A man with short light brown hair smiles with his hands on his hips. He wears a black t-shirt.

Brainstorm with Richard Scolyer

17 November 2024

Talks and Ideas

Join us to hear co-Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer take us on his remarkable journey from world-leading melanoma doctor, helping save thousands of lives, to brain cancer patient fighting for his own with world-first experimental treatment.

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A testament to the power of living with boldness, hope and a sense of possibility.

Leigh Sales

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The journey from doctor to patient in the fight against cancer

Co-Medical Director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, Professor Richard Scolyer AO is a world-leading clinician and researcher who has spent years alongside his colleagues transforming melanoma treatment. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with melanoma being the deadliest form.

In 2023, at the peak of his career, Richard was diagnosed with an incurable Grade 4 glioblastoma. One of the world’s leading pathologists, whose work on melanoma helped save thousands of lives, suddenly found himself a brain cancer patient with less than a year to live. Refusing to accept the status quo—where treatment options had remained unchanged for nearly two decades—he chose to become “patient zero” in a world-first experimental immunotherapy, borrowing techniques from treatment his team co-developed for melanoma. Richard’s courageous decision not only showcases his remarkable bravery but also has the potential to advance brain cancer science significantly.

This fascinating conversation in the Joan Sutherland Theatre marks the publication of Richard's new book, Brainstorm, and explores the quiet heroism of an Australian changing the landscape of cancer treatment as both doctor and patient.

Sydney Opera House presents

Richard Scolyer

Professor Richard Scolyer AO is a Co-Medical Director of Melanoma Institute Australia, shared with his colleague, Professor Georgina Long AO. Together, they were named 2024 Australians of Year for their pioneering work in melanoma and for their work in applying that science to brain cancer. Richard is also a Senior Staff Specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, and Conjoint Professor at The University of Sydney. He is widely regarded as the world's leading melanoma pathologist and one of the world's top melanoma researchers.

In June 2021, Richard was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to medicine, particularly in the field of melanoma and skin cancer, and for his service to national and international professional organisations. He has also received multiple awards from many prestigious medical, research and pathology organisations worldwide, and represented Australia as an age-group triathlete.