07/06/2026
Today we acknowledge the very sad passing of Professor Richard Scolyer AO.
Professor Scolyer was one of Australia’s most respected cancer researchers and, alongside Professor Georgina Long, was named 2024 Australian of the Year for their work in melanoma research and immunotherapy.
After his own diagnosis of aggressive brain cancer, he continued to advocate, educate, contribute to research, and share his experience with remarkable openness. He gave people hope, but his legacy is much bigger than that. His work has changed cancer care in Australia and around the world.
One part of his story that has stayed with many of us was the way he continued to value movement and exercise. He spoke about exercise supporting his physical and mental health, and even after his diagnosis he continued to take part in parkrun, City2Surf and charity cycling events when he was medically able.
For those of us working in cancer care, that matters. Exercise is not about pretending cancer is easy, or that movement can fix everything. It is about helping people hold on to strength, function, independence, identity and quality of life — even in the hardest circumstances.
Professor Scolyer’s life was a powerful reminder of the importance of research, courage, collaboration and living as fully as possible.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, patients, and all those in the cancer community who have been touched by his life and work.
Vale Professor Richard Scolyer AO.
