Sir Richard Faull Retires After Leading Groundbreaking Brain Research

Sir Richard Faull, a prominent figure in global neuroscience, has retired as the director of the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland, a position he held since founding the institute in 2009. His departure concludes a remarkable career dedicated to advancing brain research, which spanned over four decades and garnered international acclaim.

Faull, who grew up in Tikorangi, a small town in Taranaki, has profoundly influenced the field of neuroscience. Under his leadership, the Centre for Brain Research has become a hub for over 500 scientists, clinicians, and engineers, facilitating significant advancements in understanding brain diseases. Faull’s passion for science ignited during his schooling at Waitara High School, where he laid the foundation for a career that would unite his academic pursuits with a commitment to community and cultural heritage.

From Local Roots to Global Impact

Born to grocers Wilfred and Phyllis Faull, his upbringing in Taranaki played a critical role in shaping his identity. Faull has often expressed gratitude for the region’s influence on his life and career, inspiring him to pursue a path of scientific inquiry. With connections to the Māori iwi (tribe) of Ngāti Rāhiri and Te Atiawa, he has cited Te Rangi Hiroa Sir Peter Buck as a significant influence. Buck, the first Māori medical graduate of the University of Otago, has served as a guiding figure for Faull throughout his academic journey.

Faull completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Otago, graduating in 1970. He then ventured to the United States, where he specialised in brain research at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and MIT. His notable contributions include establishing the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank in Auckland in 1994, which has facilitated extensive research on conditions like Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, and epilepsy over its more than 30 years of operation.

A Legacy of Excellence

At 80 years old, Faull’s achievements have been formally recognised, including his knighthood in 2017 for his extensive contributions to brain research. In 2023, he was presented with a korowai and a tokotoko named Aumangea, which translates to strength, leadership, and wisdom, in acknowledgment of his work with Māori communities in the field of brain research. Additionally, he received an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Otago in December 2022.

As Faull transitions to an ambassadorial role within the Centre for Brain Research, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation and collaboration in neuroscience. His successor, Professor Hanneke Hurst from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, is expected to continue the centre’s mission of advancing research and fostering international partnerships.

Sir Richard Faull’s retirement marks not only the end of a significant chapter in his life but also the beginning of new opportunities for continued impact in the field he has dedicated his life to advancing.