Sir Richard Faull Retires from Leadership of Brain Research Centre

Sir Richard Faull, a prominent figure in neuroscience, has officially retired from his position as director of the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland. His departure marks the end of a remarkable career that has significantly advanced the field of brain research over the past several decades.

Faull, who was born in Taranaki, New Zealand, established the Centre for Brain Research in 2009. Under his leadership, the centre has become internationally recognized, uniting over 500 scientists, clinicians, and engineers in groundbreaking studies. His work has focused on understanding various brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease.

Growing up in Tikorangi, Faull developed a passion for science during his time as a student at Waitara High School. He has often reflected on how his upbringing in Taranaki shaped his academic and professional journey. Faull is affiliated with Ngāti Rāhiri and Te Atiawa, and has cited Te Rangi Hiroa Sir Peter Buck as an influential figure in his life. Buck was the first Māori medical graduate of the University of Otago, where Faull himself studied.

Faull completed his secondary education at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, where he received the Taranaki Scholarship to support his university studies. He graduated from the University of Otago in 1970 and furthered his specialization in brain research at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.

In 1994, he founded the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank in Auckland, which has been instrumental in furthering research into neurological diseases for over 30 years. The brain bank provides invaluable resources for scientists studying a wide range of conditions, including epilepsy.

Recognized for his significant contributions to science, Faull was knighted in 2017. His dedication to supporting Māori communities in brain research was acknowledged in 2023 when he was presented with a korowai and a tokotoko named Aumangea, symbolizing strength and leadership, crafted by Rangi Bailey of Ngāti Rāhiri. Additionally, in December 2022, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Otago.

As Faull transitions to an ambassadorial role, 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 set to continue the centre’s important work in advancing brain research.