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Open letter from Professor Richard Scolyer; Australian PM pays tribute | 9 News Australia
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June 7, 2026
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9:44Now PlayingAustralia is mourning the tragic passing of an extraordinary medical pioneer and former co-Australian of the Year. World-renowned melanoma pathologist, Professor Richard Scolyer AO, has died at the age of 59 following a courageous and deeply public battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer.
In this deeply moving broadcast, The Today Show host Karl Stefanovic is joined live by Gail O'Brien, patient advocate and executive director at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. Gail reflects beautifully on her close friendship with Richard and his wife, Dr Kate Nicoll (Katie), sharing insights into how they chose to leverage his illness to elevate the public conversation surrounding brain cancer reform—much like her late husband, Professor Chris O'Brien AO, famously did.
Before his passing at Concord Palliative Care, Professor Scolyer famously turned his own brilliant melanoma science inward. Alongside his research partner, Professor Georgina Long AO, he pioneered revolutionary immunotherapy treatments that transformed skin cancer from a death sentence to a curable disease. When diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2023, he became "patient zero" for a world-first experimental combination therapy on his own brain, successfully extending his life to cross the line at his 250th Parkrun and tackle the City2Surf and Tour de Cure.
In an emotional parting open letter read on air, Richard addressed his fellow Australians, writing: "Such public accolades have never sat entirely comfortably with me, but I am delighted that much-needed brain cancer research will continue to be funded long after I have gone." His legacy will live on permanently through a $5.9 million federal investment establishing the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. We send our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and the millions he inspired.
Watch the special tribute A Remarkable Life: Richard Scolyer TONIGHT after A Current Affair.
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