with your extraordinary achievements.
I was lucky enough to work with Richard back in the days of the Sydney Melanoma Unit at RPA where I worked with the research database team. Richard’s brilliance, work ethic and enthusiasm for life, science and people was inspiring, as was his humility. He was also one of the nicest people I have ever worked with.
To Richard’s family I send you my sincere best wishes. You have been so very brave sharing Richard and these last few difficult years with the general public. I am so sorry that you have lost him at such a young age.
To his MIA colleagues I send you my condolences. What a great loss for you, the MIA and the world. How lucky we have all been to have worked with Richard.
I never met Richard, but his story and his legacy served to inspire me beyond anything in memory. He is truly a great Australian and his life was worthy of remembrance.
A cherished and fearless medical warrior in the fight against a tenacious disease. Has a place among the highest echelons of Australian heroes. The joyous thanks who owe their lives to his groundbreaking skills will echo forever. Raymond Chesterton
Prof Scolyer – thank you for being an exceptional person who lived an extraordinary life devoted to helping others.
Sending condolences to family, friends and colleagues.
RIP Prof Scolyer. You will be greatly missed.
As an early melanoma researcher back in the 90 s , I was fortunate to come across Richard in pursuit of pathology melanoma specimens. He was always so kind and generous and humble in his brilliance . Later, when I became a qualified Dermatologist he was always willing to share his expertise and provide further opinion on difficult cases . It really is such a great loss . Vale Richard and our prayers and condolences to his family and friends and colleagues.
Dear Family,
Richard taught me so much, even here on the other side of the world, in the Netherlands. For that I am deeply grateful. His contribution has a lasting impact on my daily practice of melanoma pathology.
I wish you much strengh during this difficult time of loss and grief.
Warm regards
Liliane Wynaendts
I never met Richard but followed his story. Dr Richard was a amazing and inspirational . I felt like i knew him from afar. His light will shine forever. My sincere condolences to his family.
I met Richard at one of the Melanoma Marches that I was at in Canberra a few years ago. He was the one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. I have followed his journey since he was diagnosed and am heartbroken for all his family and friends he was such a special, strong dedicated man.
I unfortunately lost my beautiful amazing daughter too Melanoma 8 years ago and continue with family to work and support one of the Marches every year knowing how much it means to the Institute and the work they do.
You will be missed by so many Richard.
Rest in peace ✨you will never be forgotten. 💔
To put it simply and to the point Richard and the amazing research team at MIA saved my life with the immunotherapy which he and they developed. Four years ago it was found that i had melanoma tumours in my brain and one lung. After a number of operations by the Neurosurgeon Dr Raymond Cook this was followed by the full Immunotherapy treatment under the management of Professor Alex Menzies and his team of Oncologists. So 4 years later I am here to say the melanoma’s have all gone – there is regular surveillance. The lung tumour “disappeared” with no surgical interference.
I dedicate these words to Professor Richard Scolyer and his family for their strength and bravery during these years. Absolutely amazing. Bless you all. RIP Richard and thank you ❤️
I
To Family Scolyer, Dr Long, and all at the MIA:
It is almost unbearable to know Richard has died, despite sensing recently that this was probably coming.
One reason for feeling like this is that he enabled life to go on for so many while he was so unfairly denied it. The vulnerability he openly shared was part and parcel of his inspiring courage and deep humanity.
We never met, but will never forget him. I feel this personally because the extraordinary MIA team of which he was a leading member made it possible for one of our family to overcome Stage 4 metastatic melanoma that turned up unexpectedly again late in life after previous battles. To our amazement, after initial expert surgery by Dr Brindha Shivalingam and two years of ground breaking immunotherapy, he was declared cancer free. By then, he was one of a growing number of success stories from the MIA, as he still is, ten years after diagnosis. The leading research and decades of dedication by Dr Scolyer, Dr Georgina Long, Dr Alex Menzies and their colleagues are directly responsible for this life-giving outcome.
Out here in ‘survivor land’, we were thrilled at the early signs of remission for Richard from glioblastoma. How much we wanted an outcome for him like that given to us. We followed his journey with hope. Like so many, we were inspired by the novel and brave treatment designed and initiated by Dr Long (we have just read her beautiful piece, ‘The Weight of a Human Life’). Together they took the unknown by the scruff of the neck and wrestled from it a path for others to build on. I believe that, because of Richard and the extraordinary scientists and medical teams who travelled with him, in the future many people stricken with glioblastoma will have their lives extended and survive. His full legacy will unfold over many lifetimes.
Richard Scolyer’s example as the bravest of trail blazers, brilliant scientist and caring, fully alive human being means so very much to me and my loved ones, and to thousands more around the country and the world. Our warmest thoughts to his beautiful family, friends and fellow travellers. Bene, Vale Richard.
Though I never had the privilege of meeting Professor Richard Scolyer, I am deeply grateful for the lasting impact of his professional dedication and his remarkable contribution to melanoma research and the advancement of immunotherapy treatments.
Through an unexpected medical circumstance, which led to the discovery of growths in both my lungs, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma. I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial through the Melanoma Institute of Australia, receiving trial medication alongside immunotherapy.
At 69 years of age, I began that journey. Within six months, I was declared to have achieved a “complete metabolic response”. Now, at 74, I continue to enjoy a full and active life.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have benefited from the knowledge, dedication, and vision of Professor Richard Scolyer and those who worked alongside him. His commitment to improving the lives of others has left a legacy that continues through people like me, who are living proof of the hope created by his work.
May his memory be honoured through the many lives he has touched.
A true Australian hero who will be missed by those whose lives have been touched by him and by his family enourmously.
May he rest in peace and may his legacy continue.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Richard — an exceptional person and passionately dedicated professor of cancer pathology. He left us far too young, taken by the very disease he fought so bravely.
A brilliant scientist and humble soul, he was a genuinely lovable human, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him. Through his work and teaching, he made a profound difference for humanity, advancing cancer research and inspiring countless lives.
His legacy of compassion, humility, and dedication will live on. My heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with his beloved family and the melanoma community.
Richard was a great colleague and friend. Professionally, he was an international leader and a pleasure to work with. On a personal level, he was genuine, kind, considerate and interested. We followed each other on Strava and I always felt a bit privileged when he would message me. My thoughts are with his family and close friends.
The world has lost the most incredible inspirational human who cared not just about himself but all of us . Your tireless dedication strength and courage throughout your own challenges has left a positive impact for a cure with this dreadful disease..
The world is a better place because of you Prof Richard Scolyer .
my sincere condolences to your beautiful loving family , friends and colleagues . 🤍🪽
It is an honor to be a part of an organisation with individuals who are so passionate in their pursuit of bettering the lives of others; Richard was one such individual.
Every time he spoke at MDT, you could feel he held such purpose in his heart for the MIA mission of Zero Deaths from Melanoma and that sort of passion is infectious in the best possible way.
Thank you Richard for your kindness, your dedication, and your undeniable impact on the world
To Richard Scolyer’s Family and the Melanoma Institute, please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of a truly great man & wonderful Australian. The positivity & resilience Richard showed throughout his journey since 2023, was simply inspirational. Him being recognised as joint Australian was of the Year in 2024 was so very much deserved. Having been a Stage 3 melanoma patient at the MIA since 2021, i am greatly indebted to the work of Dr Scolyer (& all of MIA medical staff). His legacy will live on forever….RIP.
I cannot thank Richard and his fellow colleagues enough for all the amazing work they have and are doing in the fight against cancer. I was diagnosed 8 1/2 years ago with Stage 4 Terminal Metastatic Melanoma. I am still here enjoying my family and this wonderful country because of these Legends.
VALE Richard Scolyer 👏👏👏👏
I never met Richard, but have followed his and Georginas’ story of dedication and the revolution of melanoma treatment for some years now.
As a lymphoedema physiotherapist, I am well aware of the scars that surgery leaves and the impact on the lymphatics.
The hope of a cure which places surgery down the chain of treatment is extraordinary.
I am sure the institute will honor the legacy of Richard and look forward to the work yet to be done in his name.
To Richard Scolyer’s Family and the Melanoma Institute,
Sincere condolences to Dr Richard’s family including his wife, children, parents and other family members, friends and colleagues. Richard’s legacy is very much valued and he will always be remembered for the immensely important work he did in medicine and his decency as a person. Gratitude and love to this wonderful man, he will be greatly missed.
Diane Johnstone,
It was with great sadness that we learn of Richard’s passing. I had the privilege of being an overseas pathology fellow at the RPAH Tissue Pathology Department in 2006–2007, under Richard’s supervision. He was warm, welcoming, and immediately made me feel at home. Already an international authority on melanoma, he chose a project on subungual melanoma, especially relevant to our practice in Asia.
He was generous with his time, teaching with humour and patience, and always made tasks manageable. Beyond mentorship, he introduced me to colleagues at RPA and MIA/SMU, and welcomed me to meet his loving family. He showed us the value of hard work, courage, and good relationships.
Even after my return to Singapore, Richard continued to look out for me through conference opportunities and academic contributions. Like he did for countless others, he made a tremendous impact on my life.
May he rest in eternal peace. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Katie and his family, and cannot thank them enough for sharing Richard with the rest of us.
My heartfelt condolences to Dr Richard’s family who he so clearly adored. I can’t think of a single post or interview I heard Richard share that didn’t include a reference to his enormous love for you all. Also, to Dr Scolyer’s friends and work colleagues, I hope that Richard’s legacy lives on in you all and that you can share in the wonderful memories that you have of your time together with Richard. I am sorry for your immense loss.
Dear Melanoma Institute and the Scolyer family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of those that admired and loved Richard, whether through his professional contribution or personal interactions.
Richard was central to a study in Melanoma genomics that our organisation initiated some years ago that has been a seminal contributor to the global understanding of interrelated mutational profiles and biology of solid tumours. Melanoma was “Australia’s” contribution. This work, together with a global alliance has significantly changed cancer treatment and given life (and hope) to patients across the world.
Through our genome project interactions, it turned out, Richard had known my father through Royal Prince Alfred with a shared colleague and friend in Stan McCarthy. When my father passed in 2019, I soon received an unexpected but much cherished phone call from Richard expressing his sorrow. For such an important and busy man, this compassionate act gave me a sense of Richard’s character.
Clearly this was the tip of the iceberg, as demonstrated through Richard’s public sharing of his own journey in the hope of inspiring other patients, carers and researchers in their own journeys.
I am so sad that your family – personal and professional – has lost such a dearly loved man.
Richard, you have certainly earned a place in our hearts.
Much love, Andrew
Richard was one of the most beautiful, courageous and humble human beings. They broke the mould when you were born.
Your impact will be felt for generations to come.
I had Stage 4 terminal melanoma with 16 weeks to live and started on a trial for Immunotherapy, it is a miracle that I am here today.
I was fortunate to meet Richard at a Melanoma March and was able to thank him for saving my life.
My love and deepest condelences to his beautiful family.
His light will shine forever. 💔
Richard was an amazing beautiful and gentle man who was an inspiration to us all. His legacy for me will always be not just his professional life but how he chose to show up during his illness.
Much love to his family and everyone that loved him.
His selfless presence will be remembered.
Deep gratitude to Richard for his extraordinary selflessness, courage, and leadership in melanoma research. His work and example have brought lasting hope and inspiration to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
It was a privilege to know Richard over many years as Emily, Matthew and Lucy grew up, and while supporting them in their studies. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the love, care, and dedication he had for his family. Richard was a kind, humble, and generous man whose quiet goodness was evident in the way he treated others, always with warmth, respect, and sincerity. He had a gentle presence that left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Richard’s devotion to his family was unwavering. His love for his family was reflected in the pride he took in their achievements and the care he showed every step of the way. He was a loving husband to Katie and a deeply committed father to Emily, Matthew and Lucy. He was consistently present for their activities, often patiently waiting for the children to finish and taking genuine interest in their learning, studies, and activities, always offering steady encouragement and support, and placing their wellbeing first. I will always remember Richard for his kindness, humility, and genuine goodness.
My heartfelt condolences to Katie, Emily, Matthew and Lucy. May the memories you shared together bring you comfort, and may his love remain with you.
With love and sympathy,
Johana Widjaja
As a melanoma patient for over 10 years and having had many melanoma operations, I am one of the lucky ones to have been selected for the clinical trials through the Melanoma Institute of Australia for two years of immunotherapy by Professor Scolyer and his team at the Poche Centre. Stage 4 melanoma 10 years ago and still going strong at 84 years of age and a keen golfer and tennis player, how lucky am I? There are not enough adjectives to describe Richard and the inevitable sacrifice he made in the treatment of his own cancer for the benefit of others like me. I would love to have called him a friend but only met him 2 or 3 times over my treatment years. I had the privilege to be seated beside him at a function at Sydney Town Hall a couple of years ago when I discovered his dedication to patients such as myself. A true scholar and a gentleman. Rest In Peace Richard or, as I’ve been saying in recent times, Rip Into Pathology.
Sentite condoglianze da parte dei colleghi dell’Anatomia Patologica dell’istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano
(Heartfelt condolences from colleagues at the Pathological Anatomy Department of the National Cancer Institute of Milan.)
Without ever meeting Richard, I felt as though I knew him because of the way he was willing to share ‘his cancer journey’ with such honesty and openness; and remarkably, his family was generous enough to share him with us as that journey unfolded.
I am in awe of his skill and knowledge and his contribution to melanoma research and treatment. But I am also in awe of his humanity, humility and grace – to the exrent that my tears flowed when I heard that he had died.
May his legacy and example inspire generations to come; and may the outpouring of love for Richard comfort his family, as they grieve for him in the days and weeks ahead.
While I did not have the pleasure of knowing Richard personally, I came to care for and be quite invested in his journey from afar. When I learned about his brave and spirited endeavor to tackle glioblastoma utilizing his immense expertise in melanoma, I found myself both in awe and profoundly moved.
My own father had just passed away a few months prior, in March 2023, after a surprisingly long 15-month battle with glioblastoma – the cancer that had taken his mother and sister before him. With my own melanoma history echoed throughout a large extended family, with so many of us experiencing multiple cancers, I saw in Richard a pure commitment to science, learning, selflessness, and the greater good.
I’ve followed along the whole way, holding hope, and sending strength and the warmest most energetic thoughts his way – and to all those who love, care about and care for him.
Younger than my father at his diagnosis, with children the age of my own, I’ve wanted nothing more than for Richard to have as much “well-time” with his loved ones as possible and for him to find the magic key to kick this damn cancer’s ass. And wow. He gave it all he had and so much more than anyone could have asked.
Richard, thank you for stepping boldy into the unknown. In a space that has felt devoid of hope for so long, your relentless curiosity and willingness to ask “why not” or “what if” has driven more progress for both glioblastoma and melanoma than those of us effected by these cancers could have imagined.
Today I am heartbroken and deeply thankful there have always been, and will continue to be, true pioneers and protectors of the common good like Richard.
This one man partnered with and inspired untold numbers, all for the health and betterment of us all. How lucky are we? He left the world better than he found it. What a beautiful example.
Thank you, Richard.
My sincerest condolences from the Pacific Northwest.
Despite never knowing Richard personally, his natural, level headed demeanour, human kindness and fundamental care of others has been evident every time he speaks. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues for their loss. Australia has been really lucky to have had him applying his knowldege tirelessly, leading the way with Professor Georgina Long and the Melanoma Institute, let alone his willingness to test the treatement boundaries for others with brain tumours. He will always remain a person who we all adminre, who we’d all really like to know, a man of true integrity. Thank you for sharing so much with us all.
My sincere condolences to Richard’s family. I didn’t know Richard personally but feel like I did by following him on Instagram.
I am very grateful for his research into immunotherapy and his work at the Melanoma Institute because of him and all the team I am still living a healthy life.
I’m presently going through immunotherapy treatment for Stage 4 melanoma and things are looking positive. I have no doubt that without Richard and Georgina’s world renowned research, the result would be very different. I can’t express the gratitude I owe you.
My deepest sympathy goes to Richard’s family. Richard was a most remarkable human being. His desire to make a difference to us all was truely inspirational. He was selfless, kind and so very generous.
I have been lucky enough to know his parents, Jenifer and Maurice and recognise what a wonderful childhood he experienced in Tasmania.
You were a gift to the world, Richard and will be sorely missed. Your kindness shone through your every word. My thoughts go out to your family and those closest to you as they grieve.
A great loss for Australia and nations. Prof.Scolyer will forever be remembered for his selfless contributions and legacy. RIP Richard
Vale Richard Scolyer – a remarkable man. I first heard of him through the ABC’s Australian Story episode about him. Through the whole episode he was wearing a t-shirt that read ‘GAME ON MOLE: Take your skin seriously’. I thought this spoke volumes about his sense of humour, his rebellious nature – and his relentless commitment to doing whatever it took to raise funds for MIA – and raise its profile. I immediately went online and bought a ‘Game on mole’ hat – and wear it proudly. And whenever anyone asks me where I got it, I tell them about Richard Scolyer and the incredible work MIA is doing.
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Richard.
As a dermatopathologist I had the immense privilege of knowing Richard. Richard was always approachable, positive and generous with his practical and highly respected advice on complex consult cases. He was an incredible researcher and his contribution has made such a positive difference to so many melanoma patients around the world. Richard was an amazing, inspirational and engaging lecturer.
With respect and deepest sympathy.
Well done young man! You had a crack at everything that life had to offer and loved every minute of it. My heart felt condolences to your wife and children and the wider MIA family. You have inspired the whole country with your achievements as the world’s leading melanoma pathologist securing with your colleagues a 50% melanoma cure rate. And thank you for your bravery in becoming patient Zero in the fight against brain cancer. Your courage and selfless commitment to fighting your own brain cancer at MIA with targeted immunotherapy has lit a flame that burns bright all over the world to find THE cure, inspiring a countless cohort of colleagues in the same fight. You’ve inspired a world, not just all Australians.. Never to be forgotten…..
Losing Professor Scoyler has left a big hole in the society. The world has lost a remarkable Professor who has done so much in his short period on earth. May he rest in peace. Deepest condolences to his wife Katie and his three children
Absolute tragic news, the loss of this extraordinary man 😢 He saved so many lives through his unprecedented research and dedicated work in melanoma…and yet he was so very humble, kind and always generous with his time. He gave so much to the world and had so much more to give… And the way he lived his life during his own horrendous illness, is truly inspirational. So many of his wise words will live on in my mind and my heart. Deepest sympathy to his beautiful family and his very close colleagues at MIA. Rest in peace Prof Scolyer – you will never be forgotten ❤️
Thank you for all your time, patience, and work in your field. I am sure it has and will continue to help others. Thank you also to your family for the times you were working and couldn’t make certain family times. My father also passed away several years ago with a Gioblastoma, so my condolences go out to the family. I understand your grief and offer my support. One day, we will find a cure.
Richard’s bravery and resilience was extraordinary. His ability to share his journey was remarkable. RIP Richard.
One of God’s best helpers has gone home. Thank you Richard for your expertise and compassion to all. Until we meet again.
Terribly sad to learn of the passing of Prof Scolyer, I was hoping he would beat the disease. I recall Prof Thompson saying to me in 2006/7 that immunology was the future and that he had the most wonderful talented team with him on that branch of treatment. He convinced me to sign up for trials, I’ve forgotten how many or what they were called. It looked very bleak there for a long time regarding my future. My gratitude is endless to the team at MIA especially to Prof T; Prof S and Prof Long, such wonderful people who gave me the gift of seeing my kids grow up and now my grandkids. Love and respect Prof S.
A sad loss to humanity and everyone who had a connection to Richard. I witnessed him speak on a couple of occasions with Professor Georgina Long and what an inspiring duo they were to the Melanoma community. My husband passed away from Melanoma last December but he had 9+ extra years due to the dedication of Richard and his team in the search for a cure. RIP Richard 💐
A brief interaction at a conference years ago showed the humbleness this wonderful man whose knowledge and experienced he so generously shared. My thoughts are with those who have to continue their days without him. Thank you, professor Scolyer
Richard was an inspiration to all. The way he faced his end of life was exemplary. I for one will be forever grateful for his determination to make melanoma just a word, not a sentence. His diagnosis must have been devastating but he accepted and dealt with it, all the time attempting to attack it by developing new treatment to combat the disease. The world was a better place for having Richard in it. We mourn his loss. Even though I have never met him personally, feel that I have lost a friend. My sincere sympathy to all at the Melanoma Institute. You are like family to all who attend there. Condolences to Richard’s family. His legacy will be lasting and the pride they must feel will be immense. I stand and applaud Richard Scolyer, the man.
A terrible loss of a wonderful man
Australia and the world will mourn the loss of such an incredible, humble man who gave so much. Vale Professor Scolyer.
It is so sad to lose such a distinguished but down to earth Pathologist like Richard. His passion for teaching others is unparalleled. Even after the diagnosis , he continued to participate in activities to improve skin cancer diagnoses and treatment. I really enjoyed the way he handled the last Melanoma conference in Sydney.
May he rest in peace.
I greatly appreciate Professor Richard Scolyer’s dedication to melanoma diagnosis and research. His huge contribution to the science of melanoma gave my husband and I more time together. I certainly would have lost him within 6 months of diagnosis without the benefit of treatments available now. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Richard’s glioblastoma diagnosis, feeling deeply for him and his family and loved ones as they commenced their own journey along their new and Uncertain Path.
My sincere and heartfelt thanks to you Richard, an inspiration to us all. May you rest in peace.
May he rest in eternal peace
Thank you Richard, I never met you but your work with immunotherapy gave my husband a chance of life. I will aways think of you with fondness and am so gad you were there.
My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues. With deepest respect.
My condolences to the Scolyer family and dear colleagues. Prof Scolyer always took time with trainees and I learned a great deal from him in my time as a Head & Neck fellow at RPA in 2008/2009. He has modelled patience, curiosity and integrity in his professional life and research work. His legacy of mentorship and patient care will live on, and he had a broad impact across Australia and globally. My thoughts are with you all at this time of loss.
Thankyou Professor Richard Scolyer, you have certainly inspired me to be brave throughout my 7+ year fight. Your selfless desire to support others has encouraged me to bring awareness to support prevention of melanoma to my wonderful community here on Norfolk island. You kept going right to the end showing love, care and kindness to others with your soft beautiful heart. Vale Richard you will always remain in my heart as a true Warrior and inspiration to others. Thankyou! 🥲🥲
I am deeply grateful for Professor Richard’s dedication to melanoma research, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, including many in Brazil.
Unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, but it is clear that, beyond being an outstanding professional, he was also an extraordinary person. I extend my heartfelt condolences and warm embrace to his family.
Rest in peace, Dr. Richard.
Dr. Sabrina Ramos Toledo
Plastic Surgeon
Brazil
My sincere condolences to Richard’s family, colleagues, friends and cancer patients alike, Such a selfless man to have experimented on himself for future generations to hopefully benefit, he is truly an inspiration for all, I to was diagnosed with cancer (metastatic melanoma, brain, lungs, spleen, spin and pelvis, became NED but unfortunately has started to return, following such a strong individual such as Richard and seeing his courage and determination, not only for himself but for the future of others, is so inspirational, his passing is truly a loss for all, once again, My sincere condolences to Richard’s family, colleagues and friends
When my brother was diagnosed with Melanoma on the brain I was hopeful that he could be cured as I knew about the wonderful work of Dr. Scolyer and his colleagues. This gave me hope. Unfortunately it didn’t work out that way for my brother but that little bit of hope gave us the energy to move forward. RIP Dr Scolyer.
I was so impressed with his positive attitude, humanity and resilience. Thanks for being such an inspiration. You fought the good fight. No, make that the great fight. May you rest in peace.
My deepest condolences and sympathies to Prof Scolyer gorgeous wife Dr Katie and families and all his love ones and professional colleagues. I am deeply saddened by the passing of an extremely amazing human being 🙏 Prof Scolyer was a very courageous selfless medico with great heart and compassion in his profession. Truely an amazing hero and may his legacy lives on forever in years to come . May he rest in peace and God be with all his love ones . He truly touched the whole world with his professionalism. Will missed him very much 🙏❤️🌹
Seems Richard was a generous and smart man who helped many and whose work will help many in the future,RIP kind sir.
A brave and selfless man. A life well lived cut short by cancer. Thank you. Just thank you. From a 2 time cancer survivor.
My sincere condolences to Richard’s family, colleagues, and the broader medical and research community. His impact will endure in the countless lives his work has touched, and his legacy will no doubt continue to inspire for many years to come.
I think of Richard and thank him for the care and thoughtful way he helped my father and our family navigate his melanoma diagnosis and treatment. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends. We will be forever thankful for the extra time we had with our wonderful Dad. Rest easy Richard.
Dear family, such a sad time my thoughts are with you. Professor Scolyer and Professor Long saved my life from Stage IIIB melanoma and I also enjoyed running alongside Richard on the bayrun. One day soon after the news of his diagnosis I just walked up and hugged him randomly all sweaty after running and very nervously thanked him for my treatment (immunotherapy on a clinical trial via Georgina). He had never met me in the clinic (or on the bayrun) but he spoke to me so kindly and shared his own journey. We also talked about how important our sport was to us and how competitive we were. I’m also a mum of kids the same age as his and I know how super proud he was of you all. His work (together with Georgina) has saved so many mums and dads just like me. My world, and everyone’s world, is a better place thanks to Professor Richard Scolyer. Xxx
Prof Scolyer will always be a lasting treasure to us all. He not only saved many with his research and his dedicated team, but put in place for future generations the drive and determination he showed. Bless him always, his precious family and his dedicated work colleagues ❤️ Thank You from My Heart Always ❤️
We met Richard and Georgina and their partners when they came to the NT as Australians of the Year in 2024. They provided our Year 5 and Year 6 with an informative but entertaining session on their research into Melanoma Cancer and the positive gains in their research and treatments. Our student and teacher were enthralled with the sensitivity and humour they addressed such a difficult topic.
Vale Richard Scolyer he made a difference.
In the face of immense personal tragedy, Richard buckled in and committed himself to everything he could to make progress for others. He seemed a sensible, selfless and humble man. I was so very sad to hear of his passing. Of all of us, he seemed like he deserved more time. Thank you to his family for letting him be so open with Australians about his journey and sharing him with all of us. Rest easy Richard 🩷
I had the pleasure of working with Richard during my time in the clinical trials team at MIA. I will always remember Richard’s kindness and doing everything he could to ensure the best treatment options for our patients. A truly remarkable pathologist who will inspire many generations to come. Thoughts with Richard’s family and colleagues at this time.
Thank you, Richard, for being an incredible, inspiring Aussie! You have had a lasting impact on my family and one we will be eternally thankful for. My dad began immunotherapy and was part of a trial group 2.5 years ago to fight has advanced melanoma.
With Richard and Georgina’s research we have been blessed with over 2 years with my dad and counting!
After losing my father-in-law to melanoma 9 years before my dad was given the same diagnosis, I know that without Richard’s impact on treatment options we would have lost my dad too.
Richard’s strength of character, in the most challenging times, will be a continued inspiration to all Australians.
Sending much love and strength to Richard’s family. x
I had the pleasure of working with Richard during my fellow at MIA in 2016, working on some projects and learning a lot with him. It is a huge loss for all the Melanoma field research community. Wish the best for all his family and friends in this hard time. A tribute from Brazil.
Richard was a great colleague and friend. Professionally, he was an international leader and a pleasure to work with. On a personal level, he was genuine, kind, considerate and interested. We followed each other on Strava and I always felt a bit privileged when he would message me. My thoughts are with his family and close friends.
I am a survivor of a malignant melanoma (amelanotic) having had surgery in 2019.
To Professor Georgina and all the Team, my heartfelt thoughts are with you. Thank you for all the achievements you and Richard have made. The battle against this enemy continues…Richards spirit will be with you.
On behalf of the Danish Melanoma Group, we wish to share our deepest sympathy to Richards friends, colleagues and family. Richard Scolyer was a fantastic skilled pathologist who through his dedication and scientific mind has moved the field tremendously forward. He was also a great colleague and immensely liked by all who were lucky to cross his paths.
It is so sad that we lost Richard Scolyer all too soon, and our thoughts goes out to his especially to his family. May he rest in peace.
I had never met Prof Scolyer but am alive today due to immunotherapy treatment which was administered under the direction of Prof Kefford and A/Prof M. Carlino at Westmead.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma in early January 2014 and initially received Ipilimumub and was placed on the trial of pembrolizumub in early 2015
which absolutely saved my life. I have recently been discharged by Dr Carlino which is amazing.
My heartfelt thanks goes to ALL the Oncologists and Pathologists who have developed and continue to develop these amazing treatments.
My condolences to the Scolyer family.
To Richard’s wife, his daughters & son.
Thank you for sharing snippets of Richard’s life on his Instagram. Your love for him, and his for you, shone through like a lighthouse. He was a giant in the medical world, and such a vibrant, selfless & brave inspiration to millions of Australians; you won the jackpot of having him as husband & Dad.
Your loss is incomprehensible, I wish for you a raft of love & support.
If I can take one thing from this extraordinary man’s journey, it is ‘I can’.
Thank you Professor Scolyer for sharing your human side, something often rare in the clinical sphere of medicine. Whilst my Father in law passed from melonoma in the early days of immunotherapy (where the melanoma grew in the vials in the freezer!) We have lighter hearts knowing many are now being saved through those early trials and trailblazers. May your legacy live on in your loved ones and you will always be remembered for your courage, kindness and incredible knowledge and charisma. Thank you sincerely ♥️
Richard ( Dr Scolyer) was an inspirational man and colleague whose contribution to our and personally my understanding of melanocytic lesions is unfathomable. I have met him on numerous occasions and I cherish the evenings in Paris Salon with him. RIP Dear Richard.
A wonderful man who will always be remembered for his amazing research and his compassion for all sufferers. We owe him so much.
“Those we laughed with, learned from, leaned on and loved the most leave us with the best memories.”
Prof Richard Scolyer was an exceptional clinical pathologist and a pioneering researcher. His contributions have changed countless lives, and his generosity as a mentor and collaborator has inspired many of us in the field.
He was also a remarkable example of courage and resilience. I still remember seeing him complete the City2Surf last year with his son and brother—an inspiring moment that symbolised hope and determination in the face of his own illness. It was deeply moving to witness his strength in battling brain cancer.
RIP, Richard. You will be greatly missed, and your legacy will continue to inspire many.
A legend has fallen. You have been such an inspiration to me as a Skin Cancer Doctor. Thank you for being so open and honest in sharing your journey with your own cancer. You have inspired me and many patients on this journey we call life. Blessings to you and your family. Nelia
I never met Richard but he invited me and the rest of the world to share something of his GBM journey. He did this with unfailing grace and striking humility, character traits rarely seen in intellectuals of his calibre. Thank you for your refreshing honesty and God bless and keep your family safe in love.
RIP Richard,You are a legend and dedicated to your profession.Amazing.
I met Richard twice lecturing skin cancer pathology, particularly melanoma. I was so impressed by his knowledge, ability to teach. He strongly believed that death from melanoma can end. I was more impressed by his keenness to help, big sincere smile and his humility, kindness. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him but specially by his dear family.
There is a verse in the Bible that says “though he is dead yet he speaks “ Through his work and human touch, he still speaks to many today.
Our sincere condolences to all the family of this wonderful man. We pray that God will comfort their hearts and draw near to them in this difficult time.
Hi Prof Scolyer
Thank you for your work and contribution to skin cancer. My condolences to your family and loved ones.
In honour of Prof Scolyer, whose dedication and brilliance will continue to shape oncology and medicine for generations. My sincere condolences to his family and all who worked beside him. May he rest peacefully.
Vale to a selfless, brilliant human. Thank you for all you did for Melanoma research.A full life well lived
He was simply the best
We are greatly indebted to the staff at the Melanoma Institute of Australia, and in particular Professor Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer for the care and attention we received during Jacqueline Mansell’s treatment over the past ten years for her Melanoma.
Our sincere sympathy to all, a great man lost too soon.
Regards Ross and Jacqueline Mansell.
Thank you Richard for your tireless work and sacrifice in your research for a cure for melanoma. I am deeply grateful.
I have followed Dr Richard’s journey, my first cousin was also diagnosed with GBF at the same time, sadly his immunotherapy failed
Dr Richard’s zest for life and his motto of enjoying his life to the last has had a strong impact on me , we only know that we don’t know our future …
May his family gain strength and remember him for his dedication.
There aren’t enough words to say how grateful I and so many other melanoma patients are that Richard was on our team. RIP wonderful man
Professor Richard Scolyer and Professor Georgina Long and the wonderful team at the Melanoma Institute of Australia saved my life. I was diagnosed with six stage 4 melanomas in my lungs and brain. Their pioneering, world leading research, clinical trials and treatments have already saved many lives and brought hope of recovery and cure to those newly diagnosed. To them I am truly grateful.
My wife and I are so deeply saddened by the passing of such a wonderful human being. Richard’s willingness and courage to share his own journey has been inspirational.
Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to his wife and children, extended family and colleagues.
Whilst we are all so saddened to hear of Richard’s passing, his contribution to research and the legacy remains a powerful force in the fight against melanoma and cancer. Sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. A man who will be greatly missed by so many.
My heart felt condolences to Richards family and friends. What an extraordinary contribution to all the many many lives Richards work touched. I am here today as a result of his, Georgina’s and their teams work, having had immunotherapy for late stage melanoma. A great man lost way too soon.
Deepest sympathy to all affected by the very sad loss of this wonderful man.
Immunotherapy saved my life after being diagnosed with Stage IV Brain metastasis Melanoma.
Vale Professor Scolyer
Dear Professor Scolyer
Thank you doesn’t even come near to expressing my gratitude for the part you played in saving my daughter’s life after she was diagnosed with melanoma. You and your team are magnificent! Sometimes it seems hard to live on this planet, and then a selfless and inspiring person like you comes along to restore our faith in humanity. Vale Richard Scolyer; may you rest in peace in a beautiful place.
Thank you Prof Scolyer for your commitment to medical research, your work in the area of Melanoma and especially your work as patient zero. You are an exceptional Australian and one who all Australians should aspire to emulate. Rest in Eternal Peace.
Melanoma has touched our lives in a few ways, which has had a devastating impact on us.
Learning of the passing of Richard broke our hearts all over again.
We have never met Richard but it seems like we do know him.
We will truly miss seeing this amazing man’s beautiful smile.
Thank you Richard for everything you’ve done.
To all of Richard’s beautiful family and friends, our deepest condolences are with you all.
Chris and Tracy Atkinson
Sincerest condolences to Prof Scolyer’s family. Professor Scolyer devoted his life to understanding and defeating melanoma, helping transform a once uniformly devastating diagnosis into one met with growing hope.
His pioneering research, clinical insight, and generous mentorship changed practice, inspired colleagues and trainees, and will continue to save lives long after his passing.
He leaves a legacy written in discovery, in his students, and in the patients who lived longer and better because of his work.
What an enormous loss to the medical community and especially to his family and close friends and colleagues. A champion amoung champions. A kind and generous teacher. Although I did not know him, I have heard him speak at many meetings and much admired his compassion, understanding and sense of humour. What a contribution both he and Georgina have made to the treatment and outcome of “the queen of malignant tumours”. His brave step to share his own path through the maze of medical management, hopes and disappointments has touched and help so many. He will long be remembered. My heart goes out to his family as theirs is the greatest loss.
Richard’s humility always resonated with me as someone who observed him from the sidelines over many years. Despite his remarkable achievements, he remained approachable, gracious, and grounded. I have great admiration for him and feel fortunate to have witnessed the impact he had on so many people. I hope his legacy will live on and continue to inspire others for many years to come.
Courageous, Inspirational and Admired
The bravery and humility that Professor Scolyer showed in the face of his diagnosis, was a true testament to the incredible man he was.
Thank you for your dedication to research and sharing your journey with the world.
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer
I am but a humble survivor of melanoma through the use of immunotherapy, and am forever indebted to Richards lifes’ work and dedication and care of others, and I send my deep felt gratitude and condolences to his family and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.
I have followed his journey and as a someone that has been in the same situation, I could only admire his resilience and attitude. Will be remembered and followed by many.
I wish to extend condolences to Prof Scolyers family and colleagues at this time and thank his legacy for helping so many patients with melanoma, for his teaching and contribution to Dermatology. I personally want to thank him providing a second opinion on a patients difficult melanoma which showed his selfless collegial spirit. Rest finally in peace.
While I never had the privilege of meeting Professor Richard Scolyer, his impact on the global oncology community was huge. His dedication to melanoma research and more recently GBM, has transformed patient outcomes and set new standards of care that will continue to benefit patients for many years to come.
His legacy is one of extraordinary scientific contribution, leadership, and inspiration. He leaves behind not only groundbreaking advancements, but also a lasting sense of hope for patients and a powerful example for those working in cancer research and care.
Vale Richard Scolyer
Thank you Prof Richard Scolyer for your dedicated service to pathology and melanoma research field and for all the contributions you made to uplift the field of pathology. Thank you for all the expert consultation given to me and being a humble, kind and always being helpful person. Your dedication is inspiring and you will be sadly missed.
I wish to send my condolences to Richard’s family at this difficult time.
Many thanks for all the help & giving you have done . Should be more giving people like you in this greedy world . I live on with stage 4 . Barry Brown
What a sad day it is for this world. Our God gave you a special talent, of a brain that could understand the intricacies of a formidable disease. It depends on the person how that talent is used and there is no doubt that you used your talent for the benefit of mankind. All of the hard work of hours of investigating and trialing that you and Georgina and your marvellous team did, to get it right to heal so many of our loved ones, has been worth the effort. It was not that you would receive the Australian of the Year award (although that was deserved), it was because you felt the need to do something to help all of those who desperately needed that help. (including my 19 year old granddaughter). Although I do not know you personally, I feel that I do from listening to all of your updates and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My thoughts are with your family as they think of you, not as a pathologist, but as their very much loved Husband and Father.
Vale Richard Scolyer and thank you for your dedication to Melanoma Research and your inspiration to those carrying on your work.
To Professor Scolyer’s family, I send my deepest condolences, on the loss of your dear son, husband and father. He was such an amazing, brave and inspirational man.
He has left a lasting legacy in cancer research that will have a profound impact on those who have and will be affected by Melanoma and other cancers, not only in Australia but throughout the world.
In a room full of smart people, Richard stood out for his kindness, consideration for others and inclusiveness
Very kind condolences to Richard’s family. Richard – an amazing professional and human being. We only met once many years ago with Linda Martin and Jonathon Stretch, to resolve and remove some minor skin melanomas – a sincere thank you for your expert advice and direction. You will always be remembered ! The world will be less for your passing.
My condolences to Richard’s family.
True blue Aussie who has touched many lives.
Rest in Peace
It was with great sadness we learnt of the passing of Professor Richard Scolyer, a truly remarkable man whose achievements have, and will continue to improve outcomes for cancer patients. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues.
Thank you for your fortitude by not stopping fighting, using immunotherapy prior to a procedure and you and your team pulling everything you could think of out of the box.
Your input into pathology, melanoma, science and utilizing yourself to attempt to broaden choices for yourself and others in the future.
A wonderful human 🙏
It was with great sadness we heard of the passing of Professor Richard Scolyer, a truly remarkable man whose achievements have, and will continue to improve outcomes for cancer patients. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues.
A true hero. Richard was so committed to “have a crack” in true Aussie style. He fought positive and negative aspects of his disease with commitment in the hope that one day he may have played a part in the cure for this cancer. The world has lost a “TRUE HERO”.
I have followed your journey, and I thank you for my life. I had melanoma and was on the trial.
Ten years later I am free from melanoma. My thoughts are for your family. My prayers to them. 🙏
As a melanoma survivor who was cared for by the amazing team at MIA during my immunotherapy treatment and the many years before that, I thank Richard for everything he contributed to melanoma research and all the people he has helped save. I have followed his journey and felt attached to him in some way (maybe it’s being a fellow redhead!) so I’m really sad he has gone, and sorry you have lost your amazing husband and dad.
Sending love to you all and my deepest thanks for sharing him with us.
Vale Richard a truly well deserved Australian of the year and thanks to you and your colleges I was included in a clinical trail back in 2017 that may well be why I am here able to write this sincere thanks .
My condolances to your family and many friends.
Michael Gardiner
So sad to hear of the passing of this extraordinary human – Richard Scolyer. Thank you so much for the person you were and the legacies you have left behind including your 3 very special children that you shared with your wonderful wife. Your work has had a direct impact on a very loved & treasured family member’s health situation & we continue to be full of hope for their future. Very grateful for the person you were, the work you did & your determination to advance cancer research – you will continue to touch countless lives of people you never knew – what a gift your life was to us all ❤️.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Richard, however it is because of the work he and Georgina completed that I still have my dad, who is now 3 years post immunotherapy following a metastatic melanoma diagnosis. Through Richard’s own cancer journey he again added so much knowledge and progress to brain cancer treatment that countless others will benefit from his work in the future. He left the world in a better place than he found it, and I don’t think there are many of us that can truly say that.
I share my deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends. I’m sorry there is nothing I can do that can make your loss easier.
Rest in peace Richard
Rest In Peace Richard
Thank you for all you have done.
A truly inspirational man
Deeply sadden to hear of the passing of Professor Scolyer. A true giant in Australia’s cancer research, an incredibly generous leader and mentor.
Having collaborated with the Melanoma Institute Australia during my PhD, I saw firsthand the incredible impact of his leadership. His recent battle with brain cancer was a testament to his bravery. His passing is a massive loss to the community, but his inspiration will endure. Rest in peace, Professor Scolyer.
It is people like Richard who have the ability to change the world, making it a better place and bringing hope to those who have lost it. His kindness, vision, and impact touched many lives. The world is a poorer place for his passing.
My sincerest condolences to Professor Scolyer’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Richard fostered an environment in which people could thrive, encouraged innovation, and provided thoughtful mentorship and guidance. Beyond his extraordinary academic achievements, he was an inspiration through the way he balanced his passion for research with his dedication to family, friends, and personal wellbeing.
His impact on the melanoma community and on those fortunate enough to work alongside him will endure for many years to come. He will be deeply missed.
My sister died from melanoma and it remains a continuous ugly threat to myself and family. I am ever greatful to the scientists and doctors for their dedication to work towards zero deaths from melanoma. Richard from what I have read was an amazing individual who has contributed much to our world. My condolences to his family friends and colleagues who have lost an incredible person.
A truly exceptional man. So sad that he has gone too soon. Rest in peace Professor Richard and sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
A great scientist.
A empathic doc.
RIP
I did not know Richard personally but as a mucosal melanoma patient I came to know of him and his contributions and brilliance. I followed his journey after his diagnosis and was amazed at his resilience.
Sending my sincere condolences to his family and may they be comforted by wonderful memories and the fact that he will not be forgotten. RIP Richard.
Vale Professor Richard. Extraordinary Man. You made such a difference to the world, especially ours. For you and Georgina gave me life after a diagnosis of nine months, and our gratitude is boundless. We have been so inspired and deeply touched by you and your family. Our love and healing to your Beloved Wife and Children. Blessings on you all. ❤️.
Proof that one person can change the world – your impact lives on through the treatment options you advocated for and all the lives those treatments continue to save – including mine.
Forever grateful for the work of Dr Scolyer and all at MIA to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in melanoma treatment and giving life to others.
I was very fortunate to have worked with Richard on several immunotherapy studies and assessing for the first time the pathological response and the impact it had on patients treatment and outcome. I will miss his stimulating, wise and humorous attitude and comments. It is indescribable we have lossed him.
A thoroughly awesome man.
I owe my life to the remarkable work done by Richard, Georgina, Alex Menzies and all the remarkable team at MIA. I am a 10 year survivor of stage 4 melanoma because of his & their work. The world is a better place because of Richard. His family, friends and all of Australia have lost a great bloke.
My sincere condolences. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and close colleagues. The world has lost a truly inspiring pathologist whose contributions and influence will be deeply missed.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Richard’s beloved family, friends and colleagues. His contribution to advances in the treatment of skin cancer and melanoma was extraordinary and many, many people’s lives have, and will continue to be, saved as a result. Richard’s willingness to share his cancer diagnosis, treatment and progress was so generous and, as I suspect he knew, so very important. I hope we can all learn something from his positivity and tenacity. This truly admirable man has left us but his legacy will remain forever.
An incredible person with an incredible life!
Thank you for all your contribution to the world of melanoma. May God comfort your blood family and MIA’s family.
Millions of people die of cancer each year. It is an evil monster. It destroyed Richard Scolyer, like it destroys millions a year. In that sense, his death was unremarkable, and his life’s mission of advancing human knowledge in the fight against disease ended in failure to beat that evil monster.
I want the colleagues, friends and family to know a random family on the other side of the country made a toast over dinner to Prof Scolyer’s memory this evening.
We toasted to how unremarkable his death was. We toasted to how his life’s mission of advancing human knowledge ended in failure to beat the evil monster.
We toasted his unremarkable death because Richard Scolyer had a life mission that was so remarkable it needed something to offset it.
And we toasted the failure of his life mission because Richard Scolyer had a death that represented such a success in the battle against the evil monster it needed something to offset it.
Our nation and world was the better for his life, and we are all the poorer for his passing.
He deserved many more decades with his family. May his memory be a blessing.
So saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Scolyer. Rest in peace Professor. Australia’s hero in so many ways. Wonderful human.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Professor Scolyer’s passing. His dedication and resilience in the face of adversity were truly inspiring. Professor Scolyer’s work, particularly his contributions to melanoma research, has had a significant impact. His efforts to share knowledge and motivate others will be remembered. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and commitment to scientific advancement. They he always posted about his disease, the positivity in it, the way he cherished having loved one around it, everything had learning in it. I wish i cud have met him in person ot worked with him.
Thank you, Richard, for your generosity and for the exemplary life you led. You inspired pathologists across the world to uphold excellence in our work while embracing humanity and humility in all we do. You will be remembered not only as one of the foremost dermatopathologists, but also as a true gentleman.
It is with great sadness that we read of Richard’s passing. His life and courage have been an inspiration for all and having known and dealt with Richard over the years in the capacities of both patient & supporter’s of his work, Penni and I are proud to have known him and are inspired to face any challenge that may lie ahead with the same courage and positivity that Richard exemplified.
My deepest sympathies to his family
The world needs more people like you,Richard
You have left a great legacy
The whole of Australia shed a few tears at the passing of Professor Scolyer. A brilliant, humble and selfless man whose work will help those in the same unfortunate position.
Thank you to you and your family for sharing your journey
Rest in peace you absolute legend 💕
My deepest sympathies to Richard’s family’s family, friends and colleagues. I had the immense privilege of knowing Dr. Scolyer. His selflessness during his disease to further the knowledge regarding the treatment of glioblastoma touched my heart deeply as I lost my mother to the same insidious disease. I also had the privilege of experiencing his dedication to the field of melanoma research while working with the Society for Melanoma Research. No matter what the task Richard gave it his all and he was deservedly respected by many people around the world. He will be missed.
I’m saddened to hear the passing of Professor Scolyer. Along with Professor Long, I met him briefly at a Skin Cancer School Student Ambassador Program in Perth 2024. His passion and enthusiasm was inspirational and the students were in awe of his knowledge and expertise in this field. My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
Adam Camuglia
Secondary School Teacher
A great loss to the MIA
Giving thanks for the life of Professor Richard Scolyer, and the strength of his HOPE.
His pioneering research of melanoma, saving thousands of lives.
His selfless & successful experiments in the search for a Gioblastoma brain cancer cure.
The inspiration he continues to give many in a hopeless, difficult and evolving situation.
Within our own grief, our family are eternally grateful for the hope he shared in our difficult times.
Thank you Professor Scolyer for your remarkable courage, and your gold standard of humanitarian service.
Kindest Regards,
Darren Mensforth
Vale Richard. You gave us hope when my mum was diagnosed with melanoma and your decision to share your cancer story and it’s impact on your family validated the ups and downs we experienced with my dad who fought brain cancer for 6 years. Your contribution to the community is immeasurable. We send our deepest condolences to your beautiful family at this incredibly hard time. Our world is a better place because of you.
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer. A brilliant scientist, a courageous advocate, and a deeply compassionate human being. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations.
We have lost an extraordinary man – a true Australian hero. Sincere condolences to your loved ones. 💔
Richard was one year older than me. Although Professor Long was my direct doctor, I’m sure his work helped to save my life. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma in 2014 and was put on one of the (then new) autoimmune trials. I am now totally cured. Please know that I and countless others like me are forever indebted to Richard and others at the MIA and beyond who have enabled us to continue living fruitful and productive lives. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be remembered by all of us, the people he helped to save.
Thank you Professor Scolyer, you will always be a hero to me. Without you, myself and many others, would not still be here, so I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me the gift of life.
Sending my deepest sympathies & condolences to your family & friends and I thank them all as well for sharing you with us.
As a practising histopathologist, I had the privilege of frequent contact with Richard from the time of his initial appointment at RPAH about 25 years ago. This was usually in the context of a request for an expert opinion on a difficult case, and there were also other occasions when we met during pathology conferences and teaching sessions. At all times Richard went out of his way to be helpful and mentoring. He must have spent a considerable amount of his working time similarly gratuitously helping other pathologists.
Richard worked closely at RPA with Professor Stan McCarthy, who died two years ago, and together they made a formidable team. Richard was not only a brilliant and highly knowledgeable pathologist but also a very kind-hearted and pleasant person to be with.
I also had the great pleasure of working with his wife Katie for a period of time prior to their marriage. Katie has shown herself to be a tower of strength in supporting Richard and their family throughout the three years of his illness. I extend my deepest sympathy to Katie, their children and the wider family at this time.
Dr Peter Cropley.
I lost my mum to metastatic melanoma many years ago. At the time, there was no real lifeline—no immunotherapy, no breakthroughs, no hope.
Today, my daughter is battling an aggressive nodular melanoma. While the fear is just as real, the outlook is different because of the extraordinary advances in treatment. As a patient of Melanoma Institute Australia, she has access to options my mum never had.
I will always be grateful for the work of Richard Scolyer who transformed melanoma care. His work has given families like mine something we once didn’t have: hope.
Richard is a great man and such an inspiration to many. We thank him for his generous time, compassion and commitment to cancer research. May he rest in peace.
Sincere condolences to Richard’s family and friends. Although I didn’t have the honour of meeting Richard in person, his generosity in sharing his thoughts and experiences has helped me enormously with my own life pivoting. Richard’s dedication and expertise in the field of melanoma has made a significant contribution to my ongoing life expectancy. I am eternally grateful and thankful to Richard and will miss seeing his smiling face and positive outlook in the most trying of times. With armfuls of deep gratitude, respect and love rest easy and no doubt you will be just as courageous and humble in your adventures in your new realm. I wish you all the very best 🌟💜✨💋
Vale, Richard. Thank you. Deepest sympathy to family & friends.
Sometimes, a star comes along and shines so very brightly. Richard was one of those stars. More importantly, his light will continue to shine, despite all, a rare star indeed! Rest in peace Richard. You will be missed by all in the melanoma community, but your legacy lives on Sincere condolences to your family.
A giant of our time. Thank you Richard for changing the world and saving countless lives from Melanoma and other conditions, and most of all, for setting the human standard for compassion, generosity and wisdom. Never forgotten.
My daughter is enjoying life with her family having undergone Immunotherapy for Melanoma in 2022 under the MIA protocols. “Thank You”does not begin to cover my gratitude for your research and brilliance. R.I.P Richard.
Respect to Richard & my condolences to his friends & family…
“Open letter from Richard Scolyer released following death”
8/6/2026 ABC News
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-08/professor-richard-scolyer-open-letter-death-cancer/106741140
..
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer – a generous and kind soul with an extraordinary mind and selfless dedication to that has helped save the lives of many Australians. He embodied the true essence of Australia with a ‘give it a crack’ attitude and an outstretched hand to strangers. Gone, but not forgotten.
I will never forget Richard’s pathology quizzes at the weekly MIA MDT. He had a passion for pathology and for sharing his knowledge. My thoughts are with his colleagues and family. Rest in peace Richard.
My condolences to all of Professor Scolyer’s family, friends and colleagues. He will always be remembered as an inspirational, brave and remarkable Australian
RIP
A selfless pioneer and truly exceptional human being – the complete package.
Thank you for sharing Richard with us all…your memories will be many.
Rest in Peace Professor Richard Scolyer.
A beautiful man with a heart of gold, taken to soon
Left behind wonderful memories to his family and friends
Sad to say so many good die young
Remarkable human and inspiration to us all. Incredibly brave. Thank you for sharing your journey with us & for making enormous progress in searching for a cure for brain cancer. You have had an amazing impact. Rest in peace
It’s with immense sadness to hear of the passing of Professor Scolyer.
If it were not for his brilliant work, I too would not be here today, having had lifesaving Immunotherapy for my late stage Melanoma diagnosis.
Words alone cannot express my gratitude and thanks, together with the sadness that you too were not able to have been afforded the opportunity of a second chance of life.
May you rest in peace Professor.
Wishing all your family and friends Long Life.
Thank for the opportunity to comment on the passing of Professor Scolyer. I live in a small town in Western Australia and although I have never met P. Scolyer I have watched with interest as he allowed his body to be used for treatment and further research. I have admired his strength and willingness to share the last few years of his life with social media.
He was truly an exceptional man. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends.
Jenni Montgomery
A remarkable man who is going to be so sadly missed. As a Melanoma survivor, I honestly can’t put into words how grateful I am for all of his incredible research resulting in ground breaking treatments. Sending sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who loved him. Rest in peace, Professor Scolyer.
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer. A brilliant scientist, a courageous advocate, and a deeply compassionate human being. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations.
We have lost an extraordinary man – a true Australian hero. Sincere condolences to your loved ones. 💔
Wonderful man who contributed so much to this world. Rest in peace.
The world has lost not only a brilliant scientist, but an exceptional human being. Rest in peace Richard.
My sincerest condolences to all of Professor Scolyer’s family, friends and colleagues. He will always be remembered as an inspirational, brave and remarkable Australian. Thank you for all you have done for human kind. The world is a sadder place with your passing.
Caroline Burton
Thank you Richard (and his family) for all your work over the years.
May he rest in peace
Thank you Richard – you have shown the world through your tough diagnosis how to show up through vulnerability, fear and deep loss with courage, passion and determination to make a difference to find a cure. You have definitely leapt in, and over and moved cancer research and awareness 1000++ fold forward.
Your a true Legend and your research and drive for cure is a lasting legacy.
there is a part of every Australian who call you a cherished friend – one that we kept hoping would beat the clock for a cure and your giant kind heart would stay beating with us.
Forever grateful and always in our hearts
sincerest condolences to your family friends and colleagues. Richard Rest in Peace and thank you 🙏🏼
R.I.P. Richard.
A truely generous Australian gentleman.
Thank you.
Vale Richard Scolyer
My condolences to Prof Scolyer’s family
From what I have heard, Proof Scolyer was a truly generous human being, thinking of others to the very end. His research will continue to save many lives. What a legacy – something to be proud of and such a humble human.
Vale to an exceptional pathologist, generous human and family man taken too soon. Thankyou for your bravery and scientific breakthroughs in the treatments for Melanoma and Glioblastoma, two diseases that have impacted my family.
My sincere condolences to Professor Richard’s family and friends. May he Rest in Peace
My son was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in 2020. He is alive and well. Thank you Richard for all your work with your colleagues. Many lives have been saved. Condolences to your wonderful family.
An amazing man who gave such passion to find a cure for the most dreaded skin cancer, melanoma. His research will no doubt be remembered for generations to come. For putting himself forward after the diagnosis of his brain cancer to find a cure for it was remarkable, honest, selfless and deeply caring of other fellow human beings. I had joined Melanoma Institute Australia many years before I myself was diagnosed with melanoma. I have always respected him, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.
May you rest easy, Professor Richard Scolyer, knowing you did make a difference in this world
As one of Richard Scolyer’s friend commented tonight on Current Affair programme said he made people feel good about themselves just by talking to them. He was a unique human being in every way.
His family have been left with wonderful memories of his achievements in the medical field and a caring decent person.
Vale Richard Scolyer
Above and beyond the call of duty. Richard Scolyer was a man who stepped over the line and faced nightmares not only of the melanoma patients he was aiming to help, but also in his own life. He never waivered. He wanted the best for everyone and that aim led to improved lives for many, advances in the treatment of melanoma and a major move forward to understand and treat gioblastoma. His courage, humility, professionalism and love of his family will be long remembered. We give thanks for extra-ordinary people like this man who quietly contribute so much to our society. Vale Richard Scolyer,
My hero. I still have my husband because of Prof Scolyer’s research and dedication. Such grace and bravery. May you rest in peace dear man. My sincere condolences to Prof Scolyer’s wife and children, his parents and brother, family, friends and colleagues.
Thank you so much for all you have contributed to assist people fighting melanoma. Your family and all those you have helped can be so very grateful for your time here on earth .May you RIP knowing that your life was so worthwhile .
What a wonderful human taken too soon so many lives he has touched with his massive medical research. Condolences to his family friends and colleagues RIP
I am so grateful to Richard for making such a huge difference. He has been so brave and so very inspiring.
Richard Scolyer
Was the most selfless amazing and amazing human, I prayed for him every day.
Today he will rest in peace, God Bless him
Heartfelt thanks for the 4 years (so far) that you’ve given my husband through your research. He was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in January 22. We saw Prof Long but opted out of the trial after drawing the standard treatment arm. He has had multiple immunotherapy treatments under the care of A/Prof Rob Zielinski here in Orange. Unfortunately he got every side effect going (which almost took him) but the treatment seems to have curbed the progression of his disease. He still gets small, resectable tumours but I’m positive that he would not have gotten this far without Richard’s amazing input. As an oncology nurse I have seen miracles happen through immunotherapy.
Deepest sympathy for your loss & eternal thanks.
Deb Breen
Australia has lost a true Champion & the World has lost an incredible Human!
Thank you for sharing your Uncertain Journey with us, it has been a lesson in love & compassion, proof of a Life well lived!
Blessings to your Family 🙏🏼
Thanks for everything you done. You were deeply loved.
To Richard’s family, colleagues and the Team at MIA I send my deepest sympathies.
Prof Scolyer changed the world and lives of so many and for that I am so personally grateful ❤️🩹
Thankyou for all your achievements in the melanoma cure. Hoping it will benefit many people in the future fight against this cancer.
May your legacy live on it’s a very sad day.
I lost my dad to Glioblastoma in December 2025. Hearing of Richard’s passing today was hard; because it brought back so many memories of my dad’s battle. RIP Professor Scolyer. You will never be forgotten 🩷
firstly, can I offer my deepest condolences to Richard’s wife, family and collogues, secondly can I express my greatest gratitude and thanks to Richard and Georgina for their works and dedication in research in developing successful treatments in melanoma cancer. As survivor of stage 4 melanoma cancer via a clinical trial at the melanoma institute I feel I owe my life to his dedication and work. Richard’s passing is a great loss to the institute, Australia and the world, we all need more people like Richard.
Heartbroken for you all – and the whole world – with this loss. Our thoughts and love are with you and Richard’s family. In a world where people seem to think it’s ok to divide, to criticise, to condemn and hate, Richard was the epitome of grace, kindness and a shining example of how amazing humanity really can be. I used to have to ring him for results in my capacity as a histotypist at Northern Rivers Pathology. He always spoke to me, kind and respectful. A truly great man.
My deepest condolences to you all and his family. The world is a better place for having had him in it.
I instantly cried hearing of Richard’s passing. What an extraordinary man and such a legacy to have left. Myself, having had stage 4 melanoma, am a recipient of immunotherapy and currently have no evidence of disease. This news is really devastating. Sending love and strength to his family🩷
Brave. You treated yourself as the patient to help others and for the greater good of science!
Courageous. You shared your journey with all of us knowing completely where it may go but doing it anyway and becoming an inspiration to world.
Bold. You lept in where others didn’t go, trying treatments in an unconventional or new way despite the risks.
As a fellow researcher, I’m completely inspired by your journey and “leap” into my work with first in human treatments across a range of cancers feeling hopeful.
As a patient having had low grade skin cancers removed successfully, I’m thankful for Pathologists/Drs like you Richard, who are willing to go into the unknown.
As a mother, I’m confident we will make significant progress in cancer treatments so that our children are not burdened.
Thank you Richard, who are you and your legacy will always be remembered and honoured.
Rest Easy in Peace.
Professor Scolyer you saved my life from melanoma cancer in 2019-2026 with the trial of nivolumab cancer treatment. It was a trial and I was fortunate enough that my oncologist put by me on the trial. I have had it metastases twice but I’m still here hopeful that it won’t come back again. Thank you and condolences to your family and colleagues.
Without you and Georgina I probably would not be posting this. You guys literally saved my life and I will be forever thankful.
Your positivity is infectious and I will use it to inspire me for the rest of my life.
RIP legend x
A true Australian legend, leader and family man. A sad loss to all. Thinking of you all always.
Run free Over the Rainbow Bridge Richard, until you and your Dearest Family are reunited at the Bridge, then you all cross together into Paradise Forever.
I have followed Richards valiant fight against Glioblastoma these past three years and quietly prayed for a miracle for this gentle man who bravely put himself totally into trying new treatments. Condolences to his family whom he loved so much. Sleep peacefully now,you’ve earned your rest.
I send my deepest sympathy to the family. This brilliant research professional paved the way for me to be able to write this comment. 2 months ago I had a melanoma removed from my shoulder. I can be truly confident that due to this brilliant man I am fine. May his legacy and brilliance be forever remembered and praised. May He Rest in Peace.
Professor Scolyer modelled to us all what a good, decent and humble human being looks like.
A role model for future generations to look up to and learn from.
Thank you Richard for your kindness and love.
What an amazing and inspirational life.
Bravo Professor Scolyer.
A truly inspiring man. May his legacy and vision live on. The letter he left could not have been perfected. If there were more men like Richard, the world would be a better place. A tragedy that he died so young but how fortunate that we can take his words to inspire us all to live a more worthwhile life and to treasure the people we hold most dear.
Vale Richard..,a most amazing and truly inspirational human being..Thank you for all you have achieved for our human race..Condolences to all the family❤️
RIP Now it’s time to rest. You will be forever regarded as the gentleman who made a difference.My husband passed with metastatic melanoma almost 5 years ago.
Dear Richard, You have left giant footprints behind you on this earth. You walked amongst us with humility, humour, grace and a determination to find a cure. Your legacy will forever be kept alive through your family and the work of your colleagues. Goodbye Richard, you fought courageously.
The stars are a little dimmer tonight.
Jo from Pulse and Park run
What an amazing human Richard was. We all followed his journey, so hoping for a successful outcome. However what he has contributed to medical science not only for Melanoma, and now brain cancer will have an impact for many years to come. Vale Prof.
I lost my beautiful husband to glioblastoma when our son was 4. Richard’s courage and willingness to push the boundaries in pursuit of a better outcome for those coming behind him was an unselfish inspiration. My condolences to his family, and my deep respect to this wonderful human being. May his work live on, so other families don’t have to lose their beloved family members.
Oh, Richard, I knew this day would come but hoped and prayed for more time.
Richard, 12 years ago Georgina diagnosed me to have stage 4 metastatic melanoma cancer which began as a tiny mole.
Georgina and you spent much time discussing my diagnosis, treatment and prognosis and today, thanks to you both I’m still here as I wish you were.
Thank you both and immune therapy. xxx
Thank you Richard for showing us how to be better human being. For all your hard-work to improve other peoples lives. We are grateful. Our deepest condolences to your family.
A remarkable career and a remarkable man. His twinkling eyes were windows to a soul of great compassion, strength and wisdom. A big loss to Australia and his family. Thinking of you all.
Very sad. A true ambassador in his field and a gentleman. He will be a great loss to Australia and the world.
Our world has lost an amazing ,dedicated ,incredible ,humble and brave human,Richard Scolyer !
You will be so greatly ,and sadly missed ,by not only your family and friends and colleagues.You will be missed by thousands .Those you mentored and shared your dreams and aspirations and knowledge , Those, that in the past may not have survived a melanoma diagnosis .Your personal dedication and passion to your work ,has played such a massive role in Melanoma diagnostics and life saving treatments .I have utmost admiration for you and your teams,and I personally Thankyou for being a major link in the chain that has given my life back to my family and myself .Richard Scolyer ,you are a Hero🌟
Thank you for your incredible work that will save so many.
You will be missed so much.
It feels like we have all lost a family member, you were that loved.
My thoughts are with your family 💕
God bless you xx
Thank you for your knowledge and skills in helping to develop immunotherapy. Because of all your dedicated work my husband has survived Stage 3 Melanoma.
You were a great human being.
Love to your family ♥️
We will be for ever grateful to this wonderful man for his selfless dedication to finding a cure for melanoma. My husband was diagnosed stage 4 in February 2018 with 9 months to live, he is still enjoying life with his family and friends. We are so saddened to hear of Prof. Richard Scolyer’s passing and send our prayers and thoughts to his beautiful family.He will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Richard Scolyer. Edward & Pamela Dexter
To the Scolyer family
I followed Richard’s story on instagram and cheered on his successes and wept for his setbacks.
In June 1992 my beloved husband died from Melanoma at only 34 years of age fighting a very hard and often painful battle of 2 1/2 years leaving behind a very young wife and his 3young sons.
I was praying that Richard would win this battle, he was incredibly courageous and inspiring, I wish his family a long life and may his memory always be a blessing, my heart goes out to you all
Sending sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Richard. He leaves a great legacy behind- may that provide some comfort for those who loved him.
Thank you Prof Richard for your outstanding service and dedication to the medical community, especially Melanoma. I know my family will personally benefit from the advancements you helped achieve.
My sincerest condolences to Katie, Emily, Matthew, Lucy and your extended family and friends. Richard was truly a gift to us all. The world is a much better place for having him in it. xx
A remarkable life and an immeasurable loss.
Thank you, Professor Richard Scolyer, for your extraordinary contribution to melanoma research and for the lives your work has saved.Your courage, brilliance, and humanity changed the world. May you now rest in peace.
Thank you Prof. Scolyer, may you rest in peace. In memory of my dad, who passed from melanoma 9 years ago. He was part of a clinical trial and it gave us more time with him. Seeing the leaps and bounds in melanoma research and treatment since his passing has helped fill the hole in my heart left by his absence. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and commitment to making the world a better place. Sending all my love to Prof Scolyer’s family – you can be incredibly proud of the man he was, the legacy he leaves, and the lives he has touched.
A remarkable life and an immeasurable loss.
Thank you, Professor Richard Scolyer, for your extraordinary contribution to melanoma research and for the lives your work has saved. Your courage, brilliance, and humanity changed the world. May you now rest in peace.
Sincere condolences to Richard’s family on your immense loss. Also thank you for sharing your beloved husband, father, son, with the world of research which has benefitted countless lives.
I will be eternally grateful to Richard, and all the MIA team, for the development of immunotherapy treatments which saved my son’s life, from stage 4 melanoma.
I had the pleasure of hearing Richard present at the Community Melanoma Forum 2 years ago. I was struck by his humility, compassion, and enduring passion for improving outcomes for melanoma patients whilst facing his own cancer challenges. Truly a great and inspirational man who shone love and humanity.
RIP Professor Richard Scolyer 🥰
Australia has lost a true hero. Richard was obviously an intellect but along with that, he was humble, empathetic, courageous and an inspiration to us all. He loved his family and he loved his life. I remember him saying he didn’t want to die yet. He had so much yet to accomplish. What he did accomplish, along with dealing with a terminal illness, was impressive and impactful. I feel for his wife, children, parents and brother. They should be so proud of Richard. RIP gentle man. 🩵
Thank you for everything you have done, your kindness, your compassion and all your work within melanoma. Deepest condolences to your beautiful family
This world is a much darker place for loosing someone that shone as brightly as you did Prof Richard. You were always dedicated, humble and had the most beautiful soul. Thank you for all the work you have done and for the road you have forged in the fight against cancer. My deepest condolences go to your family and friends. Vale Prof. Richard. May you rest in eternal peace.
So very very sad to hear of the passing of this brilliant man. As a stage 4 Melanoma survivor who owes his continuing life to the people of the Poche centre, may I extend my deepest condolences to the Scolyer family.
So sad to hear the passing of Richard, such an inspiration for all of us. The world was a better place with Richard in it. I am sure Richard’s passing will be an incredible loss to his family friends, colleagues and everyone who knew him. RIP Richard x
My heartfelt condolences to Professor Richard Scolyer’s family, to Professor Georgina Long, and to all of his colleagues, friends and the wider melanoma research community.
Professor Scolyer and Professor Long have done extraordinary work in melanoma research, helping to change the future of treatment, diagnosis and outcomes for so many people.
Their research has not only advanced science, but given real hope to patients and families affected by this devastating condition. Professor Scolyer’s legacy will live on through the lives improved, the knowledge shared, and the future treatments made possible by your work .
Not long enough, Prof….not long enough
you had so much more to give….we have all been robbed
My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends
Thanks for all you did for the rest of us, rest well
Thank you to this wonderful dedicated and brilliant scientist for his generosity of spirit
Rest in peace Professor Richard Scolyer – a gentleman and a scholar – who used his brilliant mind, and generous personality to be an inspiration and healer to so many others. My sincere condolences to your wife and family.
A very sad day for the medical field and Australia in general. Thank you is not enough to express our family’s gratitude to Dr Scolyer. He and his colleagues valuable research related to immunotherapy saved our 26 year old son’s life following a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis with a prognosis of 6 months if treatment did not work. Our son was given the all clear after 5 years without relapse following immunotherapy treatment. Dr Scolyer we all owe you so much. RIP. You have changed so many people’s lives. ❤️
I struggle to put into words just how deeply Professor Scolyer touched our family. Reading his story in those early days — and learning about his work with Dr Long — directly shaped an interest to study medical science at Sydney, and to major in immunology.
Some people choose to use their lives to create change. They refuse to sit back and let fate decide the terms. Those people inspire others quietly, powerfully, and sometimes without ever seeing the full reach of their impact.
He sparked my own curiosity too — through his humility, his intelligence, the way he approached every challenge with clarity and purpose, and the way he always acknowledged the people around him. His love for his family shone through everything he shared.
His generosity in documenting his journey on social media was extraordinary. He gave information freely, he recognised and uplifted others, and he never centred himself. Giving recognition in every action. It made me believe that whatever difference we can make — big or small — we should make it. The world, and Australia has lost a person of significant value. Rest in Peace Professor Scolyer.
Thank you Richard the Lionheart. We are midway through a clinical trial. If gives us hope for our family and future. You set a shining exsmple of what good looks like. Well done for having a crack and helping us to be brave too.
You are a hero in our eyes and hearts.
We will all stand with your beloved family.
VALE
RIP 🌹
What a beautiful & humble human 💔
Your work with Immunotherapy & cancer work is a tribute to you.
Sending love & best wishes to your family at this difficult time.
🌹🌹🌹
I was terribly sad to hear of Richard’s passing. Throughout my years at MIA his passion and love for his job was always apparent. His presence in the MDT as a pathologist was integral and on occasion could change the course of patients treatments plan. Richard was kind and approachable. I am thinking of his family through this time. Rest in peace .
Richard your research and work on immunotherapy saved my best friends life – and as the daughter of a man who lost his life to glioblastoma I thank you for your bravery and bringing this terrible cancer to the worlds attention. Rest in Peace your work will live on.
What an amazing man. Richard has no doubt inspired many. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. My father suffered metastatic melanoma approximately 10 years ago. Through the wonderful research and trials by MIA he was able to live far longer than expected. What a significant legacy he leaves. Rest easy….
Richard, I am ever so grateful for your and Georgina’s work over many years and particularly more recently your groundbreaking NADINA clinical trial.
I was fortunate to have participated in the trial and fortunately responded very well.
Thank you for your tireless work that has meant so much to so many people across the world.
Thank you for your determination over the past 3 years to make a huge difference for all cancer sufferers.
Rest in peace Richard, and our thoughts to your wonderful family at this very sad time.
I never met you and yet I feel like I know you through all of the media and social media posts I saw about you over the years. I’m sure many Aussies feel the same way. The way you spoke with such passion, kindness and compassion made Aussies admire you and love you for what you did during your time on this earth. You helped so many people and the work you did will continue to help people forever, that’s a pretty damn good legacy to leave behind. I’m sending so much love to your family, I know the pain of a great loss. I never met you but today I grieve with all of Australia as we have lost a true gentleman and a one of a kind human being. May you be at peace 💜
So saddened at the loss of such a thoroughly decent human. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. I have followed his journey and his authentic warm and generous spirit was always apparent. A deep loss for all humankind.
This is such sad news. I have followed Dr Scolyer post over the past three years and from the most recent post realised this day was closer than I thought. You put up the bravest fight and we respect and admire your fighting spirit.
As a melanoma survivor I thank you and your team from the bottom of my heart. 💜
Rest in peace Professor Richard Scolyer.
My condolences to all of Richard’s family, and friends, a true gentleman who will missed so much.
Thanks to you and your colleagues, my melanoma was treatable. I wonder whether, as a child, you wished to “find a cure for cancer”? Remarkable man, you did so much.
So sad for your passing. So grateful for your life.
Because of Richard’s work in melanoma research by brother is still alive. I am sa sad to hear of his passing and my heart goes to his family at this time. I am also humbled and inspired by the “uncertain path” he took; remaining steadfast in his pursuit of a cure for brain cancer. What a phenomenal human being and beacon of positivity and hope.
I never met Richard Scolyer, but he saved my life, twice, two unexpected eruptions of melanoma. I am 77, anyone of my generation grew up knowing with complete certainty that being diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma meant you’d be dead in 3 months. Yet here I am, years later, frequently having to explain two miracles, to folks in my circle, who are invariably amazed.
I have followed Professor Richard for many years , though his work and through his battle with brain tumour. The world has lost a
truly great man who fought the good fight. My sympathies go out to his family.
Very sad news! He was a giant in this space. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Such a sad loss, Professor Richard Scolyer an intelligent caring man, my condolences to his family, RIP Richard.
I was so so sorry to hear of Prof Scholyers passing. As a Stage 4 Melanoma patient from the UK I have known about his amazing work since my diagnosis 5 years ago. Hopefully what he did with his own experimental treatment will benefit those diagnosed with the same terrible disease in the future. What a great man he was.
Thoughts go out to all of his family and friends at this very sad time xx
RIchard Scolyer AO RIP
He achieved so much and fought so hard to be with his beautiful family. My thoughts go out to you all. Sending love ❤️ He will never be forgotten and live on in the hearts of all around the world. Thank you Richard Scolyer 💜💜💜
Professor Richard. Thank you so very much for your dedication to melanoma research and treatment. I am so very grateful that I can benefit from your insights and work in my personal challenges and journey with melanoma.
My deep condolences to your family, friends and colleagues. It is so sad that you have lost your cancer battle, may you RIP.
I was privileged to meet this special man at the Australian of the Year awards in 2024 when he and Professor Georgina Long won for their work in melanoma research. He and his family were lovely and I send my sincere condolences to them on the loss of this wonderful man. Vale Richard. Rest in peace.🙏💐🇦🇺
He was one of a kind and gave so much of himself to contribute towards the final cure for Melanoma !! We are all saddened by his loss to all of us especially his lovely family
Richard’s passing is a huge loss to us all, but he has inspired so many professionals, who will surely carry on with the his groundbreaking & life-saving work.
My condolences to the Scolyer family and to Richard’s friends & colleagues.
May he rest in eternal peace.
RIP Richard. Thank you for your enormous contribution to all of our lives.
Just devastating. Some people live a long life yet do zero for anyone else . And then you have people like Richard who, even in their last moments, thought only of others. My deepest sympathy. Definitely in one of those many rooms in Heaven
I am so saddened by this news and so very sorry for the grief Richard’s family, friends, and colleagues will be experiencing. My darling daughter died from melanoma but she had five years after the first diagnosis which i know she would not have had without the dedication and brilliance and kindness of Professors Long and Scolyer. May he rest in peace and may his family and colleagues know how grateful so many Australians are. I am just one of so many thinking of you all with love.
Thanks Richard for your terrific work as a researcher and diagnostician. As a survivor, I thank God for the MIA and all who work there. What a wonderful example Richard of how to be a patient and of medical ‘courage under heavy fire’ .
Vale Richard Scolyer
Thank you for saving my daughter s life Justine Hale after Stage IV Melanoma diagnosis
She was diagnosed in 2018 and put on the early immunotherapy trials. She was a lab rat and she is a survivor still
Your amazing research and support will always be remembered
RIP
Helen Louise Hale
Thank you Richard for your brilliant work in melanoma research and for being part of my ongoing melanoma journey. I was also inspired by your athleticism at many parkruns. May you rest in peace and I offer my condolences to your beautiful family.
Vale Professor and my sincere condolences to your family and your colleagues. Thank you for your invaulable contribution to your profession and humanity. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, your courage, humility and spirit were (and will remain) an inspiration. Your legacy will live on through your beloved family, in the lives you have contributed to saving (and the many others that will follow), and the inspiration you have provided to your colleagues and the nation.
I never met him, but I loved him. His kindness and generosity was evident to all who heard him speak. I am truly saddened at his passing but his legacy will live forever. Much love to his family, friends and colleagues at this time. Rest well Richard knowing that your work will be continued and your memory cherished.
Richard was such a pillar of the melanoma community. His loss will be felt deeply. His research and mentoring will impact many generations of researchers into the future. I remember him coming up to me at one of my first international conferences and being so enthusiastic about the research – it gave me such a boost! He was so generous with his time and was such a warm and lovely person. We will miss him hugely. His family and friends and colleagues are in my thoughts at this sad time.
Thankyou Professor Scolyer for your tireless work in the field of pathology in particular your work to strive for a cure for Melanoma.Having had 3 family members diagnosed with Melanoma and survived we are forever grateful.
And your selfless and brave battle with brain cancer where despite the high and the lows you kept pushing forward with determination paving the way for further research,clinical trials and hopefully one day soon a cure.
Sharing your journey must have been difficult at times for you and your family but it also provided an insight into a very personal journey which I’m sure provided comfort and optimism for others.
You were truly a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Sincere condolences to your family , friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
Rest easy beautiful soul. Your legacy will never fade.
I was so terribly saddened to hear this morning that this truly remarkable man lost his fight against this devastating disease. My deepest sympathies to Richard Scolyer’s wife and children, to his dear colleague Professor Georgina Long, together with his amazing medical community near and far who worked with him tirelessly researching a cure for melanoma globally, and in doing so then fighting his own devastating battle.
To have met him would have been a great honour and privilege. I followed his work and journey when I connected with the Melanoma Foundation doing my first walk in Melbourne in 2022. His incredible humility, dignity, courage, passion, gentle engagement publicly and absolute determination to live life to the fullest whilst working tirelessly to improve the lives of so many was endlessly inspiring and heartening. I had melanoma as a very young child, and such experiences never leave you for they teach you resilience, kindness compassion and gratitude.
Richard Scolyer’s phenomenal outlook on life, and his dedication to his family, colleagues and community will always be a beacon of hope, courage and compassion. Rest in Peace Mr Scolyer, thank you for everything you did to improve the lives of so many and paving the way to do so for many, many more…🙏. You will be so terribly missed.❤️
Have followed Richard’s story and encouraged by his strength but deeply saddened by his loss.
My heart breaks for his family, friends, colleagues and if I am honest, for myself as well.
My blood and tissue have been used in research at the Melanoma institute and I am extremely grateful that I am still here.
Sending Love, hugs and strength to you all.
how do you quantify such a loss??? losing someone close to cancer or any disease so devastating for those of us left behind and reminds us to live each moment mindfully in spite of the life long pain we will carry for the rest of our lives….and pray that one day there will be a cure
The most stoic, bravest and kindest man who fought a courageous battle to the end. Having experienced Melanoma myself, his intelligence and curiosity experimenting with melanoma cures has given us all hope. Many prayers and deepest sympathy to Richard’s family. The whole of Australia are thinking of you. Ever so sad, you will be missed.
You were a gentleman and a scholar, excelling in your field. You fought the good fight, chose to be patient zero to expand glioblastoma research. It’s now time for you to rest. Thank you so much for your service to Medical Research & humanity as a whole. VALE Prof Richard Scolyer ✝️
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer AO, while the entire country deeply mourns this profound loss, we also stand together to celebrate an extraordinary life. Thank you for your revolutionary, life-saving work in melanoma research. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to teaching and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals. Above all, thank you for your incredible resilience and bravery in your final battle. You have touched, saved, and changed so many lives. Your legacy will shine forever.
The world is deeply indebted to Professor Scolyer for the sacrifices he made to help others in the future . Sadly, while much progress has been made, it was not in tie for my dear husband, John.
My deepest condolences to all of you.
Whenever I heard him speak or read his articles I always thought it must be an honor to work with him. Rest in peace.❤️
Professor Richard Scolyer – thank you very, very much for your outstanding contribution to medical research that has benefitted many people.
I am a melanoma survivor thanks to the great work of the Melanoma Institute Australia.
Rest in peace.
Mr Professor Scolyer
Couple years ago you were a loyal and regular customer at the cafe in Leichhardt always riding your bike to pick up two large coffees for your wife. Unimaginable how humble and pleasant you were. Not long after it sold I saw your diagnosis on tv it’s shattered me . You are an amazing human being such an awful battle but such amazing strength.
God has received another angel. RIP
I would like to thank Richard for ongoing research into Melanoma Cancer and of course, all the other cancers. I myself am one of the lucky ones to have been lucky enough to go on a 2 year trial of a few immunotheropy drugs, and to to come out the other end with a positive result. Not cured, but in remission now for 2 years. I have not go the words to express myself and to be so lucky to be here today. Just turned 81. Yes, it was a long journey, and YES, I would do it all over again if the opportunity presented itself if and when that day does comes, I have elected to have my body donated to Newcastle University for further research. Once again, Richard, you are going to be missed, and Thankyou for being there for everyone, and including yourself. You may now rest in peace.
‘All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle’
(St Francis of Assisi )
Professor Richard Scolyer, you will always be remembered for your unceasing dedication to medical science and your contributions to humanity.
As well, your humility and courage have been an inspiration to those diagnosed with melanoma or glioblastoma.
My deepest condolences to your wonderful family, your friends, your work colleagues, your patients, and to all Australians who have been inspired by your brave journey.
I am so sorry to learn of Professor Richard’s passing how he fought and was thinking of others all the time may he now rest in peace. We are all the worst now that you have passed on. Eternal rest and peace to his wife and children 🥰 Sad day for us all
An amazing man. So sad to hear of his passing. The world has lost an incredible human. Sympathy to family and friends 🧡
As someone who lost my own husband to this cruel disease, the passing of Dr Richard Scolyer has deeply touched my heart.
Richard hoped to be remembered as an everyday Aussie who “gave it a crack”, but he was so much more than that. Through his extraordinary courage, humility and generosity, he gave hope to countless people facing cancer and inspired an entire nation with the way he faced his own diagnosis.
Today, my thoughts are with his family. Please know that you do not grieve alone. Australians are wrapping their arms around you in a blanket of love, respect and gratitude for the remarkable man you shared with us.
Richard’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the hope he gave, and the example he set for all of us.
Rest peacefully, Richard, and thank you.
As a grateful beneficiary of the life-saving care of Richard Scolyer, Georgina Long and the whole MIA team, I would like to offer my sympathies and condolences to you all for the loss of truly heroic person – your colleague and friend. Thank you for looking constantly for the next horizon where your skills and dedication can make the difference in protecting people’s lives.
Legend! He gave his all. Cancer is indiscriminate and took a genius 😥
I worked with Richard as a fellow at the Sydney Melanoma Unit in 2009. I remember Richard as being an easy to approach man who clearly had a huge intellect but could explain pathology simply and in a non condescending way to a surgical colleague. He was a great teacher. Richard has certainly left his stamp on the world of melanoma ensuring his legacy will never be forgotten by both patients and health care providers.
Although I was never able to meet Richard in person , my patients, my family and many many others have directly benefited from his work, and are alive and well today due to the tremendous breakthroughs in melanoma prevention and diagnosis and treatments. As a GP of 40 yrs ( now retired) , it is wonderful to see the increase in preventive actions and information getting out to the public and resulting in eg education for all manner of children and adults , covers over pools and playgrounds, sun-safe measures at schools and sporting venues , more sun-safe swimwear available , advertising campaigns etc etc .
It has been incredible to witness the change in treatments and see these significant inroads result in better outcomes .
Richard will never know how many lives he has helped/saved because of his hard work and dedication ( as well as many others who continue to work in this area- I thank them sincerely)
I also thank his family – your wonderful support no doubt helped enormously during the good times and the extremely difficult times and enabled him to reach some professional, and personal goals . He would be proud of you all.
With sincere thanks
Dr Rosemary Worland
Thank you to Richard and his team for your research into melanoma. I’m still going after 10 years and last year I had double immunotherapy. This has left me cancer free. I’m able to enjoy my new grandchildren, something I thought would never happen. I’m so sorry for his family and friends. His zest for life has been an inspiration to me.
I have never met Professor Scolyer but have read much about him and always marveled at what a truly remarkable human being he was, selfless and dedicated beyond words.
Wishing his family and all who knew him strength in their memories of him there is no doubt he will be sorely missed in so many ways.
I started supporting the Melanoma Institute after my husband was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. Thanks to the research expertise and dedication of Richard Scolyer, my husband is clear after treatment with immunotherapy. I will always remember Prof Richard’s determination and positive outlook on life when he was faced with his own cancer diagnosis. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. May he rest in peace.
Thank you Prof Scolyer for your dedication, perseverance and commitment to making the world a better place and giving hope to those of us diagnosed with Melanoma. Your loss will be felt across the globe.
Heartfelt condolences to family, friends and colleagues. My wife is a melanoma patient on treatment now since last two years and your work has given us courage and hope to face the disease and fight it out. Thanks for the wonderful work you have done and institute is doing to install hope in melanoma patients. Rest in peace
My husband passed away in March. Not of his Melanoma. That was a success. He died of Mesothelioma which I hope one day will be cured by the work that people like Richard S. and his colleagues contribute to our world
My wife is a 30 year survivor of NHL, and more recently, last year diagnosed with acral melanoma. So we are more conscious than most of the exceptional work done by Professor Scolyer
Vale, Richard.
An inspiring, brave and kind human being who loved people and life. I came to know of Richard through his work and when he was chosen as co-Australian of the Year. He used his time as Australian of the Year to guide us towards kindness and action. Rest in peace, Richard, may God hold you always in his everlasting arms.
As a melanoma survivor I would like to thank Richard for all the research and many other commitments he gave to patients at the Melanoma Institute. He gave hope to so many of us. Condolences to his beautiful family. He will always be in my heart.
This amazing Man gave so much of himself, he shared his journey to every one.
I followed his story for a long time and he was a hero to me. So inspirational.
Condolences to all his lovely family and friends.💔💔
Thank you Richard for all the incredible work you did in Melanoma research. I was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic melamona in 2020 and was fortunate enough to be on the neo trio trial & am now cancer free. Your work saved my life -forever grateful
My thoughts are with your family at this time
Deepest Condolences to Katie and children. We are all heart broken to learn of Richards passing. The world is so much poorer for his passing.
What a wonderful giving caring man leaving a valuable legacy. Professional to the last.
Wrapping hugs around you all.
It’s seriously saddening to know of professor Scolyer’s passing. You showcased what it means to be passionate and always putting the patients first. Even with all the struggles of battling cancer you remained resilient and selfless. What a loss to your family, colleagues and the rest of Australia you will surely be missed. May your soul rest in peace.
What an amazing man who along with his close colleague, Georgina Long helped my daughter, Caitlin at the MIA. We will be forever grateful. RIP
My deepest condolences to Dr.Richard’s family during this difficult time. He was a true hero in this field, and his contributions, leadership, and dedication touched countless lives. His legacy will continue to inspire many, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him.
As a beneficiary of the Melanoma Clinic’s expertise and the life saving benefits of immunotherapy pioneered by this wonderful institution, I am deeply saddened and gutted that Richard has succumbed to this awful disease after such a brave fight.
My heartfelt sympathies to his family and all those who worked with him and were beside him on this journey.
Richard was a remarkable man who dedicated his life to melanoma research, earning the world’s deepest gratitude.
Rest in peace. Your vital work will be carried forward by those you inspired.
I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing. You were a brilliant pathologist and a valued colleague whose dedication touched so many lives.
May God grant you eternal rest and bring comfort and peace to your family and loved ones. Requiescat in pace.
I am sad today. You were an incredible man and I have no doubt that your work in melanoma research is the reason my brother is well today (diagnosed Stage 4 in November 2025 and doing well).
RIP Prof.
Condolences to your family.
As the daughter of a deeply loved husband, father, father-in-law and Poppy, whom we lost to melanoma, our family will forever owe a debt of gratitude to Richard for the part he played in giving us three precious extra years with our dad.
No amount of time is ever enough with the people we love, and our hearts are breaking for Georgina, the entire MIA team, and Richard’s family. We hope you can feel the outpouring of love that surrounds you all.
There is nothing we can say that will ease your grief, but please know that the arms of thousands of people you have never met are wrapped around you at this incredibly sad time. Hold each other close.
To Richard, thank you—a word that can never carry the depth of gratitude, respect and love that we feel.
With heartfelt gratitude, thanks and love,
The Morris and Jennings families xx
Vale Prof. Scolyer. Your work has given countless families extra time with their loved ones which we will be forever grateful for. Thinking of your family today, rest in peace 🤍
I didn’t know Richard however he is an inspiration to us all. His work and that of the MIA team has saved and will continue to save so many of us. Thank you and rest in peace.
Thank you Richard. Although we’d never been introduced, you always said a cheery hello to us whenever my husband and I saw you at the MIA. Condolences to your family and to all at the Poche Centre.
I am so saddened by this terrible news. Although I didn’t know Professor Richard Scolyer AO, his work touched my family’s lives. 💛
It was because of his and Professor Georgina Long’s groundbreaking immunotherapy treatments we were gifted many more years with Brett who we also mourn deeply.
Vale Richard and thank you 🙏
Such a true Gentleman may the research continue to fight against cancer condolences to Family and Friends R.I.P Richard you have certainly left your mark in this world 💐
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Professor Richard Scolyer personally, it is clear from the countless tributes that he was an exceptional doctor, pioneering researcher, and compassionate human being who dedicated his life to improving outcomes for cancer patients.
There is a profound sadness in knowing that a man who spent his career fighting disease and bringing hope to others was taken far too soon at just 59 years of age. While his passing is a tremendous loss to medicine and the wider community, his legacy will endure through the lives he touched, the breakthroughs he helped achieve, and the inspiration he provided through his courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to helping others.
May Professor Richard Scolyer rest in peace, knowing he made an extraordinary and lasting difference to the world. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were enriched by his remarkable presence.
A wonderful and brave doctor and man who has been lost to us much too soon!
As an early and successful melanoma immunotherapy patient my most sincere thoughts are with his family and his many colleagues and friends at this sad time.
His warmth, expertise and humility will be greatly missed.
Michael Armstrong and family
As I watched from afar in Western Australia I ended up feeling I knew this amazing man. I laughed and cried with him and his beautiful family as they navigated this journey with grace and bravery. Thank you for sharing your husband with us all. RIP Professor Richard Solyer, you’ve earnt it👏👏💙
Thanks for your extraordinary work that had an impact on so many lives.
I am so sad to hear the news.
Such a humble man. I often reflect on what an elder or hero is in our modern society. To me Richard Scolyer was that. An inspiration to many.
To Richard’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Australia grieves with you.
Deep condolences to Richards family during this time.A wonderful Australian with exceptional skill whom we walked alongside during his journey for the last three years.
Go gently as a family and may Richard rest in peace.
Kayleen & Andrew Lawrence
The work of Richard and his colleagues has meant my husband is still alive. There are so many people who owe their lives to Richard, his colleagues and the MIA. We are so incredibly grateful for the research, wisdom and the expertise of his team and the broader profession. A stunning example of compassion and dedication. He will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family.
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer. Your choice to live your cancer journey unashamedly transparent and non sugar-coated was a testament to the painstaking work you and Professor Long dedicated to saving the lives of Melanoma patients. We are saddened by your passing and take comfort in the knowledge your legacy will live on. We are forever grateful you gave it a crack no matter the outcome. Sending blessings of support and love to family, friends and colleagues. RIP Prof. 💔
From Santese and Isaacs Families xx
I would like to express my deep sadness at your passing. Rest in peace Prof. Scolyer.
Saddened by your passing Richard- you gave so much of yourself for others in the hope of a cure. Thinking laterally always 💔-thank you too for your family sharing your journey 💔❣️
An incredible man who did incredible work and gave thousands of people hope and time.
Say hi to my dad for me, he’ll be ready to shake your hand 😢💔
A remarkable man who is going to be so sadly missed for so many reasons. As a Melanoma survivor, I honestly can’t put into words how grateful I am for all of his incredible research resulting in ground breaking treatments, thank you. Sending sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, Professor Scolyer.
Richard’s strength and courage in the face of such a terrible tragedy has supported me in my own Melanoma journey and it will continue to inspire me.
Whilst I did not have the pleasure of meeting Professor Scolyer, my regular visits to the Poche Centre over many years have brought me closer to the the wonderful staff there who I’m sure would have been inspired by, and learnt so much from this wonderful human being. I am forever grateful for the attention I receive on my visits. My thoughts are with Professor Scolyer’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to all family and loved ones. I’m a MIA patient and I thank you for all the work and research you’ve done. I hope they continue with research on glioblastoma that you have started. RIP
I shed tears today for Professor Scolyer and his family. I’m still on the planet due directly to the amazing work of Professor Scolyer, Professor Long and their wonderful teams.
The immunotherapy treatment I received turned a Stage 4 diagnosis into a second chance at life. I trust that he rests in peace.
Richard’s positivity, enthusiasm and engagement in the community at large was so inspiring and uplifting. My condolences to the family and may all the many good memories far outweigh the loss and grief.
I am a melanoma survivor due to the work of Professors Scolyer and Long and their team at the MIA and the miracle of immunotherapy.
I was saddened by Richard’s diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme but excited by his decision to apply immunotherapy to this terrible cancer, and heartened by the initial success of that treatment. My brother died at age 48 of that terrible disease, within 3 months of diagnosis, despite surgery, and I had hoped that Professor Scolyer’s relative success in extending his life to the degree that he did with this new approach might have meant an end to that terrible disease.
Alas that was not to be, but I praise Professor Scolyer for his courage, his knowledge, and his contribution to solving these scourges of healthy young people.
I am enormously grateful for everything he researched and achieved. Thanks to him and others in the same field we will celebrate my daughter’s 50 th birthday in four months time. She was 34 when she was diagnosed Melanoma , and ha been on treatment for stage 4 for over fourteen years, allowing her children and the rest of the family this time and hopefully many more years is priceless. WHat a extraordinary man he appears to have been, thinking of his family at this very sad time.
Sincere thoughts for Richard’s family, and colleagues. An inspirational man.
I am undergoing immunotherapy treatment for stage 4 metastatic melanoma now, and
so pleased to have some shrinkage of tumours after 3 treatments.
I will be forever grateful to Professor Scolyer and Professor Georgina Long for the dedication,
care and expertise in the field of melanoma and immunotherapy.
So much respect and love.
My deepest condolences to Richard’s family friends and colleagues.
He was such inspiration to so many of us, he was such a brilliant and amazing gifted man, who was soo passionate with his amazing work towards a cure for this horrible disease. Rest in peace ☹️
To the Scolyer family, may you find strength through this sad day.
Professor Scolyer, you are a true Aussie hero and will never, ever be forgotten. Thank you for everything you’ve done for melanoma research and for saving the lives of many. Your legacy will live on forever. My heartfelt condolences to your family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Scolyer family, his collegues, especially Professor Long, friends and all patients who benefirted by his amazing contribution to the Melanoma Institute. He will be sadly missed. R.I.P. Professor Scolyer.
I still remember our last phone call and messages. Thank you for your mentorship and guidance during the early stages of my career as I transitioned from a neuroscientist to a melanoma scientist.
My thoughts are with your family and loved ones during this difficult time. Your legacy, dedication, and contributions to science will continue to inspire future generations. I am deeply grateful for the impact you had on my career and on so many others.
You will be greatly missed, but your influence and generosity will never be forgotten.
May you rest in peace.
I am incredibly saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go to his wife, family, and all who knew and loved him.
Richard saved my life 22 years ago. He was the pathologist who identified my melanoma, and I will always be profoundly grateful for his skill, care, and dedication. His work made an immeasurable difference to my life, and I can never thank him enough.
Rest in peace, Richard.
To Richard,
Thank you so much for your pioneering work in immunotherapy.
You helped save our son’s life from melanoma.
He is now 11 years old and doing really well.
I’m sorry the immunotherapy you helped invent didn’t work on your brain cancer.
To Richard’s family – his work has and will go on to save so many lives.
I never met him, but his legacy lives on in my son, Ben, who is alive because of his work.
To Georgina – I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure you are saddened by the loss of your colleague.
If I was there, I’d give you all a huge hug.
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer AO
You are an inspiration to such a broad spectrum of the people of Australia with your generosity of spirit, sharing the most difficult times and moments of the dreadful disease with all of us unflinchingly.
You were so much more than your diagnosis and a patient zero for those who will undoubtedly benefit from ongoing research into brain cancer.
Your legacy will never be forgotten. Sincere condolences and love to all your family, friends and colleagues.
Such a sad day, Richard’s attitude to life and his ‘intelligent curiosity’ has made such a difference to cancer patients worldwide. His memory will continue to inspire and he will be missed.
I first heard about Richard when he was involved with Emma Betts (Dear Melanoma)!
I followed Emma’s story and continued to shop at Emma’s shop for years.
I also followed Richard’s story and became very aware of the MIA and the wonderful advances made with immunotherapy.
I donate as much as I can but because of Richard and his great belief in research we have decided that medical research will definitely be included in our Wills.
Much love to his amazing family, the whole of Australia is with you.
My mother died from melanoma in 2011 and I have been following the work of the MIA ever since. Prof Scolyer was a leader in this research and I admire and respect his intellect, dedication and courage throughout this time and particularly during the last three years when he fought his own battle with brain cancer. He was indeed one of the best of us. Sincere sympathy to his family and all those who were close to him.
Richard will be sadly missed by all who had a connection to melanoma and those who knew someone else who did.. My sympathy to all his family and friends, he was a Hero.
There are people who change the field, and there are people who change YOU. Professor Richard Scolyer was both.
I had the profound honour of being the Poche Fellow in Melanoma and Surgical Oncology at the Melanoma Institute Australia in 2020. It was, without question, the most transformative year of my professional life. The world had just been upended by a pandemic, and yet inside those walls, the mission never wavered — zero deaths from melanoma. That was Richard’s north star, and it radiated outward into everyone around him.
COVID stole some of the time I had hoped to spend at his side. But what I did receive was more than enough to leave a permanent mark. He was brilliant in the truest sense — not just in the depth of his knowledge, but in the generosity with which he shared it. He never made you feel small for not knowing. He made you feel that knowing more was the greatest adventure available to you.
He was kind. Genuinely, consistently, quietly kind. In a world of high-achieving, high-pressure medicine, that is rarer than it should be, and he wore it effortlessly.
Richard taught me that science is not just about what we publish — it is about what we do with what we learn. He lived that. When he was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023, he did not retreat. He opened the door and said: come, let’s learn from this too. He became patient zero in his own experimental treatment, facing his own mortality with the same rigour and hope he brought to thousands of patients before him. It was one of the most extraordinary acts of medical courage I have ever witnessed. For me, it carried a weight that was also deeply personal — my own father was taken by glioblastoma. I know what that disease does. I know what it takes. And to watch Richard face it not with resignation but with science, with purpose, with an open hand extended to the world saying “let my journey help someone else” — that moved me in a way I will never fully put into words. He turned his darkest chapter into a gift.
He was a 2024 Australian of the Year. He held over 700 publications. He was an Officer of the Order of Australia. But to those of us lucky enough to have been near him — he was simply Richard. Brilliant, warm, purposeful Richard.
His legacy is not just in the journals or the survival curves. It lives in every fellow he shaped, every patient spared, every researcher who keeps walking toward that horizon he set for all of us.
The mission continues, Professor. We carry it forward. Zero deaths from melanoma.
Rest now Prof Scolyer
The baton passes – your race is run. Thank you to your wife and children who unselfishly lent their husband and father to the world – thank you for all the time you gave him to explore, trial, research and fight. May your minds be blessed with a myriad memories of happy times together, may your hearts be filled with the love and thanks of a world of grateful people. Most of us want to leave the world a better place than it was when we entered, Richard Scolyer actually did. The finish line has come, rest now with our thanks.
I was honoured to present alongside Richard at a consumer forum. It was an honour to share the podium with such a humble, inspiring man. He leaves a great legacy. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.
An amazing all round person and fighter to the end trying to help others. A massive loss to the community and family. I hope these comments give even a small amount of comfort to his family, friends and colleagues
A great loss to us all who have been diagnosed with Melanoma just in my family we have had 9 my big sister Betty did a lot of fun raising after her 26 year old daughter passed now her 3sisters are taking it on Thank You Richard for the 3 years you dedicated and the knowledge MIA has learnt now rest in peace my friend Condolences to your family,friends and Colleagues Xx
YOUR contributions, compassion and character in doing good for everyone around you in unmatchable in your arena of work + you will always remain in our hearts Professor.
RIP – May Allah bestows all his love to you granting you eternal peace and harmony.
See you on the other side!
My thoughts and condolences to Richard’s family and lovely children and friends.
My heart goes out to Richard’s family and colleagues. He has been a shining light in the world amidst the current global issues. Richard’s calm, gentle and positive way of being has been a model for all who followed his journey. Vale Richard x
Thankyou for your tireless work with Melanoma research. A cancer close to my heart that took my dad and has also affected me but thankful for earlier detection and more awareness now because of your valuable work. Your legacy will live on. Sending prayers to his family and friends at this very sad time.
Dear Katie, family and MIA staff,
Thank you for sharing this sad news.
Please accept my sincere and heart-felt condolences.
Be assured of my prayers at this difficult and trying time at the passing from this life of Richard.
It cannot be easy for you.
May you know a very special measure of God’s comfort and love.
God bless.
With affirmation and support.
Yours most sincerely,
Richard Price
( John 3: 16 )
Thank you Richard Scolyer, I am a cancer survivor because of your incredible work . I am forever grateful. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family . Rest in peace Richard .
Dr. Scolyer’s pioneering work as patient zero in fighting glioblastoma is a gift that others will now continue on. I have a friend in Sydney who has a family member being treated by Prof. Georgina Long. While visiting Australia in Jan. 2025, my friend and I toured Tasmania and were pleased to visit Dr. Scolyer’s home town. I’ve lent out his book to two friends with family dealing with glioblastoma. My thoughts are with you all.
What an extraordinary legacy Richard has left. He has paved the way to give give hope to future sufferers of this horrid illness.
Rest in peace Richard, your job is done.
This is an extremely sad day to lose such a brilliant, caring doctor. My condolences go to his family and colleagues who will miss him incredibly. It’s only through his and his team’s outstanding work that I’m alive today, after having been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma almost the years ago. I owe him and his team my life. May he rest in peace.
Richard was very inspiring, such a sad loss, my thoughts are with his family.
Deepest condolences x
Vale Richard ❤️ His life’s work with colleagues helped change the future for those of us diagnosed with metasticised melanoma- from a 5-year survival rate of less than 5% to survival rates of 55% through immunotherapy research. From my family (who are so grateful I’m still here living with stage 4 metasticised melanoma) to Richard’s family- thank you with all my heart for sharing him.
The sad passing of an exceptional man, who, by his own treatments, progressed the knowledge and treatment of melanoma and brain cancer for future generations. My own mum died of melanoma, all advances in treatment so welcome.
So sad to read of Prof Scolyer passing today. Thank you for your remarkable service and research your life’s work will continue helping so many people. Melanoma leaves an impact on so many lives. Our condolences to Richard family friends and colleagues who have worked so hard with research and hopefully in the future there will be a cure. We will continue raising funds for Melanoma at our golf club. Golfers are at high risk of Melanoma with so much time in the sun. We lost one of our lady members only last year to Melanoma. Rest in Peace Prof Scolyer
I have followed Professor Richard Scolyer’s journey from the United Kingdom for several years. He was a true inspiration and I commend his courage and grace with which he navigated his own diagnosis. As he acknowledged in his posthumous open letter, he has undoubtedly made the road ahead easier and smoother for so many others facing the challenge of brain cancer. A remarkable life, lived with purpose until the very end. My thoughts are with all who loved him. Vale.
It’s with a heavy heart that I learnt of Prof Scolyer’s passing. Heartfelt sympathy to his wife & family on the loss of this lovely courageous man. I only “knew” him through his public battle with glioblastoma but he touched my heart. Safe in God’s arms now Richard.
What a generous person he was, he touched all of us with his intelligence and warmth. We knew this was coming but still tears flow, and I had never met him. Thank you Prof. Scolyer, and gentle hugs to his family.
Sending my thoughts and love to Richard’s family at this sad time. I’d like to also thank Richard for his service and the help and skills he passed on to so many as well as adding new science to the future treatment of those suffering brain cancers …!
May he rest in peace 🙏🌻
Thank you for my life. Neoadjuvant ipi/nivo immunotherapy took away my metastatic melanoma and has given me another chance. VALE Richard.
I am sad to read these news, as a dermatologist, I am grateful for his life, for his career, for his wisdom and for his legacy, may all your family find the peace, with deep respect, greetings from Mexico
Sincere condolences to Dr Scolyer’s family. It is with great sadness the passing of such a wonderful man, yet gratitude for all that he did for humanity with his research and treatment of those suffering from melanoma.
A brave and inspirational fight by an authentic, gracious and exceptional human who has left too early but has left those of us behind as survivors of melanoma and cancer with gratitude for his humble sharing and compassionate, accomplished research.
Thank you, Richard, for sharing your knowledge, your life, and your legacy. As a cancer researcher myself, your courage and words have deeply touched my heart and given me strength. Your impact extends far beyond your work, inspiring countless people to keep learning, questioning, and striving to make a difference. With much love and gratitude.
The true definition of hero. Vale. An entire country is in mourning. Sincere condolences to his loved ones.
Professor Richard worked tirelessly for a cause that is, and forever will be, extremely important.
I lost my Dad to melanoma in 2024, and I can’t thank Richard and Georgina enough for everything they did for my family during that time 💛
My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.
A true hero that will never be forgotten 🪽
I am “so sad ” to hear of the passing of such a “beautiful ” human ,,in every possible way ,!! my “deapest sympothy to all Richards family ,,friends, and coleagues ,,he will certainly be “sadly” missed !!
Thankyou Richard for all that you gave in the short life you were given…..the lives you saved without even knowing who you saved and you certainly will never go away in our thoughts…such an incredible soul….a man loved by all….peace be with you and your beautiful family…love and appreciation for you always….🩷🩷🩷🩷
The saddest of days
Today the world is a much sadder place after you loosing the battle, you tried so hard to fight. I lost my sister in December 2024 with Melanoma, but with you and Georgina, she probably had longer than first expected. RIP Professor Richard Scolyer💔
I never met him but felt I knew him – his kindness his deep appreciation of life and determination to find a cure and give us hope and accept all that came his way with the love of him s family will stay with me and my family forever
Really saddened by loosing such a gem of a person, admired his courage dedication and tenacity. Have shed tears for a person whom I have not met ,such was his charisma , he touched our lives and hearts in a way like no other. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues. Gone too soon ….
What an inspirational, wonderful man.
Such inspiring and selfless person on earth . Thank you for saving lives and for making this world a better place . Condolences to your family . RIP Dr Scolyer 🕊️
Richard, you an extraordinary and selfless human. Thank you for your tireless work you have achieved over your career, the medical profession and delivery of patient care is so much better off for all the work you have led in your career. Condolences to your family and everyone around you.
We all rooted for your recovery against all odds dear Profesor Scolyer. You left an indelible mark on all of us that followed your story with your openness, humility, compassion and resilience. But most of all, you demonstrated the finest virtues of being a human under difficult circumstances which we almost forgot being possible in today’s world.
Rest in peace.
Thank you Professor Scolyer for your selfless work in beating cancers. I have benefited from the advances in immunotherapy and am forever grateful to him and Professor Long for their amazing work. He was an amazing person who will be deeply missed. Condolences to his family.
Another great man…sincere thanks for his contribution to research and for his humanity
Thoughts with his family, collaborators, colleagues and friends.
To an incredible human being who dedicated his life to save others. I hope one day Richard we can find a cure for all cancers but unfortunately for you my friend, the battle’s over.
Lost but no forgotten
Thank you Richard for your courage, humanity and dedication. The world is a better place for your presence. Your legacy will save thousands of lives and your friends, colleagues and importantly your family will remain your greatest advocates. Thank you.
Vale Richard. Thinking of you too Georgina. Thank you for the lovely words, your mountains of hard work and all the lives and livelihoods saved – now and into the future.
Vale Richard
As someone who has survived pulmonary metastatic melanoma I thank you.
Without your ground breaking work with Immunotherapy I would not be here.
How do you thank someone for that.
My prayers are with your family, colleagues and friends whilst they celebrate the remarkable man you were.
Thankyou
My deepest sympathy to Prof. Scolyer’s family.
I only looked after him for a short while, but those moments left a mark. Even in that brief time, his kindness and courage shone through.
Rest Peacefully Prof.Richard Scolyer . Your work and spirit will keep inspiring so many of us. 🕊️
Richard, you were remarkable, brave, liked and loved. Rest in peace. Love and continued courage to your family, friends and colleagues.
I did not know Professor Scolyer personally, but his work, courage and humility left a deep impression on many of us. His contribution to melanoma research gave people knowledge, hope and dignity in very difficult circumstances.
My sincere condolences to his wife, children, family, colleagues and friends. His legacy will continue through the lives he helped save, the people he inspired, and the research he advanced.
What an extraordinary person. Richard has left this world a markedly better place and we are eternally grateful to him for this. He was a wonderful person on so many levels and his loss is devastating. We are fortunate to benefit from all that he contributed and Richard will be missed. RIP Richard.
Professor Scolyer…..your bravery and kindness has saved many lives and will continue to do so with the new research into brain cancer treatments. Thank you for your dedication, and thank you to your family for sharing you with the world. You leave the place much better than you found it. My thoughts are with your loved ones today.
My husband was diagnosed with melanoma in 2023 at around the same time Richard was diagnosed. At the 18 month mark both my husband and Richard had no evidence of cancer. Sadly my husband’s melanoma progressed and he passed away in July 2025. If it was not for Richard and his tireless research my family would not have had the additional time with my beautiful husband as he endured immunotherapy treatment which extended his life,
I am eternally grateful to Richard and his colleagues for their pursuit of excellence in melanoma research. There will come a day where there will be no deaths from this insidious disease. May continuing research also make advances in glioblastoma and brain cancer. .,.,rest in peace professor.
Navigating a rare cancer is hard because there are so many unknowns but knowing there are amazing professionals who consider every aspect of each case at the weekly MDT meetings, which Professor Scolyer was part of, gave us confidence and information to move forward. I’m sure all MCC patients that visit the Poche Centre are forever grateful for his input and advice: to patients but more importantly to the researchers and oncologists. Thank you for your curiosity and advocacy. You will not be forgotten.
A sad end to a brave fight, which included trialling a new therapy that one day may help people with brain cancer. We need more people like Prof. Scolyer, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against an illness with an appalling prognosis. My sympathies for his family, friends and co-workers.
This humble and extremely gifted man has been an inspiration to me. As he shared his journey, optimism and hope grew in my heart.
Thank you Professor Scolyer for your generous gift to us; motivating us to have a crack as well.
Priceless
How very sad, the loss of an incredible man. Thank you from a melonma survivor and your contribution to the world.
Condolences to you wife ,children, friends and colleagues 🙏 May you RIP Richard.
Indeed a remarkable man who will be sadly missed . As a melanoma survivor my gratitude for all of Richard’s research is more than words . My heartfelt condolences to his family friends colleagues and everyone who loved him. Rest in peace Mr Scolyer
Rest in peace, Richard.
I’ve admired all of your hard works and contriutions to community.
My deepest sympathy to Richard’s family. Richard was such an inspiration, his courage, strength and humility will always be remembered. He was truly a very special gentleman, whose research will have such an impact on so many lives. Rest in peace Richard.
Thank you Prof Scolyer. In memory of my darling twin brother Hughie who died of melanoma at 17 almost forty years ago. Your curiosity and intellect saved so many lives from this cruel disease and inspired a goal of zero melanoma deaths . Rest in peace ❤️
My Dad was diagnosed with Melanoma over 10 years ago. I have no doubt that without Dr Scolyer’s research and approach to new Melanoma treatments that my Dad would not be with us today. He was lucky enough to get on the clinic trials that now saves so many lives across the world. I am forever great full for his dedication to others and his passion for his field. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this time. May you rest in peace now.
I would like to express my deep sadness at your passing and wish your family all the strength in the world to get through the rest of their lives without having you around. I owe my life to you and your team and the amazing research you have all done over the years. Thank you for everything you have done and for the inspiration you are to us all. Once in a century truly great men grace us with their presence on earth and you were one of those. RIP xx
I’m so very saddened to hear this news. I had the privilege of working with Richard for a short time and found him to be a genuinely gentle, humble and open person, with a deep passion for his work and for helping others. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
He saved my brothers life, and that of thousands of others, for that he will always be my hero.
A remarkable Australian, what a legacy to pave the way for glioblastoma sufferers to have some hope. What a loss😢
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
Such an incredible commitment to his cause I for one thank him for the reason i am alive 5years after immunotherapy for level 4 melanoma may he rest in peace and his legacy live on
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!
Truly a beautifully caring and strong man, who has given so much of himself both professionally and privately.
His relentless determination and courage, to never give up on his personal battle, yet alone take us along on his journey is remarkable.
Thank you Richard, your legacy is ongoing and will benefit so many others.
We knew this day would finally come but the depth of sadness it leaves is immeasurable.
You, Katie and children are in my thoughts and prayers today. R.I.P. 🙏
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
Truly saddened by the loss of Prof Richard Scolyer. We will always be thankful for your exceptional work and expertise to the melanoma community and beyond. Sending love and condolences to his wife and family.
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.
Thank you Richard, for all you have done to help others in the fight to find a cure for Melanoma and brain cancer. You have been a truly humble man who others can relate to and by this you have made others aware of this terrible disease to which we have to find a cure.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for helping to keep my daughter alive who has been treated with your amazing immunotherapy drug.
R.I.P Richard and God Bless You
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.