Professor Scolyer’s huge announcement a year after declaring he is cancer-free

Professor Richard Scolyer, the renowned scientist co-named Australian of the Year, has made a huge announcement about his future at the Melanoma Institute of Australia.

Professor Richard Scolyer AO, renowned scientist and 2024 joint Australian of the Year recipient, is leaving his role as co-medical director of the Melanoma Institute Australia.

The pathologist was co-named Australian of the Year in 2024 alongside colleague and oncologist Georgina Long for their efforts to treat melanoma, one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in Australia.

Professor Richard Scolyer AO was named Australian of the Year alongside Professor Georgina Long AO for their efforts to treating melanoma. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

On Friday evening, the leading pathologist stated he would be stepping down from his role as co-medical director of the Melanoma Institute of Australia after eight years in the role.

“I am very proud of what the organisation has achieved and contributed to the field under the joint leadership of Professor Georgina Long and me over the past eight years,” he shared on social media.

“It’s the amazing team of clinicians, researchers, and other staff, as well as the brave and generous patients and passionate supporters, that make the Institute so successful as we strive towards Zero Deaths From Melanoma.”

Professor Richard Scolyer Co-Medical Director at Melanoma Institute Australia is stepping down from his role. Picture: X

In 2023, Professor Scolyer was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer, with the team at the Melanoma Institute Australia conducting experimental treatments based on melanoma breakthroughs, including undergoing immunotherapy before removing the tumour.

Despite the risk of the treatment causing more harm than the brain tumour, Professor Scolyer confirmed he had been cancer-free for 18 months.

“Still no sign of recurrence of my glioblastoma on the latest MRI scan. I couldn’t be happier!” he said in November last year, 28 months after the tumour was removed.

Professor Scolyer was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour in 2023 and successfully had it removed and treated using the same method as treating melanoma. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Despite stepping down from his role as co-medical director, Professor Scolyer will not be leaving medicine altogether, continuing to “dedicate (his) efforts and expertise to research, diagnosis and management of melanoma and other tumour patients” through his roles at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney and the Melanoma Institute of Australia.

“I am looking forward to a focused and productive upcoming year and enjoying all the good things life has to offer in all aspects,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone far and wide for all your care, friendship and support.

“I wish the leadership team at MIA all the best for the future.”

Originally published as Professor Scolyer’s huge announcement a year after declaring he is cancer-free