Taylor Stephen

Stephen Taylor is a Professor of Cell Biology and Cancer Research at the University of Manchester, Faculty of Life Sciences, and holds a UK Senior Research Fellowship. His research focuses on spindle checkpoint mechanisms and mitotic regulators, with significant translational applications in cancer therapy.

• Undergraduate: B.Sc. in Biochemistry (1991), University of Manchester, with industrial placement at AstraZeneca
• D.Phil in Biochemistry (1995), University of Oxford, Wolfson College

His lab investigates molecular mechanisms ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis, with key contributions to understanding anti-mitotic chemotherapy agents like Taxol and developing Aurora kinase inhibitors. Current projects explore drug resistance mechanisms in Aurora B inhibitors.

Active research grants include funding from BBSRC, Cancer Research UK, and Wellcome Trust for studies on Cenp-F, Mps1 kinase, Tao1, and mitosis-based anti-cancer strategies.

• 2004: Translational Research Award (British Association for Cancer Research)
• 2008: Best Collaboration with Industry Prize (Faculty of Life Sciences)
• 2009: Kilburn-Williams Medal (University of Manchester)
• 2010: Elected to Academia Europaea

Stephen has supervised seven PhD graduates (two securing EMBO Fellowships), served as external examiner for 11 PhD students, and held leadership roles including Section Head for Cellular Systems (40+ staff) and Graduate Training Program Director. He contributes to undergraduate teaching through lectures, tutorials, and PBL sessions.