Post by University of Tasmania

It is with great sadness that we recognise the recent passing of Professor Richard Scolyer AO (BMedSc 1987; MBBS 1990), whose contribution to medical science and research was extraordinary. As a globally recognised pathologist, Richard’s pioneering work in cancer treatments has helped transform outcomes for cancer patients around the world. He was awarded our Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021. Together with Professor Georgina Long, Richard helped lead breakthroughs in immunotherapy that have changed advanced melanoma from a once fatal disease into one that is now, for many, curable. As co-medical directors of the Melanoma Institute Australia, they have saved thousands of lives and advanced both research and public awareness. Richard understood that medical research is a collective endeavour. He used both his professional work and his own experience as a cancer patient with incurable brain cancer to advance cancer research in new directions, and inspire innovation, compassion and determination in others. The Professor Richard Scolyer AO Research Innovation PhD Scholarship, funded in perpetuity, honours Richard's outstanding contributions and supports PhD students studying health at our University. We extend our deepest condolences to Richard’s family, friends and colleagues. He will be greatly missed.