The RCPA is delighted that one of its Fellows, Professor Richard Scolyer has been awarded “Outstanding Researcher of the Year” in the NSW Premier's Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research 2020, presented by NSW Cancer Institute. This is one of the biggest awards of its kind that a researcher can receive and marks the first time that a pathologist has ever received this honour.

Prof Scolyer is the world’s most highly cited melanoma pathologist and currently holds positions as Senior Staff Specialist, Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney; Co- Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia; and Conjoint Professor, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney. This is the eighth time Prof Scolyer has been recognised in the awards which are awarded to outstanding researchers reducing the impact of cancer in NSW, and the first time he has received Outstanding Researcher of the Year.

Commenting on his award win, Prof Scolyer said,

“We have an amazing team of people doing world leading melanoma research and it’s a huge honour to be leading that team and to be recognised in this way. Pathologists have a unique role to play in translational research and are key members of multidisciplinary teams which are conducting research at a high level. Pathologists are the bridge between the patient and what goes on in the research laboratory, bringing a unique perspective in order to facilitate research.”

For two decades, Prof Scolyer has been at the forefront of virtually all major advances in melanoma which have revolutionised management worldwide and resulted in vast improvements in survival of melanoma patients.

The Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year Award is awarded to an individual researcher who has made an active, outstanding, sustained contribution to any field of cancer research in NSW; has a record of substantive and noteworthy publications; and has supported, developed and mentored cancer researchers.

“Every cancer patient ultimately has their cancer diagnosed by a pathologist; what we see down the microscope and include in our reports determines how a patient is managed. The thing about research is that there is an opportunity not only to benefit a single patient, but to make a difference to many thousands of patients that will be affected down the track. This is what makes research so important,” said Prof Scolyer.

In addition to Outstanding Researcher of the Year, the RCPA has also awarded Prof Scolyer its “Distinguished Fellow Award” 2020, one of the highest honours a Fellow can receive from the College. The Award honours Fellows of the College and Fellows of Faculties who have made an outstanding contribution to pathology, either in research, teaching or administration, and who have attained a position of eminence in their chosen field.

Dr Michael Dray, President of the RCPA said,

“Prof Scolyer is a world leader in melanoma diagnosis and translational research, and we are absolutely delighted to award him with the RCPA’s Distinguished Fellow Award. Pathology often takes place behind the scenes; however, no cancer diagnosis can be made without a pathologist and it is important to recognise that through these awards. Prof Scolyer has made an extraordinary and significant contribution to the field of cancer medicine and pathology which has impacted the lives of people with cancer around the world.”

On Saturday 3 July 2021 Prof Scolyer will be presenting the first Eva Raik Memorial Oration, “Zero Deaths from Melanoma” at the RCPA’s annual scientific meeting: Pathology Update 2021: Re-cracking the Code at the International Convention Centre, Sydney. That evening, Prof Scolyer will be presented with his award at the RCPA Annual Awards and Admission of New Fellows Ceremony which will also be available to live stream.