Professor
Richard FurneauxProfile page
Distinguished Scientist
Ferrier Research Institute
Orcid identifier0000-0003-0973-2606
- Distinguished ScientistFerrier Research Institute
- +6444630049 (Work)
- +6421888694 (Mobile)
- GIQ, Gracefield Innovation Quarter, Lower Hutt, Wellington, 5010, New Zealand
BIO
Professor Richard Furneaux describes his 40 years leading a team of expert carbohydrate chemists that now numbers 27, as a social experiment.
“It’s based on the idea that people have different personalities and skills. Some want to be left alone to do science, while others have a real interest in the wider community. I encourage everyone to express their opinions—we discuss them and allow them to influence our leadership. We are constantly looking to be the best we can be.”
From his small, portable office, Furneaux Lodge, Richard makes himself available to the team and fosters the family feel that has become characteristic of its interactions.
“When we work together, we become much more than the sum of the parts. Excellence is achieved not by competition but by playing to each other’s strengths. We are socialist inside and capitalist outside.”
Richard travels regularly, believing in developing personal connections with clients and collaborators.
“Carbohydrates are our strong suit—we are experts in their chemistry and analysis—but we partner with people who can realise the social and economic benefits of our work. We need biologists for our drug discovery work, biotech companies to licence our IP and materials scientists for our industrial products.”
He also enjoys the academic challenge of learning about a client’s science, whether it is a surface coating, an unusual cancer or a new chemical process.
“I need to understand their business and their problems to help find a chemistry solution. Industry often brings us off-the-wall enquiries, but we tackle them because we have the resources within the team and the confidence to take them on.”
With the backing of Victoria University of Wellington, Richard wants the Ferrier to be a role model for how to get high quality New Zealand science out to the public.
“Robin Ferrier himself was a pioneer in making carbohydrate chemistry mainstream. Our goal as a professional applied science team is to see our science and technology translated into everyday products and services in the international marketplace.”
“It’s based on the idea that people have different personalities and skills. Some want to be left alone to do science, while others have a real interest in the wider community. I encourage everyone to express their opinions—we discuss them and allow them to influence our leadership. We are constantly looking to be the best we can be.”
From his small, portable office, Furneaux Lodge, Richard makes himself available to the team and fosters the family feel that has become characteristic of its interactions.
“When we work together, we become much more than the sum of the parts. Excellence is achieved not by competition but by playing to each other’s strengths. We are socialist inside and capitalist outside.”
Richard travels regularly, believing in developing personal connections with clients and collaborators.
“Carbohydrates are our strong suit—we are experts in their chemistry and analysis—but we partner with people who can realise the social and economic benefits of our work. We need biologists for our drug discovery work, biotech companies to licence our IP and materials scientists for our industrial products.”
He also enjoys the academic challenge of learning about a client’s science, whether it is a surface coating, an unusual cancer or a new chemical process.
“I need to understand their business and their problems to help find a chemistry solution. Industry often brings us off-the-wall enquiries, but we tackle them because we have the resources within the team and the confidence to take them on.”
With the backing of Victoria University of Wellington, Richard wants the Ferrier to be a role model for how to get high quality New Zealand science out to the public.
“Robin Ferrier himself was a pioneer in making carbohydrate chemistry mainstream. Our goal as a professional applied science team is to see our science and technology translated into everyday products and services in the international marketplace.”
ACADEMIC POSITIONS
- Distinguished ScientistVictoria University of Wellington, Ferrier Research Institute, Lower Hutt, New Zealand1 Mar 2023 - present
- DirectorVictoria University of Wellington, Ferrier Research Institute, Lower Hutt, New Zealand6 Jan 2014 - 28 Feb 2023
DEGREES
- PhD ChemistryVictoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand1973 - 1976
- MSc HonoursVictoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand1971 - 1973