Prof. Ken Taylor | Humanities and Science Integration | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, at The Australian National University, Australia.

Ken Taylor 🇦🇺 is a distinguished landscape architect and heritage scholar, widely recognized for his pioneering work in cultural landscapes and heritage conservation. Currently Honorary Professor at the Centre for Heritage & Museum Studies, The Australian National University, he was formerly Professor of Landscape Architecture and Co-Director of the Cultural Heritage Research Centre at the University of Canberra, where he was appointed Emeritus Professor in 2002. His career spans over five decades across Australia, the UK, and Asia, with lasting contributions in education, research, and policy. From town planning beginnings in Manchester, UK, to leadership in global cultural heritage initiatives, Taylor’s work has shaped the field internationally. He has advised governments and organizations, supervised numerous PhD students, and represented Australia at multiple UNESCO World Heritage meetings. Through his deep commitment to landscape meaning, cultural values, and conservation, he remains a leading voice in heritage discourse worldwide. 🌏📚

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education 

Ken Taylor’s academic journey reflects a lifelong dedication to geography, planning, and landscape studies 🌱. He earned a BA (Hons) in Geography from the University of Sheffield in 1959, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Manchester in 1963. Seeking to bridge theory and practice, he completed a Master of Landscape Architecture (Research) from the University of Melbourne in 1988. His scholarly pursuits culminated in a PhD from Deakin University, further enriching his approach to cultural heritage, landscape values, and planning history. His interdisciplinary academic foundation has enabled a unique, globally relevant research and teaching career, particularly in cultural landscape management and historic site conservation. Taylor’s educational achievements also underscore his capacity as a mentor and supervisor to postgraduate students and researchers, contributing to the growth of future generations in heritage and environmental planning. 🎓🌍📘

🧑‍💼 Experience 

Ken Taylor’s professional experience spans over 50 years across academia, government, and international heritage forums 🌐. Starting his career in UK local government town planning, notably with the City Planning Department, Manchester, he moved into academia as Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at Manchester Polytechnic. In 1975, he joined the Canberra College of Advanced Education (now University of Canberra), progressing to Principal Lecturer, Associate Professor, and eventually becoming Professor and Co-Director of the Cultural Heritage Research Centre. In 2002, he was honored as Emeritus Professor. He has also served as Visiting Professor at Silpakorn University, Thailand (2002–2022), and Associate Member of the Graduate Faculty at Rutgers University (2015). Taylor has consulted for UNESCO, AusHeritage, and ICOMOS, and advised heritage authorities in India, China, Indonesia, and Canada. His leadership roles in heritage policy and advisory boards underscore his impact on international cultural landscape conservation. 🏛️🗺️🖊️

🔬 Research Interest 

Ken Taylor’s research is anchored in the cultural landscapes discourse, focusing on their meanings, values, conservation, and management 🏞️. He is globally recognized for integrating Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal perspectives in the Australian landscape narrative, exploring intangible values and landscapes of memory. His pioneering work in cultural mapping and historic site management has influenced both national and World Heritage frameworks. Taylor’s long-standing research interest has extended from Australia to Asia, reflecting a transdisciplinary understanding of landscape and heritage. As guest curator at the National Library of Australia (2006) and participant in UNESCO workshops, he has shaped key concepts in cultural sustainability. His fieldwork, papers, and international consultations reflect a commitment to bridging academic theory with practical heritage outcomes. He continues to explore how landscapes act as vessels of collective memory and identity, advocating for a nuanced, value-based approach to heritage conservation. 📜🌿🧠

🏅 Awards

Ken Taylor’s contributions to heritage and landscape conservation have earned him prestigious accolades both nationally and internationally 🥇. In 1998, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to conservation and education in historic cultural landscapes. His research excellence was earlier acknowledged with the 1988 AILA National Project Award of Merit (Research). Taylor’s service extends beyond academic recognition—he has been Past President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and President of the National Trust of Australia (ACT) from 1988 to 2004. He also served on the Board of the Australian Council of National Trusts, AusHeritage, and numerous ACT and national advisory panels. His legacy is not only in the awards he has received, but in the policies, institutions, and professionals his work continues to shape. 🌟🏛️🌐

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Ken Taylor has published extensively on landscape heritage, planning, and conservation, contributing significantly to international heritage discourse. His notable works include:

1. Taylor, K. (1990). Historic cultural landscapes and emerging heritage values: An Australian perspective. Landscape Research, 15(2), 12–18.
   https://doi.org/10.1080/01426399008706252

   • ISSN: 0142-6397

   • Publisher: Taylor & Francis

   • Citations: 60+

   • Abstract: Discusses shifts in heritage value perception and cultural landscape recognition in Australia.

2. Taylor, K., & Winston-Gregson, J. (1992). Cultural landscapes as historical resource. Public History Review, 1, 54–65.

   • ISSN: 1833-4989 (later volumes)

   • Publisher: UTS ePRESS (University of Technology Sydney)

   • Citations: 40+

   • Abstract: Argues for cultural landscapes as significant historical evidence within public history.

3. Taylor, K., & Tallents, C. (1996). Cultural landscape protection in Australia. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 2(3), 172–187.
   https://doi.org/10.1080/13527259608722186

   • ISSN: 1352-7258

   • Publisher: Taylor & Francis

   • Citations: 55+

   • Abstract: Reviews the legal and policy framework for cultural landscape protection in Australia.

4. Taylor, K. (1997). Design with meaning: A landscape design perspective on cultural landscapes. Landscape Review, 3(2), 38–49.

   • ISSN: 1173-6458

   • Publisher: Lincoln University, New Zealand

   • Citations: 30+

   • Abstract: Explores the intersection of cultural meaning, aesthetics, and landscape design practice.

5. Taylor, K. (2006). Canberra: City in the landscape. Canberra: National Museum of Australia Press.

   • ISBN: 1876944515 / 9781876944510

   • Pages: 148

   • Publisher Location: Canberra, Australia

   • Abstract: An illustrated exploration of Canberra’s urban development framed as a cultural landscape.

6. Cultural Map of the ACT

   • Collaborative project by the ACT Government and heritage researchers, including Ken Taylor.

   • Available at: https://www.culturalmap.act.gov.au

   • Publisher: ACT Government

   • Content: Interactive digital map displaying places of cultural, historical, and social significance across the Australian Capital Territory.

   • Role: Taylor contributed conceptual input and scholarly groundwork on cultural landscape values in the ACT.

Conclusion

The candidate is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award based on their decades of contributions to the heritage, conservation, and landscape architecture disciplines. Their academic leadership, international influence, and advisory roles across education, research, and policy mark them as a pioneer in cultural landscape research.