AMC 2026 · Early Career Research Award
The Richard Scolyer Award for Early Career Researchers
Presented at the Australasian Melanoma Conference (AMC) 2026 in recognition of the outstanding contributions of Professor Richard Scolyer AO, internationally renowned melanoma pathologist, researcher, and Co-Medical Director of Melanoma Institute Australia, whose work transformed the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of melanoma.
Professor Richard Scolyer AO
Professor Richard Scolyer AO was a renowned pathologist and a world authority on the diagnosis of melanoma and skin cancer. A Senior Staff Specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and former Co-Medical Director of Melanoma Institute Australia, he co-authored more than 800 publications and was named the 2024 Australian of the Year alongside Professor Georgina Long.
His deep knowledge of and passion for pathology, together with his generous mentorship and teaching, inspired generations of clinicians and researchers and transformed melanoma and skin cancer research and diagnosis across the globe. This award honours his legacy by supporting the next generation of researchers.
Two awards presented annually
Recognising Excellence
Best Oral Presentation
$1,500
AUD prize awarded to the most outstanding oral presentation by an early career researcher.
Best Poster Presentation
$1,000
AUD prize awarded to the most outstanding poster presentation by an early career researcher.
About the Award
The AMC is the leading multidisciplinary melanoma and skin cancer conference in Australasia, bringing together clinicians, researchers, trainees, allied health professionals and consumers to showcase advances in melanoma and skin cancer research and care.
The purpose of this award is to recognise and encourage excellence in melanoma and/or skin cancer research conducted by researchers at an early career stage.
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to individuals who meet the AMC 2026 trainee or early career stage criteria:
Post-doctoral scientists or clinicians in the early career stages following award of PhD, Masters or clinical fellowship; or
Medical, nursing, and allied health professional trainees – undergraduate students and those trainees enrolled in postgraduate research higher degrees or undertaking formal clinical training.
The awardee is required to be the presenting author of the submitted abstract.
Selection Criteria
Award recipients will be selected on the basis of scientific merit, innovation, quality of presentation, and the potential impact of their research on melanoma and skin cancer outcomes, all assessed relative to opportunity.
Honouring a Legacy
Fostering the next generation of melanoma researchers
The award aims to foster the next generation of melanoma researchers and honour Professor Scolyer’s enduring legacy of research excellence, mentorship, and commitment to improving patient outcomes.