Richard Faull confirmed as truly world class

Freemasons New Zealand is delighted that neuroscientist Professor Richard Faull has been named Supreme Winner at the 2010 World Class New Zealand Awards. The annual awards, presented by Kea New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, are an important celebration of New Zealand innovators and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the country’s growth and development.

Professor Faull is recognised internationally as a leading expert on neurodegenerative diseases of the human brain and his research endeavours have for a number of years been supported by The Freemasons Charity and of more recent times, by the Roskill Foundation. Professor Faull’s research career spans 35 years and encompasses all major regions of the brain and spinal cord, the science of the diseased human brain in Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and epilepsy.

Professor Faull is perhaps best known for research showing that the adult brain contains stem cells. This groundbreaking work countered the long-held belief that adults have a finite supply of brain cells that cannot be replaced once they have died, and offers hope to people with neurodegenerative disease or brain injury. 

In a far sighted move, Professor Faull founded the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand Human Brain Bank which houses brain tissue donated by people with neurological disorders and their families. It is a crucial resource for neuroscientists and an example of the strong links Professor Faull has forged with the community.

He is also Director of the University's Centre for Brain Research. Launched in 2009, the centre is the realisation of Professor Faull's vision for better research through partnership between scientists from across the University, New Zealanders affected by brain disease, and the clinicians who work with them.

Professor Faull is the recipient of numerous awards including the Royal Society of New Zealand's Rutherford Medal in 2007 and the Health Research Council of New Zealand's Liley Medal in 2005. He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005.

Kea co-founder and chair of judges Sir Stephen Tindall says Richard Faull’s

achievements are ground-breaking and he is a wonderful example of a New

Zealander whose success and talent places them amongst the best in their field.

“With outstanding accomplishments that have far reaching implications, Richard is a true champion of New Zealand.”

The University of Auckland Vice Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon says it is entirely fitting that Professor Faull should receive the supreme award.

"Richard is indeed world class - not only in his research and teaching, but also in the generosity with which he gives his time to roles in University governance, leadership and mentoring of others. His own scholarship, and the influence he has on others around the world, means that he has done much to bring New Zealand to the forefront on international scientific endeavour."

"This award is just recognition of Richard's skills not only as an outstanding researcher, but also as a scientific leader and an advocate for patients and families of those suffering with some of the most debilitating neurological diseases," says Professor Iain Martin, Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. 

"It is privilege to count Richard as a colleague. His passion and enthusiasm for science and science education have done much to encourage the next generations of researchers both in and beyond neuroscience. I can think of no more worthy recipient."

Professor Faull was celebrated as the Supreme Winner alongside eight category

winners in a range of industries ranging from biotechnology to finance. These

included: Orion Health founder Ian McCrae, engineer Sir Ron Carter, neuroscientist Dr Kerry Spackman and the New York-based president of Time Warner Global Media Group, Mark D’Arcy.