He received his B.Sc. (Zoology) from the University of Otago, M.Sc. (Biology) from the University of Auckland, and Ph.D. (Marine Microbiology) from the University of New South Wales. Following postdoctoral research in microbial ecology at the University of Vienna, he started his own research group in Auckland in 2007. His research applies molecular biology approaches and advanced bioinformatics techniques to study the interactions between microbes and their animal (including human) “hosts.” He has recently focused on the human microbiome, particularly the sinonasal microbiota and the role of the gut microbiome in type 2 diabetes and autism spectrum disorder. Professor Taylor is currently Vice President of the New Zealand Microbiological Society, Co-Convenor of the New Zealand Microbial Ecology Consortium, and Board Member of the International Society for Microbial Ecology.