It is with great sadness that we record the passing of Professor Richard Scolyer AO.

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott said: “Professor Scolyer will be forever remembered as one of our most remarkable researchers and alumni."

“He is one of only a few people who have helped change the fate of melanoma diagnosis in Australia, by daring to imagine the possibility of ending one of Australia’s most insidious cancers and doing everything in his power as a researcher to achieve that.

“This shaped his approach in bravely facing his own terminal illness. His determination and the courage to put his body on the line could ultimately also help improve the lives of countless others.

The University of Sydney recently awarded Professor Scolyer an honorary doctorate, admitting him to the degree of Doctor of Medicine (honoris causa).

The melanoma scientist and 2024 Australian of the Year (jointly with Professor Georgina Long AO) received the award in recognition of his transformational work on the diagnosis and pathological characterisation of melanoma through pioneering pathology, translational cancer research and his global medical and research leadership. 

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, who presided over the ceremony said: “Richard has been at the forefront of transforming the diagnosis and pathological understanding of melanoma, through pioneering advances in pathology practice and research.” 

A career dedicated to melanoma science

Richard’s early years set the foundation for an exceptional career in medicine, marked by a steady progression through some of the most respected qualifications in the field. After completing a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Tasmania, he advanced to earn his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, establishing his clinical grounding.  

His commitment to research and academic excellence led him to pursue a Doctor of Medicine, deepening his expertise in pathology and melanoma research. 

As his career developed, Richard achieved prestigious professional recognition, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in the United Kingdom – credentials that reflect his international standing in diagnostic pathology.  

His contributions to medical science and leadership in cancer research were further acknowledged through his election as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, underscoring his influence on both national and global health advancement. 

As Co-Medical Director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, he was at the forefront of major improvements in the diagnosis of melanoma, with his focus on pathology research and the development of internationally adopted guidelines for the clinical management of melanoma. 

With more than 1,000 peer reviewed publications, he is regarded as a preeminent authority in dermatopathology and a driving force behind pathological diagnosis and classification of melanoma.

He is remembered by his family, friends, and the medical and scientific community. 

We particularly extend our thoughts and sympathies to Richard’s family, his wife Katie and their children, Emily, Matthew and Lucy, at this difficult time.

Vale Richard (1966–2026)