Remembering Professor Richard Scolyer AO: A legacy that rides on 

One of Australia’s most respected medical researchers, Professor Scolyer was a world-renowned pathologist whose work helped transform melanoma treatment and give hope to countless people and families affected by cancer. 

He was also a husband, father, colleague, mentor, cyclist and friend. For many across CommBank, Richard was someone we came to know through our long-standing partnership with Tour de Cure: generous with his time, open with his story and deeply committed to the belief that research saves lives. 

Richard passed away on 7 June 2026, aged 59, almost three years after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. 

Breakthroughs and support

In that time, he did what he had done throughout his career - he pushed boundaries. Through an experimental treatment approach based on the melanoma science he helped pioneer, Richard became both patient and researcher, sharing his experience in the hope it would help others in the future. 

Richard rode Tour de Cure many times, including the Signature Tour in 2024 and again in 2026, while undergoing treatment for brain cancer. 

Even while facing his own diagnosis, Richard remained focused on progress for others. His determination, optimism and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who heard his story. 

Richard has been recognised with breakthroughs in cancer research through Tour de Cure, four of which were supported by CommBank’s Staff Foundation fundraiser, Can4Cancer.  
 
Each breakthrough represents earlier detection, better treatment options, more time and greater hope for people impacted by cancer. 

A lasting legacy  

In his final message, Richard said he would be humbled to be remembered as “a proud everyday Aussie who gave it a crack”. 

He did far more than that. 

He changed lives through science. He inspired people through courage. He gave brain cancer research a platform. And he reminded all of us why we continue to show up for Can4Cancer each year. 

On behalf of the CommBank community, we extend our deepest condolences to Richard’s wife Katie, his children Emily, Matthew and Lucy, his family, friends, colleagues, and the Tour de Cure community. 

As we remember Richard, we recommit to the mission he embodied so powerfully: fund research, accelerate breakthroughs and bring hope to people and families affected by cancer. 

Through Can4Cancer, we will keep riding, running, walking, swimming, fundraising - and giving it a crack.