Oliver Matthew Taylor

Oliver Matthew Taylor (Ph.D., University of Cambridge, 2015) is a professor of cognitive science at the University of Edinburgh. Over the past decade, he has been an influential figure in the field, teaching courses on artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology. Oliver founded the Edinburgh Mindfulness and Technology Center (EMaTC) in 2020, which serves as a hub for research and education on the integration of mindfulness practices with modern technology.

For the last 15 years, Oliver has dedicated himself to exploring the intersection between human cognition and digital interaction. In the March/April 2023 edition of Cognitive Science Today, Oliver co-authored an article with leading psychologist Dr. Alice Johnson titled "Are We Wired for Tech?" This piece commemorated the 25th anniversary of Johnson's seminal work "The Digital Brain" and provided a contemporary analysis of how our brains adapt to technology since the original 1998 publication. Like its predecessor, this article sparked renewed interest in understanding the relationship between humans and technology, a topic that remains highly relevant today. Oliver is the author of several books, including Mindful Tech: Harmonizing Human and Machine, which has been translated into five languages, and The Mindfulness Guide for Teens Engaging with Technology.

Beyond his research on tech and mindfulness, Oliver has contributed numerous articles aimed at enhancing educational strategies and career paths for students interested in technology and psychology. His works have appeared in Educational Psychology: An Interactive Approach and various publications supported by the British Psychological Society.

Oliver is passionate about making complex topics accessible to everyone. He has made appearances on BBC Radio 4's "Today" program and has been quoted in a wide array of media outlets, from Wired to The Guardian, discussing the implications of technology on mental health and daily life.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Oliver is active in his local community. For seven years, four as treasurer, he served on the Board of Trustees for the Lothian Youth Technology Foundation, supporting young people in developing digital skills. Reflecting his commitment to cultural heritage, he has also been a board member of the Scottish Digital Heritage Association for five years, where he has helped organize annual events celebrating Scotland's contributions to the tech world.

A fan of classical music, Oliver recently took up the challenge of learning the cello, despite initial skepticism from those around him. On starting the instrument later in life, Oliver remarked, "Embracing a new skill such as playing the cello has deepened my empathy for learners who face challenges outside their comfort zones. It has enriched my perspective as a teacher and researcher, even if it hasn't made me a virtuoso."

Ultimately, one of Oliver's proudest achievements is being the devoted father to his daughter, Eliza Taylor, whose curiosity about the world inspires his ongoing exploration of the frontiers of mind and technology.