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Brainstorm
WINNER OF ABIA AWARD FOR SOCIAL IMPACT BOOK OF THE YEAR
The incredible story of 2024 Co-Australian of the Year, Richard Scolyer, as he uses his groundbreaking melanoma science to fight his own 'incurable' diagnosis with brain cancer.
A dedicated doctor. A devastating diagnosis. A chance for a medical revolution.
Skin cancer is this country's most common cancer, and melanoma the deadliest form of it. Richard Scolyer, together with his colleagues at Melanoma Institute Australia, has dedicated years to groundbreaking research and succeeded in transforming even the most advanced cases of melanoma into a largely curable disease.
Then last year, at the peak of his life, Richard was devastated when he was diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer.
As a world-leading clinician and cancer researcher, Richard was never going to accept the status quo – including a medical approach unchanged in nearly two decades and an expectation of little more than a year to live. He instead chose to undertake world-first experimental treatment for his brain cancer, based on melanoma science. His brave decision could shorten or save his life—the only certainty is that it will push the brain cancer field forward and ultimately help save the lives of others.
This is his story.
The incredible story of 2024 Co-Australian of the Year, Richard Scolyer, as he uses his groundbreaking melanoma science to fight his own 'incurable' diagnosis with brain cancer.
A dedicated doctor. A devastating diagnosis. A chance for a medical revolution.
Skin cancer is this country's most common cancer, and melanoma the deadliest form of it. Richard Scolyer, together with his colleagues at Melanoma Institute Australia, has dedicated years to groundbreaking research and succeeded in transforming even the most advanced cases of melanoma into a largely curable disease.
Then last year, at the peak of his life, Richard was devastated when he was diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer.
As a world-leading clinician and cancer researcher, Richard was never going to accept the status quo – including a medical approach unchanged in nearly two decades and an expectation of little more than a year to live. He instead chose to undertake world-first experimental treatment for his brain cancer, based on melanoma science. His brave decision could shorten or save his life—the only certainty is that it will push the brain cancer field forward and ultimately help save the lives of others.
This is his story.
Audible Audio
Published November 1, 2024
About the author
Richard Scolyer
1 book9 followersProfessor Richard Anthony Scolyer AO (16 December 1966 – 7 June 2026) was an Australian pathologist. He was a senior staff specialist in tissue pathology and diagnostic oncology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and Conjoint Professor, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney.
He and Professor Georgina Long were honoured as 2024 Australians of the Year.
Scolyer received the New South Wales Premier's Award for Outstanding Cancer Research in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for "distinguished service to medicine, particularly in the field of melanoma and skin cancer, and to national and international professional organisations" in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours.
He won Social Impact Book of the Year at the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards for his book, Brainstorm. - Wikipedia
He and Professor Georgina Long were honoured as 2024 Australians of the Year.
Scolyer received the New South Wales Premier's Award for Outstanding Cancer Research in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for "distinguished service to medicine, particularly in the field of melanoma and skin cancer, and to national and international professional organisations" in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours.
He won Social Impact Book of the Year at the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards for his book, Brainstorm. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 5, 2025
Thankyou Chloe for gifting me this spectacular autobiography. It was SO moving. I will be following his journey on social media from now on. I, along with thousands of others, am now fixated on hearing his medical updates. Will forever have my fingers crossed for Richard!!
February 6, 2025
A great insight into Richard Scolyer’s life and cancer journey. As a scientist, I did pick it up expecting more science and medicine, but it was quite vague. There was not a great level of detail throughout but was more of a summary of his experience/life. It was not what I anticipated but still an interesting read!
November 17, 2024
A brave and honest account of Dr Richard Scolyer’s fight with an incurable cancer.
January 26, 2025
This account of the trials and challenges facing Richard Scolyer was a gift from my brother for Christmas. Familiar with his struggle and aware of his appointment as Australian of the Year in 2024 in conjunction with Georgina Long, I found this narrative very compelling and a very engaging read.
I found it difficult to stop reading and was affected by a gamet of emotions while following his experience not only in the twelve months from the detection of his brain tumour but the life he had led to that point.
Taking risks has been part and parcel of this man’s approach to all aspects of his life and he reminds all of us that the two most significant events for any person remain the day he or she was born and what to do with one’s life once that has happened.
I found it difficult to stop reading and was affected by a gamet of emotions while following his experience not only in the twelve months from the detection of his brain tumour but the life he had led to that point.
Taking risks has been part and parcel of this man’s approach to all aspects of his life and he reminds all of us that the two most significant events for any person remain the day he or she was born and what to do with one’s life once that has happened.
June 16, 2025
I’ve just immersed myself in this memoir. I’m not even a tiny bit scientifically minded, so I appreciated the not too in-depth analysis of what they are doing and was so content with ‘you cannot win a formula 1 race with one foot on the gas pedal, and the other on the brakes’. What absolutely shone was the gift of this scientist ‘using himself as a subject’; what an incredible human, such a worthy Australian of the Year. I feel a real sense honour to reading this book. The love Richard Scolyer has for his life, his family and his profession is just so apparent on every page. Definitely one for us all
February 20, 2025
Richard Scolyer’s story is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing his immense resilience and determination in the face of extraordinary challenges. His journey, which includes not just his own struggles but the unwavering support of his family, especially his wife, is one that deserves to be shared and celebrated, particularly for the sake of his children. His wife’s commitment to her family and her sacrifices to support Richard’s career and health journey are truly remarkable. The family’s strength in coping through such trying times is also something worth special mention.
However, while the depth of Richard’s experiences shines through, the writing style in this book doesn’t quite capture the full engagement his story deserves. It’s clear that the book was written with urgency, likely driven by the desire to preserve Richard’s legacy for his loved ones. I really hope that, in the future, someone reimagines his story with a more captivating narrative—one that better reflects the depth of his life and the remarkable people who supported him along the way.
However, while the depth of Richard’s experiences shines through, the writing style in this book doesn’t quite capture the full engagement his story deserves. It’s clear that the book was written with urgency, likely driven by the desire to preserve Richard’s legacy for his loved ones. I really hope that, in the future, someone reimagines his story with a more captivating narrative—one that better reflects the depth of his life and the remarkable people who supported him along the way.
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November 18, 2024Richard Scolyer is a hero. He has a courageous and important story which everyone should read.
November 21, 2024
Fascinating insight into Richard Scolyer's journey living with brain cancer and the revolutionary treatment plan he is undergoing in search of a cure, not just for himself, but for other sufferers.
March 13, 2026
This book (audiobook) strikes at the heart - life is unfair and Richard's story is definitely an example of that but also of what can happen when people think outside the box. That it took 'one of their own' being diagnosed with a glioblastoma for these professionals to consider what else could be done is a call to arms - health professionals think outside the box! Look what can happen when they do - how absolutely fabulous!
No doubt many many many people have wished Dr Scolyer well and I'd like to add my voice to the chorus!
It is unsurprising that he reflects on times missed with his family - terminal patients often say this - but what an amazing and wonderful contribution he has made to the lives of SO many other people. Thanks to his family for the time he spent making medical breakthroughs when maybe he could have been with you 🤩
The writing itself is probably *** but overall ** ** with a special mention to the Gary Maddox for his chapter on his story. A great addition.
My Goodreads star rating... ** **
My Goodreads scale:
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
*****absolutely amazing
No doubt many many many people have wished Dr Scolyer well and I'd like to add my voice to the chorus!
It is unsurprising that he reflects on times missed with his family - terminal patients often say this - but what an amazing and wonderful contribution he has made to the lives of SO many other people. Thanks to his family for the time he spent making medical breakthroughs when maybe he could have been with you 🤩
The writing itself is probably *** but overall ** ** with a special mention to the Gary Maddox for his chapter on his story. A great addition.
My Goodreads star rating... ** **
My Goodreads scale:
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
*****absolutely amazing
July 20, 2025
What an inspiration Richard Scolyer is! This book of his life, career and brain cancer diagnosis is an easy yet at times sad story to read. Richard writes with calmness and grace and is forever thankful for his beautiful family and his chance at extra time with them.
May 17, 2025
Have been following Richard’s journey for a while now & enjoyed his book immensely. The work he has done & continues to do is inspiring.
June 2, 2025
A very brave man trying to find cures for cancer and being a tester for new medication sad for his family but cancer doesn't care who it goes to sadly
November 25, 2025
Credit too Richard Scolyer on his amazing biography.
December 31, 2024
This is the amazing autobiography of this year's co-Australian of the year, world famous melanoma specialist Richard Scolyer and his shock diagnosis of brain cancer and the incredible way he has addressed this. While it is quite different in many ways, this reminded me somewhat of Paul Kalanithi's When Breath becomes Air.
Scolyer is open and honest in his description of both his life as a medical specialist and how he came to become that, and of his diagnosis and treatment of apparently incurable brain cancer.
There is a considerable amount of medical jargon especially in later parts of the book, and, while I did not find this as emotional as Kalanithi's book, there is also much description of Scolyer's feelings about his diagnosis and the support he received from both family and colleagues.
It is clear how driven Scolyer is, and how dedicated he is to his career. A fascinating and worthwhile read. ***
Scolyer is open and honest in his description of both his life as a medical specialist and how he came to become that, and of his diagnosis and treatment of apparently incurable brain cancer.
There is a considerable amount of medical jargon especially in later parts of the book, and, while I did not find this as emotional as Kalanithi's book, there is also much description of Scolyer's feelings about his diagnosis and the support he received from both family and colleagues.
It is clear how driven Scolyer is, and how dedicated he is to his career. A fascinating and worthwhile read. ***
December 11, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down. An inspirational story from a brilliant scientist, a risk taker, a kind and gentle family man. With grit and determination, with the help from his family and especially his coworker and joint Australian of the Year, Georgina Long, and a team of dedicated doctors and researchers, Richard Scolyer has put his body on the line to take part in ground-breaking research into treating glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer.
March 30, 2026
Richard is such an amazing, driven man but the book and and the narrator didn't do the story justice. I am still glad I listened to the whole story.
July 2, 2026
Already an incredible memoir when it was published, Brainstorm became even more powerful to read following Professor Richard Scolyer's death on 7 June 2026.
Written with journalist Garry Maddox, this isn't an overly technical medical memoir. Instead, it's an honest, deeply human story about family, purpose, resilience, and hope in the face of an unimaginable diagnosis.
Although I'd followed Richard's journey through Australian Story and media coverage, this book revealed so much more. We learn about his childhood in Tasmania, the determination that shaped his extraordinary career, and the values that made him not only a world-renowned melanoma pathologist but also such a humble and compassionate man.
The second half of the book is heartbreaking. Diagnosed with an incurable glioblastoma in 2023, Richard made the extraordinary decision to become the first patient to undergo an experimental immunotherapy treatment developed from melanoma research led by his close friend and colleague Professor Georgina Long. Knowing the risks, he chose to help advance science, hoping that whatever happened to him might one day save others.
What touched me most was that this memoir never loses sight of what mattered most to Richard: his wife Katie, their three children, his friendships, and his gratitude for the remarkable medical team around him. His vulnerability, optimism and unwavering determination shine through every page.
Reading this after his passing left me in tears. Richard's legacy extends far beyond his extraordinary medical achievements. Through his openness, courage and willingness to share his journey, he gave hope to countless families facing brain cancer.
This is an inspiring, emotional and unforgettable memoir. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Written with journalist Garry Maddox, this isn't an overly technical medical memoir. Instead, it's an honest, deeply human story about family, purpose, resilience, and hope in the face of an unimaginable diagnosis.
Although I'd followed Richard's journey through Australian Story and media coverage, this book revealed so much more. We learn about his childhood in Tasmania, the determination that shaped his extraordinary career, and the values that made him not only a world-renowned melanoma pathologist but also such a humble and compassionate man.
The second half of the book is heartbreaking. Diagnosed with an incurable glioblastoma in 2023, Richard made the extraordinary decision to become the first patient to undergo an experimental immunotherapy treatment developed from melanoma research led by his close friend and colleague Professor Georgina Long. Knowing the risks, he chose to help advance science, hoping that whatever happened to him might one day save others.
What touched me most was that this memoir never loses sight of what mattered most to Richard: his wife Katie, their three children, his friendships, and his gratitude for the remarkable medical team around him. His vulnerability, optimism and unwavering determination shine through every page.
Reading this after his passing left me in tears. Richard's legacy extends far beyond his extraordinary medical achievements. Through his openness, courage and willingness to share his journey, he gave hope to countless families facing brain cancer.
This is an inspiring, emotional and unforgettable memoir. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
June 6, 2025
I have tears streaming down my face as I write this. Richard, a renowned pathologist and publisher, co-director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in May 2023. Facing certain death Richard surrounded by an amazing medical team chose to undergo radical ground breaking treatment as researched and proposed to him by his co-director and close friend Prof Georgina Long. Richard became a beacon of hope for brain cancer patients and amazingly is still surviving against the odds over two years later, although heartbreakingly his brain tumour has recurred this year.
This is a most honest and reflective account of an openly ambitious, courageous, emotional and humble man. Richard talks about his career, his adoration of his wife Katie and three children, his love of his work, exercise and travel, and the support he has received from so so many, especially since his story became public. Richard and Georgina were co-winners of the 2024 Australian of the Year for their work in cancer research for melanomas and Georgina’s final words in her speech were her hope that Richard would be alongside her in 2025 to hand the award to he next recipient and he was!
I hope and pray Richard has many more months ahead to enjoy and make memories with his family.
This is a most honest and reflective account of an openly ambitious, courageous, emotional and humble man. Richard talks about his career, his adoration of his wife Katie and three children, his love of his work, exercise and travel, and the support he has received from so so many, especially since his story became public. Richard and Georgina were co-winners of the 2024 Australian of the Year for their work in cancer research for melanomas and Georgina’s final words in her speech were her hope that Richard would be alongside her in 2025 to hand the award to he next recipient and he was!
I hope and pray Richard has many more months ahead to enjoy and make memories with his family.
January 27, 2025
An incredible story documenting an inspiring life full of passion, perseverance and optimism.
As a doctor in internship, Prof Scolyer’s story resonated with me deeply. It demonstrated that with incredible diligence and integrity, it is possible to achieve a balance between a rewarding and impactful career whilst also building a personal life full of love and friendship. Yet through his many humble reflections, it provided a stark reminder to us all that life is precious, and when faced with our own mortality, we will all wish for more time with our loved ones.
It was an absolute pleasure to read the honest thoughts of an incredible clinician-researcher who continues to further our understanding of medicine in the most personal of ways. Australia and the world is forever in debt for his work and I wish Prof Scolyer and his family all the best.
As a doctor in internship, Prof Scolyer’s story resonated with me deeply. It demonstrated that with incredible diligence and integrity, it is possible to achieve a balance between a rewarding and impactful career whilst also building a personal life full of love and friendship. Yet through his many humble reflections, it provided a stark reminder to us all that life is precious, and when faced with our own mortality, we will all wish for more time with our loved ones.
It was an absolute pleasure to read the honest thoughts of an incredible clinician-researcher who continues to further our understanding of medicine in the most personal of ways. Australia and the world is forever in debt for his work and I wish Prof Scolyer and his family all the best.
May 23, 2025
Not a book I'd usually go for but it was a gift, so....
It was generally enjoyable, and I found Richard's story engaging (and of course heart-breaking) but I felt the prose was perhaps aimed at a lower-reading age than I expected. There was a lot of "Katie and me" (Katie and I!) and generic descriptions such as fantastic, without explaining why an event, or person, was indeed 'fantastic'.
Nevertheless, Richard's life and achievements are well worth telling, and I found the medical side of his story interesting too, as he made those complex procedures easy to understand and follow along.
Richard, I wish you well. And thank you for telling your story.
It was generally enjoyable, and I found Richard's story engaging (and of course heart-breaking) but I felt the prose was perhaps aimed at a lower-reading age than I expected. There was a lot of "Katie and me" (Katie and I!) and generic descriptions such as fantastic, without explaining why an event, or person, was indeed 'fantastic'.
Nevertheless, Richard's life and achievements are well worth telling, and I found the medical side of his story interesting too, as he made those complex procedures easy to understand and follow along.
Richard, I wish you well. And thank you for telling your story.
January 2, 2026
This book was amazing to read of Richard Scolver’S (the author) experiencing brain cancer and all of his treatments. As he said it was very upsetting for him and his family and for me as reading, then good news for him, his family and our medical country that he survived. It was really interesting hearing about his life growing up then getting married and having children and all the places he lived in and visited. His experience in studying medicine and doing so much for Australia was very interesting. It was great at the end to see so many family, friend and work photos through his life. A great read!!!
March 27, 2025
One cannot help but be deeply moved by the story of this amazing Australian. The raw honesty shown by Richard in dealing with his own diagnosis sheds another perspective on this insidious disease that continues to disrupt the lives of people every day. His dedication and commitment, along with Georgina and their amazing team, delving into the unknown, is admirable. With wife Katie and his children by his side, each day becomes more precious than the last. Thank you for being Dr Richard Scolyer and sharing your story. You make me so proud to be an Australian.
April 28, 2025
Dr Richard Scolyer’s memoir is very accessibly written, apart from the medical terms which can be a bit technical. It chronicles his remarkable life, from academic success at school in Tasmania to his work as a leading melanoma researcher and pathologist.
Despite the eventual diagnosis of brain cancer, Dr Scolyer lives life to the max, making relentless use of every minute. The story is heartwarming and Dr Scolyer is incredibly positive and optimistic.
I would recommend this read if you are looking for an inspiring story about what is possible when you turn your mind to things.
Despite the eventual diagnosis of brain cancer, Dr Scolyer lives life to the max, making relentless use of every minute. The story is heartwarming and Dr Scolyer is incredibly positive and optimistic.
I would recommend this read if you are looking for an inspiring story about what is possible when you turn your mind to things.
July 22, 2025
A remarkable man and a remarkable act of courage to use yourself as a medical experiment. While his motivation wasn't all about being selfless, he wants to live as long as possible and that's what we would all want under the circumstances, it still takes great courage to actively seek something that has never been tried and allow many extra procedures so that his results can be studied for research.
I have heard that the tumour is back, however, I wish Richard many well days in. the future.
I have heard that the tumour is back, however, I wish Richard many well days in. the future.
August 20, 2025
A truly uplifting and inspirational story. I thought I knew a lot about Richard from watching his story on the ABC’s Australian Story but there is so much more to him that is covered in this book. We learn about his early life and what made him choose medicine and then later his diagnosis of an incurable brain cancer and the groundbreaking experimental treatment to treat it. Richard is an amazing man who is very open to sharing his journey with us. His love for his family shines through! Highly recommended.
May 4, 2025
I actually only scim read as I had others and it was going to be due back at the library..I wanted more the time line and facts on his brain tumour, his success with melonoma treatment and how it came about that he used himself as a guinea pig for using that treatment on his brain cancer. A very interesting and courageous man. I am following him on Facebook etc to follow his journey and learn the outcomes of his terminal diagnosis
February 4, 2026
A wonderful biography of 2024 Australian of the year Richard Scolyer. A key researcher who led in to major advances in the cure of Melanoma and in twist of life recently diagnosed with deadly brain cancer. Amazingly he used the learning from the melanoma cure and has implemented the immunotherapy treatment for his condition and has been able to prolong his life by at least a year currently and may be heading for a cure 🤞
January 7, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
An interesting look at the life of Dr Scolyer and his fight with brain cancer after working to fight Melanoma his professional life. While the post diagnosis was interesting I was more interested in the pre medical life and what drew him to medicine. A good read from one of the Australians of the Year.
An interesting look at the life of Dr Scolyer and his fight with brain cancer after working to fight Melanoma his professional life. While the post diagnosis was interesting I was more interested in the pre medical life and what drew him to medicine. A good read from one of the Australians of the Year.
July 23, 2026
I truly have nothing but admiration and respect for Professor Scolyer so was a bit disappointed his incredible story was not better drawn by his writer. I totally understand this was a case where time was of the essence and there wasn’t a lot of time to muck around with a draft but the writing was often quite dull, pedestrian and there was a lot of repetition throughout. However, the kindness and modesty of Prof Scolyer did really shine through which helped carry you through the pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews