Dr Nils Birkholz is a molecular microbiologist and Research Fellow in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Otago. His research focuses on the interactions between bacteria and bacteriophages, with particular emphasis on bacterial defence systems and the strategies phages use to overcome them. This work advances fundamental understanding of microbial evolution and has implications for biotechnology, antimicrobial development, and sustainable biocontrol.

Nils completed his PhD at the University of Otago, where his doctoral research examined phage defence and counter-defence mechanisms. He has authored and co-authored several high-impact publications, including work published in Nature, contributing new insights into the regulation of phage anti-CRISPR systems and bacterial immunity.

His postdoctoral research was supported through Bioprotection Aotearoa, a Centre of Research Excellence that brings together researchers working to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s productive and natural ecosystems from biological threats. Through this network, Nils’ work aligns fundamental microbiology with long-term bioprotection goals, strengthening the knowledge base required for future biosecurity and biocontrol solutions.