Richard Scolyer, cancer researcher and former Australian of the year, dies aged 59

Professor Richard Scolyer, a globally recognized cancer researcher and a former Australian of the Year, has died at the age of 59. His family released a statement he had penned during his final stages of illness, expressing gratitude for the public's support.

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My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family.

"My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family," Scolyer stated. He thanked those he met during his time as Australian of the Year, his online community, and his hometown community in Tasmania. He added, "I haven’t sugar coated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all."

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I haven’t sugar coated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all.

Scolyer was diagnosed with inoperable glioblastoma in May 2023 and given six to eight months to live. He underwent experimental immunotherapy treatments that initially slowed the cancer's growth. However, the cancer progressed in early 2025. In March, he announced the progression on Facebook, noting, "Not the best day ever... Whilst it is a bit disappointing, in the big picture it’s not the end of the road and I’ve got more to do!"

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If my legacy was to continue beyond these words, I would be delighted and humbled to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who ‘gave it a crack,’ and in doing so, inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions with humility, love and compassion.

Professor John Thompson of Sydney University remembered Scolyer for his "cheery, down-to-earth 'lad from Launceston' personality." Thompson highlighted Scolyer's "stellar career in medicine and pathology research" that has benefited countless cancer patients worldwide. Scolyer and his co-medical director at Melanoma Institute Australia, Georgina Long, were jointly awarded Australian of the Year in 2024 for their work on melanoma immunotherapy. Scolyer also received numerous other accolades for his research.

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Not the best day ever. There seems to be further progression of my brain tumour … Whilst it is a bit disappointing, in the big picture it’s not the end of the road and I’ve got more to do!