09/06/2026
Vale Richard Scolyer
As we mourn the passing of Professor Richard Scolyer AO, The Florey acknowledges the incredible contribution that he has made to cancer research and care.
As a former Australian of the Year, Professor Scolyer was cherished by the nation.
As a world-leading melanoma pathologist, he was widely admired and respected for his expertise and his transformative contributions to the field.
And as someone who lived with brain cancer for the past three years, he was a selfless advocate determined to help others.
The Florey’s Executive Director Professor Peter van Wijngaarden says Professor Scolyer’s loss will be felt worldwide, but his legacy will endure.
“Professor Scolyer’s pioneering contributions, together with fellow Australian of the Year Professor Georgina Long AO, have made significant advances in the treatment of brain cancer, potentially providing new options and giving hope to people worldwide.
“Professor Scolyer faced his brain cancer diagnosis with courage, honesty and optimism, testing new and innovative treatments and giving renewed hope to those living with brain cancer.
“We thank him for his dedication to improving the lives of others and we send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
The Florey’s leading brain cancer researcher Professor Lucy Palmer says she was inspired by Professor Scolyer.
“As a researcher investigating the neuroscience of brain cancer, I have followed and admired his work and am saddened by the news of his passing.
“Professor Scolyer provided hope for patients and researchers alike, providing a voice for the countless lives impacted by this terrible disease.
“As a brain cancer researcher, I gained inspiration from his approach and will continue to work tirelessly to understand the cellular basis of brain cancer and to highlight new drug targets and therapies.
“He taught us to push the boundaries in brain cancer research, and we know that one day we will shift the dial in patient survival."
