Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.TRANSCRIPTPioneering scientist Richard Scolyer has died aged 59, after a long fight with brain cancer, a fight he used to boost scientific knowledge and benefit future patients.The renowned melanoma pathologist, father of three, and former Australian of the Year helped save thousands of people's lives during his career through groundbreaking skin cancer research.Along with Professor Georgina Long who also received the 2024 award, he took the disease from being a death sentence to largely curable through treatment that activates a patient's own immune system, bringing hope and healing to many.Leaving a final letter to the world - Professor Scolyer wrote of what was meaningful to him - love, family, work.He wanted to be remembered in his words as a 'proud everyday Aussie who gave it a crack.'Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he first met Richard Scolyer more than 25 years ago when the two were neighbours in Sydney's Inner West - a meeting that led to them eventually becoming friends."I got to meet him as just a neighbour He was a down-to-earth person, but who was determined to make a difference, and I hope that Australians get inspiration from Professor Scolyer