Renowned Brain Researcher Sir Richard Faull Retires After Decades

Sir Richard Faull, a prominent figure in global neuroscience, has officially retired from his role as director of the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland. This institute, which Faull established in 2009, has emerged as a leading hub for brain research, uniting over 500 scientists, clinicians, and engineers in their pursuit of knowledge about the human brain.

Faull’s career has been marked by significant achievements, beginning from his early interest in science fostered during his time at Waitara High School. Growing up in Tikorangi, he often reflected on the profound influence of his upbringing in the Taranaki region. His parents, Wilfred and Phyllis Faull, operated a grocery store, setting the stage for his future academic endeavors. With ancestral ties to Ngāti Rāhiri and Te Atiawa, Faull has often spoken of his admiration for his idol, Te Rangi Hiroa Sir Peter Buck, who was the first Māori medical graduate from the University of Otago.

After completing much of his secondary education at Waitara High, Faull finished at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, where he earned the Taranaki Scholarship that funded his studies at university. He graduated from the University of Otago in 1970 and later pursued specialized brain research in the United States, particularly at Harvard and MIT.

In 1994, Faull founded the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank in Auckland, a facility that has played a crucial role in the study of various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and epilepsy. This brain bank remains operational after more than 30 years, enabling researchers to gain insights into complex brain disorders.

Faull, now 80, received a knighthood in 2017 for his extensive contributions to brain research. More recently, in 2023, he was honored with a korowai and a tokotoko named Aumangea, symbolizing strength, leadership, and wisdom. This gift, crafted by Rangi Bailey of Ngāti Rāhiri, acknowledged his work with Māori communities in the field of brain research. He also received an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Otago in December of the previous year.

As he steps down from his full-time position at the Centre for Brain Research, Faull will transition into an ambassadorial role, continuing to advocate for the importance of neuroscience. His successor, Professor Hanneke Hurst, currently from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, will take over the directorship, ensuring that the institute continues its legacy of excellence in brain research.

Sir Richard Faull’s retirement marks not only the end of an era but also a celebration of a lifetime dedicated to understanding the complexities of the human brain and improving the lives of those affected by neurological disorders. His contributions will undoubtedly influence future generations of scientists and researchers in the field.