Richard Scolyer Dies at 59

Professor Richard Scolyer, an Australian cancer researcher and pathologist, died at the age of 59 on 7 June 2026. He was known for research on melanoma and for becoming a patient in an experimental immunotherapy treatment for glioblastoma, a grade-four inoperable brain cancer diagnosed in May 2023.

Richard Scolyer and Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is a fast-growing malignant brain tumour and is classified as grade four by the World Health Organization grading system. Scolyer received a prognosis of six to eight months after diagnosis in 2023, and his treatment combined immunotherapy before surgery with a personalised vaccine.

Immunotherapy and Melanoma Research

Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. Scolyer and Professor Georgina Long were jointly named 2024 Australian of the Year for work that changed the treatment of advanced melanoma through immunotherapy research.

Public Recognition and Research Legacy

A state funeral was announced for Scolyer by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A clinical trial based on the treatment used in his case has been launched at Duke University in the United States.

Important Facts for Exams

• Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive primary brain cancers in adults.
• Grade four is the highest grade in the World Health Organization system for many tumours.
• Australian of the Year is a national honour awarded annually in Australia.
• Duke University is a major research university in the United States.

Final Note

Professor Scolyer publicly shared his cancer journey to support scientific research and patient awareness. An open letter released after his death thanked Australians for their support.