Phil Taylor, Ph.D.

With almost 20 years AgTech industry experience, Phil currently serves as the Director of Open Innovation & Outreach for Crop Science R&D at Bayer, based in St. Louis, MO. He plays a central role in building external innovation ecosystems, fostering strategic relationships around the globe, and developing novel programs to accelerate innovation throughout Bayer’s R&D pipeline.

A constant champion for both external and pre-competitive partnering as a driving force for innovation and change, Phil has held multiple leadership roles at Bayer focused on delivering collaborative approaches to enable R&D and enhance the company’s position as a thought leader in open innovation and a partner of choice in agriculture. In recognition of his contributions, Phil was appointed a Bayer Science Fellow in 2016.

Before joining Bayer, Phil trained as a Plant Cell Biologist, receiving his Ph.D. from the John Innes Centre in Norwich, U.K., and held post-doctoral positions at The University of Leeds and The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, as well as a British Council Fellowship at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.

Outside of Bayer, Phil is active in the academic and global innovation communities, a sought-after speaker and facilitator, as well as a member of multiple advisory boards and professional society committees.

A native of the U.K., Phil lives in St. Charles, Missouri, with his wife Amanda and their four children.