Sir Richard Faull Retires After Pioneering Brain Research Career

A prominent figure in the field of neuroscience, Sir Richard Faull, has officially retired from his position as director of the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland. This transition marks the end of a distinguished career that has significantly shaped brain research over several decades. Sir Richard, who established the centre in 2009, has overseen its growth into a world-leading institution, uniting over 500 scientists, clinicians, and engineers in groundbreaking research.

Sir Richard’s journey began in small-town Taranaki, where he developed a passion for science as a student at Waitara High School. His early years in Tikorangi were influenced by his parents, grocers Wilfred and Phyllis Faull, and the rich cultural heritage of his Māori ancestry, with connections to Ngāti Rāhiri and Te Atiawa. He has previously highlighted how the region’s values and environment shaped his ambitions.

After completing his secondary schooling, Faull attended New Plymouth Boys’ High School, where he was awarded the Taranaki Scholarship for his university studies. He graduated from the University of Otago in 1970, later advancing his expertise in brain research at prestigious institutions in the United States, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In 1994, Faull founded the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank in Auckland, which has been instrumental in researching various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and epilepsy. This initiative has been running for more than 30 years, providing invaluable resources for scientists worldwide.

Recognized for his contributions to neuroscience, Faull was knighted in 2017. In 2023, he received a korowai and a tokotoko named Aumangea, signifying strength, leadership, and wisdom. This gift, crafted by Rangi Bailey of Ngāti Rāhiri, acknowledged his efforts in promoting Māori involvement in brain research. Furthermore, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science from Otago in December 2022.

While Sir Richard has stepped back from his full-time role at the centre, he will continue to contribute in an ambassadorial capacity. His successor as director is Professor Hanneke Hurst, who joins from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. This change promises to bring new perspectives to the ongoing mission of the Centre for Brain Research, building on the strong foundation Sir Richard has established.

Faull’s retirement is not just the end of an era; it is a celebration of a legacy that has advanced our understanding of the human brain and fostered collaboration among diverse scientific disciplines. His influence will continue to resonate well beyond the halls of academia, inspiring future generations of researchers to explore the complexities of the brain.