Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor is an experienced microbiologist with a distinguished career spanning several roles within the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) since November 2009, currently serving as Team Manager of the Bacteriology and Botany team at the Plant Health and Environment Laboratory. This team focuses on identifying exotic bacteria, fungi, and invasive plants. Previously, Robert held the positions of Principal Scientist, providing diagnostic and advisory services in mycology and bacteriology, and Senior Scientist, also contributing to diagnostic investigations. Robert was a Senior Adviser at MAF Biosecurity New Zealand prior to joining MPI, where responsibilities included developing and implementing import health standards for plant imports. Earlier in the career, Robert conducted significant research as a Scientist at Hort Research on plant pathogenic bacteria, which were crucial for New Zealand's biosecurity and market access. Academic qualifications were obtained from the University of Otago, Auckland University of Technology, and Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga.