Between 2022 and 2025, Professor Richard Scolyer’s journey became one of Australia’s most inspiring medical stories. After pioneering an experimental immunotherapy treatment for his own brain cancer, he initially showed no signs of recurrence for nearly a year.
However, in early 2025, the tumour returned, and doctors were unable to remove it completely. Despite a grim prognosis, Scolyer continued to live with optimism — completing his 250th Parkrun in June and publicly sharing his experiences to raise awareness about brain cancer research.
In September 2025, his legacy was formally recognised when the Australian Government established the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney, ensuring his life’s work continues to shape future discoveries.
Health Journey And Latest Updates
In June 2023, Scolyer was diagnosed with Grade-4 Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumour. Refusing to give up, he underwent an experimental treatment based on the same immunotherapy principles that transformed melanoma survival rates. The treatment combined surgery, personalised vaccines, and pre-surgery immunotherapy.
By late 2024, scans showed no tumour recurrence — a milestone that extended his life well beyond the original six-month prognosis. However, in early 2025, the cancer returned. Scolyer underwent another surgery but acknowledged that his prognosis remains “months, not years.” Despite this, he continues to advocate for research and share his journey publicly to inspire others.
Research & Legacy
Scolyer’s work has long centred on melanoma pathology and immunotherapy. His own treatment journey now links that research to brain cancer. The new research chair named after him aims to accelerate glioblastoma trials and translation of research into improved outcomes.
Early Life And Education
Richard Anthony Scolyer was born on 16 December 1966 in Launceston, Tasmania. He graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1988 with First-Class Honours in Medicine and later earned his Doctorate from the University of Sydney. During his early career, his passion for pathology and oncology set him on a path that would redefine melanoma treatment worldwide.
Career And Achievements
Scolyer’s career is marked by groundbreaking discoveries in melanoma pathology. He is:
- Senior Staff Specialist in Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
- Conjoint Professor at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health
- Co-Medical Director and Co-Founder of the Melanoma Institute Australia
- Co-Recipient of the 2024 Australian of the Year Award alongside Professor Georgina Long
Together, Scolyer and Long revolutionised melanoma treatment, improving survival rates through advanced immunotherapy research. His work has been published in leading medical journals, and he has co-authored over 700 papers, making him one of Australia’s most cited medical researchers.
Family And Relationships
Richard Scolyer’s life is deeply grounded in love, loyalty, and collaboration.
- With His Wife, Katie Nicoll: Scolyer often calls Katie his biggest supporter. Since his diagnosis, she has been by his side through every stage of treatment. He prioritises family time more than ever, focusing on shared moments with Katie and their three children.
- With His Children: Scolyer is a devoted father to Emily, Matthew, and Lucy. He describes his family as his “greatest motivation” to keep fighting and cherishes the simple joys of being a dad.
- With Professor Georgina Long: Scolyer and Long have built one of the most impactful medical partnerships in Australia. As Co-Medical Directors of the Melanoma Institute, their collaboration has transformed melanoma care globally. Together they were honoured as Joint Australian of the Year in 2024.
- With Dr Jane Dahlstrom: Scolyer also shares a deep personal and professional bond with Dr Jane Dahlstrom, based on years of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared research goals.
These relationships reflect not just Scolyer’s medical excellence but his humanity — a balance of science, empathy, and family devotion.
Business And Professional Involvement
Beyond academia, Scolyer plays a key role in Australia’s medical and research ecosystem. He is:
- Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Melanoma Institute Australia
- Member of the World Health Organization’s Tumour Classification Board
- Consultant Pathologist for several international cancer trials
- Keynote Speaker and Research Adviser for Australian cancer foundations
His work has indirectly generated significant research funding for melanoma and immunotherapy programs, valued in tens of millions of dollars over the past decade.
Income And Net Worth
While Professor Scolyer’s exact personal wealth isn’t publicly disclosed, reasonable estimates can be made based on his positions, awards, and consulting roles.
- Annual academic salary as Senior Staff Specialist and Professor: approximately A$350,000–A$450,000
- Research grants and advisory consulting: estimated A$100,000–A$200,000 annually
- Awards and public speaking engagements: A$50,000+ in yearly honorariums and appearances
- Total estimated annual income: A$450,000–A$650,000
- Estimated net worth (2025): A$3 million–A$5 million, primarily from salary, research positions, and property assets
These figures represent a professional income level consistent with senior Australian medical academics and research directors of his calibre.
Legacy And Impact
In September 2025, the “Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research” was announced — a $5.9 million endowment at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to continue his life’s work. His decision to share his illness journey has inspired patients, scientists, and the public alike. Scolyer’s courage has redefined what it means to live with purpose, using his final years to advance medical science.
Conclusion
Professor Richard Scolyer’s story is one of intellect, integrity, and inspiration. From a pathologist studying melanoma to a patient redefining brain cancer treatment, his legacy bridges science and humanity. Supported by his wife Katie, his children, and his lifelong colleague Georgina Long, he has shown Australia — and the world — how courage can turn tragedy into progress. His contributions will continue through the research institutions, lives, and families his work has saved.
FAQs
Who Is Richard Scolyer?
He is an Australian pathologist and Co-Director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, best known for pioneering melanoma immunotherapy research.
What Illness Does He Have?
He was diagnosed in 2023 with Grade-4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Who Is His Wife?
His wife is Katie Nicoll, who has supported him through his treatment journey.
How Many Children Does He Have?
He has three children — Emily, Matthew, and Lucy.
What Is His Net Worth?
His estimated net worth is between A$3 million and A$5 million as of 2025.
What Is His Annual Income?
His estimated annual income ranges from A$450,000 to A$650,000, including salary, research, and advisory work.
What Award Did He Win?
He was named 2024 Australian of the Year alongside Professor Georgina Long.
What Is His Current Health Status?
As of late 2025, Scolyer’s cancer has returned, but he continues treatment and remains active in research and advocacy.
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