Richard Taylor

Current Research

I work to apply a range of bioinformatic and comparative approaches to key questions in genomic evolution, particularly with respect to the unique evolutionary history of the Salmonidae. As a Research Fellow,  my work on Salmonidae is particularly relevant within the field of aquaculture, with salmon being Scotland's larest food export and with farms increasing their output of farmed specimens. Additionally, in evolutionary terms, the entire genome of the Atlantic salmon has doubled in size within recent history (despite most genomes in living vertebrates having undergone similar events much longer ago). 

Favourite aquaculture species

Atlantic salmon

Background

I studied mathematics as an undergraduate at the University of Bristol and remained there through the completion of my PhD in Complexity Science, which centred upon the evolution of microRNAs across the plant kingdom. During this time I honed my skills in the subjects of evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, and bioinformatics. Afterward, I spent to years working as a bioinformatician at the University of Edinburgh where I analyzed single-cell transcriptomic data generated from experiments aimed at bettering our understanding of the genetics behind heart and liver regeneration.  

Interests, hopes, and dreams

My work at the University of Edinburgh has allowed me to combine my interests in genomics, evolutionary biology, and biomedical research; I hope to understand the convergenec of my interests through scientific discovery, and wish to ensure these discoveries help improve the welfare of the organisms we study.