EDUCATION NEWS
News from Universities
University of Sydney
University farewells melanoma pioneer Richard Scolyer
The University of Sydney has announced the passing of Professor Richard Scolyer AO, with Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott describing him as one of the university’s most remarkable researchers and alumni, who helped change the fate of melanoma diagnosis in Australia by imagining the possibility of ending one of the country’s most insidious cancers. Scolyer and Professor Georgina Long AO were jointly named 2024 Australian of the Year in recognition of his transformational work on melanoma diagnosis and pathological characterisation, and the university had recently awarded him an honorary Doctor of Medicine. Over his career, he authored more than 1,000 peer-reviewed publications, served as Co-Medical Director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, and developed internationally adopted guidelines for melanoma’s clinical management, ultimately facing his own terminal illness with the same determination he brought to his research. He is survived by his wife Katie and their three children.
University congratulates 2026 King's Birthday Honours recipients
A wide range of University of Sydney staff and alumni have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, including Professor William David Rawlinson, made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to medical science as a virologist and to public health, alongside numerous Officers and Members of the Order recognised for contributions spanning paediatric medicine, surgical research, pharmaceutical science, literature, engineering and law. Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott said the awards reflect the dedication and impact of the university’s people, noting that service sits at the heart of everything the institution does, from research addressing global challenges to education that empowers students to make a difference.
University responds to commentary over campus poster complaints
The University of Sydney issued a public statement addressing what it described as misinformation circulating about its handling of complaints regarding a poster displayed on campus, after receiving multiple complaints about imagery including what could be construed as blood-spatter graphics over the names of Israeli institutions. The university clarified that at no point did it allege misconduct or threaten students with expulsion or suspension, as had been incorrectly reported, and confirmed that after careful consideration it found the contested Handala symbol itself did not breach policy, but the red slash imagery could reasonably be interpreted as signalling harm toward the named institutions. Students were directed not to use that specific violent imagery again, with the university stressing that recent protest activity and a petition had no bearing on its decision, and reaffirming its commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom alongside its obligation to maintain a safe and inclusive campus.