Melanoma researchers and joint Australians of the Year Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer want skin cancer treated as a national health priority.

The pioneering scientists called for greater investment in research and an end to glamorising tanning after accepting their awards at a ceremony on Thursday night.

“We need a targeted screening program and greater investment in research,” Professor Long said.

“This must be a national health priority.”

Professor Scolyer urged people not to let fear hold them back.

“Beyond melanoma and into the broader cancer field, more courage is needed to push treatment boundaries backed by science for the benefit of all cancer patients,” he said.

The pair called on the community to “think big, be bold, be courageous”.

A medical breakthrough the researchers made has helped save thousands of lives.

In less than a decade, advanced melanoma went from being fatal to a curable disease due to pioneering work in activating patients’ immune systems.

The co-medical directors of Melanoma Institute Australia have been at the forefront of public education on sun-smart behaviour and skin cancer prevention.

When Prof Scolyer was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer in June 2023, he and Prof Long developed a series of world-first treatments based on their melanoma breakthroughs.

By undertaking an experimental treatment at the risk of shortening his life, Prof Scolyer has advanced the understanding of brain cancer and is benefiting future patients.

He has generated public interest by publicly documenting his cancer treatment and progress.

In a rallying call for greater sun safety, Prof Long warned there was “nothing healthy about a tan”.

“Our bronze Aussie culture is actually killing us so we call on advertisers and social media influencers – stop glamorising tanning or using it to sell or advertise for entertainment,” she said.

The scientists asked people to imagine the outcry if smoking was glamorised the same way as tanning.

“We must elevate sun safety to equal status with other life-saving safety measures like wearing a seatbelt or a helmet,” Prof Scolyer said.

They paid tribute to families whose loved ones had died before breakthrough treatments were available.

“We are forever indebted to your loved ones and all our patients for their selfless commitment to research, which has changed the futures of others,” Prof Long said.

“That is Aussie mateship at its very best.”

Olympic champion Emma McKeon was named Young Australian of the Year, with teacher and community leader Yalmay Yunupingu the Senior Australian of the Year.

Australia’s Local Hero went to pastoralist and dinosaur enthusiast David Elliott.