Sir Richard Faull Retires After Pioneering Brain Research Career

Sir Richard Faull, a prominent figure in global neuroscience, 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 remarkable career spanning several decades, during which Faull made significant contributions to the study of brain diseases and established a world-leading research institute.

Faull founded the Centre for Brain Research in 2009, and it has since become a hub for more than 500 scientists, clinicians, and engineers dedicated to advancing knowledge in neuroscience. His journey into the world of science began in the small town of Tikorangi, where he developed a passion for learning during his formative years at Waitara High School.

As the son of grocers Wilfred and Phyllis Faull, Sir Richard has often spoken about the profound influence of his upbringing on his career. He has a strong connection to his heritage, being a descendant of Ngāti Rāhiri and Te Atiawa. One of his inspirations is Te Rangi Hiroa Sir Peter Buck, the first Maori medical graduate of the University of Otago, where Faull himself completed his studies.

After graduating from Otago in 1970, Faull furthered his education in the United States, studying at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and MIT. In 1994, he established the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank in Auckland, which has been instrumental in research related to diseases like Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and epilepsy.

Sir Richard was knighted in 2017 for his extensive contributions to brain research. In 2023, he received a korowai and a tokotoko named Aumangea, symbolizing strength, leadership, and wisdom, from Rangi Bailey of Ngāti Rāhiri. He also earned an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Otago in December 2022, recognizing his outstanding achievements in the field.

Though Faull officially retired from full-time work at the Centre this month, he will continue to contribute to the field in an ambassadorial capacity. His successor, Professor Hanneke Hurst, comes from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, bringing her expertise to the Centre as it moves forward.

Sir Richard Faull’s legacy will undoubtedly shape the future of neuroscience research and remain a source of inspiration for aspiring scientists around the world.