A new scholarship in the name of one of the University of Tasmania's most innovative and inspirational alumni will support the next generation of medical researchers to push boundaries and pioneer new discoveries.
The Professor Richard Scolyer AO Research Innovation HDR Scholarship was officially launched in June at a small ceremony attended by Richard, his family, and friends in Hobart.
The scholarship is open to all current and commencing UTAS Health Higher Degree Research students and will provide $10,000 in support per year for the duration of their degree.
"The University of Tasmania is extremely proud to establish a scholarship in Professor Scolyer's name," University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said.
"The scholarship reflects Richard's dedication and innovation in the field of medical research, which has helped countless individuals and communities locally and beyond."
Richard was born and raised in Launceston, attending Riverside High School before pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Tasmania.
After four years of clinical medicine, he went on to specialise in pathology, completing his training in Sydney where his choice of speciality continues to have impacts across the globe.
Together with the co-director of the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) and joint 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Georgina Long AO, Richard's research on melanoma has helped thousands of lives. Richard was co-director of MIA until recently stepping down.
It was their innovative research using immunotherapy in melanoma, which would take a personal approach when in 2023 Richard was diagnosed with an aggressive incurable brain cancer.
Through Georgina's suggestion, they applied what they had learned using immunotherapy in melanoma to the brain cancer. While the cancer has now returned, Richard continues to share his journey on the discoveries they have made and pursuing his melanoma work.
"It is Richard's life and his life's work that has provided the model for this scholarship," Professor Black said.
"Inspired by Richard's story, the scholarship supports the next generation of medical researchers who will continue to push boundaries and drive innovation to ensure better health care for all."
About the Professor Richard Scolyer AO Research Innovation HDR Scholarship at the University of Tasmania
- The University of Tasmania will endow a Higher Degree Research top-up scholarship in Professor Richard Scolyer's AO name
- The scholarship honours the hallmarks of Richard's approach to medical research, focusing on innovation and research excellence
- The scholarship is yet to be awarded. First recipient will commence in 2026
- The scholarship is open to all current and commencing UTAS Health HDR students and will provide $10,000 in support p.a. for the duration of their degree.
- A Higher Degree Research top-up scholarship helps to support a student undertaking a PhD to purely focus on their research.
Image: Professor Richard Scolyer AO (centre, left) with (from left) Deputy Vice-Chancellor Health Professor Graeme Zosky, Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black and Menzies Director Professor Tracey Dickson.
