Australia will come together later this month to honour one of its most respected medical pioneers, with the late Professor Richard Scolyer to be remembered at an official State Memorial Service at the Sydney Opera House.
The announcement was confirmed by Professor Scolyer’s wife, Dr Katie Nicholl, who shared the details in a heartfelt message, inviting Australians to join in celebrating a life devoted to science, compassion and hope.
The public memorial will take place at 11am on Monday, July 13, with members of the community able to attend by securing tickets through the Sydney Opera House.
A Nation Pays Tribute
Professor Scolyer passed away earlier this month at the age of 59 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that he was diagnosed with in 2023.
Even after becoming a patient himself, he remained committed to advancing medical research, openly documenting his treatment in the hope that his experience might help future patients and researchers.
His remarkable determination transformed an intensely personal journey into one that inspired Australians from all walks of life.
A Career That Changed Lives
Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading melanoma specialists, Professor Scolyer dedicated decades to improving cancer treatment and helping shape therapies that have saved countless lives.
Together with longtime colleague Professor Georgina Long, he was named Australian of the Year in recognition of groundbreaking work that revolutionised melanoma treatment through advances in immunotherapy.
Their research dramatically improved survival rates for patients once facing limited treatment options and cemented Australia’s position as a global leader in cancer research.
Remembered Beyond Medicine
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously confirmed that Professor Scolyer would receive a State Memorial in recognition of both his scientific achievements and the extraordinary courage he displayed during his own illness.
Throughout his diagnosis, Professor Scolyer chose to publicly share both the hope and uncertainty of living with brain cancer, earning admiration for his honesty, resilience and unwavering optimism.
His willingness to speak openly about every stage of the journey helped many Australians better understand the realities of the disease while offering encouragement to others facing similar battles.
His Final Wish
In a personal letter released after his passing, Professor Scolyer expressed the hope that he would simply be remembered as “a proud everyday Aussie” who always gave his best.
Rather than focusing on awards or recognition, he reflected on a life driven by purpose, kindness and a desire to make a meaningful difference.
He wrote that if his journey encouraged even one person to pursue their dreams with humility, compassion and determination, then he would consider that a legacy worth leaving behind.
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond his internationally recognised medical career, Professor Scolyer was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, represented Australia in age-group triathlon competition and co-authored the award-winning memoir Brainstorm, chronicling his extraordinary journey from renowned cancer specialist to patient.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government also announced funding to establish the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at Sydney’s Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, ensuring his commitment to improving outcomes for future patients will continue for generations.
As family, friends, colleagues and members of the public prepare to gather beneath the sails of the Sydney Opera House, the memorial will honour not only an exceptional scientist, but a man whose courage, humility and compassion left an enduring mark on Australia—and whose influence will continue to shape lives long into the future.
