Today, Australia mourns the beloved public figure and renowned melanoma scientist Professor Richard Scolyer AO.
After his courageous battle with brain cancer, Richard passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, surrounded by his wife, Dr Katie Nicoll, and three children, Emily, Matthew and Lucy.
In a statement made on the family’s behalf, Richard’s brother-in-law, Charles Nicoll, said his passing has left “a big hole” in their lives.
While his family “always recognised the importance of Richard’s work,” Charles revealed that the “memories of his love for family, and his gentleness, his appreciative nature, his endless energy, and his incessant commitment to sport and exercise will be remembered most fondly.”
Richard’s daughter, Emily Scolyer, shared a heartwarming statement following her father’s death on Instagram.
“Yesterday, we lost my beautiful, courageous, incredible Dad. We were lucky to even get three years together since his diagnosis, but the time we are given is never enough,” read the caption that accompanied a carousel of images of herself and her siblings with Richard.
“I hope we can continue Dad’s legacy and continue to fight for better outcomes for brain cancer patients worldwide.”
As news broke of Richard’s death, tributes began to flood in from loved ones and long-time admirers of his incredible work.
In his official statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described his passing as Australia losing “one of our brightest lights and biggest hearts.”
He defined Richard as a “personal friend” and “a remarkable man.”
The Prime Minister has also confirmed that a state funeral will be held in Richard’s honour.
Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, also paid tribute to Richard in an Instagram post.
“Australia has lost a man whose courage, generosity and determination inspired us all,” read her statement.
“Through his brilliance, compassion and unwavering commitment to others, he brought hope to patients and families, sharing his own devastating battle with profound generosity, extraordinary courage and humility,” she continued.
“Richard transformed his personal battle into a powerful movement for change. His legacy will endure through the Richard Scolyer Chair at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, in those whose lives he changed, in the hope he gave to all of us.”
Professor Georgina Long AO, who was jointly named Australian of the Year alongside Richard, paid tribute to her colleague in an Instagram post.
“I am deeply saddened to lose such a cherished colleague. Richard was a truly extraordinary pathologist — the ‘pathologists’ pathologist’ — who also made generous time for clinicians navigating complex diagnostic cases, understanding that an accurate tissue diagnosis was critical to patient care.
“His knowledge was vast, his skill exceptional, with an unparalleled eye for accurate tissue diagnoses, and the precision to apply decades of experience where it mattered most,” she wrote.
“He shared his expertise widely: through consultation on external specimens, through diagnostic and classification frameworks now used worldwide, and as a devoted teacher and mentor. Richard has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
Australian journalist Allison Langdon became quite close with Richard and his family over the years.
In the hours following the announcement of his passing, she took to her socials to remember her friend.
“Our hearts are broken. A brilliant mind, wonderful father, husband and someone I came to call a dear friend. Rest easy now, Rich. What a fight you put up, what you did will save lives… something that was a theme in your life,” her statement read.
“More than anything, you genuinely cared for people. You mentored the next generation of minds and had time for everyone. Thank you for your friendship and allowing us into your life.”
Allison’s post included not only images of herself with Richard, but also his wife and children.
“To Katie, Emily, Matthew and Lucy… Thanks for sharing your brilliant dad with us all. You were his whole world, and we know how much you’re hurting right now. He was simply the best and leaves a big hole in all of our hearts ♥️.”
Other notable Australian tributes include actress Rebecca Gibney, who shared that she was “heartbroken” to hear of Richard’s passing.
Rebecca also shared her condolences on the family’s official announcement.
“The world has lost such a light, and I cannot imagine how incredibly difficult this must have been for @profrscolyer family and dear ones. Sending my deepest gratitude and sincere condolences to you all. Rest in peace, an extraordinary man. 💔” her comment read.
Jess Rowe and Leigh Sales were also among those to comment.
“A true Australian hero and a delightful man,” said Leigh.
“We are thinking of you and your family so much and sending all of our love. Thank you for sharing your remarkable dad with all of us. 💔” wrote Jess.
Australian media personality Deborah Hutton shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram upon hearing the sad news.
After meeting Richard on numerous occasions, Deborah described him as “genuine, sincere and incredibly warm. One of those rare people who made you feel better simply for having spent time with him.”
“In the face of unimaginable adversity, he chose courage, generosity and hope. He turned his own journey into a gift for others, advancing medical knowledge while inspiring countless people to live with purpose and grace. What a legacy. What a gift this remarkable man has left us. Australia has lost one of its finest.”
