Australian Melanoma Researcher Richard Scolyer Dies at 59 After Experimental Glioblastoma Treatment

Professor Richard A Scolyer died on 7 June 2026 at age 59. He had been diagnosed with glioblastoma in May 2023 and spent the final three years publicly documenting his treatment and its effects. Scolyer, born 16 December 1966 in Tasmania, was a world-leading melanoma pathologist who authored more than 1,000 research publications and lectured at hundreds of conferences worldwide.

He helped establish what is now the world’s largest melanoma biobank and held leadership positions at the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the World Health Organisation. He was the first patient to receive experimental brain cancer treatment derived from melanoma research he contributed to, and he later joined the development of a dedicated brain cancer clinical trial.

The federal government named the Chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in his honour.

In an open letter dated as his final message, Scolyer wrote that he had dedicated his 35-year career to patient care, cancer research and improving lives. He encouraged cancer patients to consider enrolling in clinical trials and called on governments to maintain funding for medical research. Scolyer credited his wife Katie and children Emily, Matthew and Lucy with providing constant support.

He also thanked his elderly parents in Tasmania, his brother Mark, and an online community that spanned many countries. He reflected on his childhood in Tasmania, where he said an upbringing built on “how”, not “if”, shaped his belief that nothing is impossible. He described the clarity a terminal diagnosis brought about relationships and compassion.

Scolyer expressed hope that the scientific data and awareness generated during his illness would serve as a platform for future advances. He asked colleagues to remain inquisitive and brave in their work. He closed the letter by saying he hoped to be remembered as “a proud everyday Aussie who ‘gave it a crack’” and inspired others to pursue their dreams with humility, love and compassion.