Research Partner
MBBS, MPH, PhD
Emeritus Professor of Public Health Medicine
Richard Taylor is an esteemed epidemiologist and educator with a prolific career in public health medicine. He has recently retired from his position at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to become an Emeritus Professor. Richard will continue to contribute to the field by supporting teaching, mentoring junior staff, and engaging in research, particularly in international health.
Richard’s transition into international public health followed 12 years of clinical medicine, driven by his commitment to improving health on a population scale. His expertise spans a diverse range of health issues, including heart disease, dengue control, and tuberculosis, reflecting his generalist approach and ability to adapt strategies across different health challenges.
Throughout his career, Richard has excelled in three key areas: teaching, research, and community service. He played a crucial role in establishing the discipline of International Public Health in Australia and developed the Master of International Public Health program at the Universities of Sydney, Queensland, and New South Wales. This program has attracted significant numbers of both domestic and international students. Richard has also been a dedicated mentor, supporting the development of early-career researchers and securing numerous research grants and consultancy funding.
His research contributions are extensive, covering cancer screening, health promotion, adult health literacy, infectious disease control, maternal and neonatal health, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and trends in premature mortality. Richard has worked closely with Aboriginal communities and has extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating with health departments, consultancies, and international agencies such as the World Health Organization.
Despite his retirement, Richard remains actively involved in supervising PhD students and continuing his research. He emphasizes the importance of community preparedness in responding to health priorities, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard’s ongoing dedication to public health is expected to yield significant contributions to the field.
In recognition of his work, Richard received the Lifetime Award for Research into Suicide by Suicide Prevention Australia in 2011. His appointment as Emeritus Professor underscores his substantial contributions to international public health and the high regard in which he is held by colleagues worldwide.