Top researcher Peter Fineran will discuss his scientific work on bacteria and bacteriophages at a Royal Society talk taking place in Wānaka tonight (Friday October 27).

Peter is a professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at the University.

He has established an international reputation for his research on the interactions between bacteriophages, other mobile elements and their bacterial hosts. 

He will discuss some of his work and its practical applications in his talk, ‘Studying phage-bacterium interactions is a treasure-trove for possible applications’.

“All cellular organisms in the world are vulnerable to infection by viruses. We have seen this impact our lives in the past few years with the coronavirus pandemic,” Peter said.

“Bacteria are also infected by their own viruses, which are known as bacteriophages (phages) – Greek for ‘bacteria eaters’. These phages are the most abundant biological entities on the planet and have been engaging in an ‘arms race’ with their bacterial hosts for billions of years.”

He said this has led to evolutionary innovation in both the bacteria – to resist the phages – and in the phages to overcome resistant bacteria. 

“This extensive testing ground of biological innovation provides researchers with the opportunity to develop tools of immense biotechnological potential,” he said. 

“I will highlight some of our work in this area and provide examples of how this phage-bacterium interface is leading to practical applications in agriculture and healthcare.”

Peter has received many awards in recognition of his research contributions, most recently as an Alexander von Humboldt Experienced Research Fellowship. 

He is the only New Zealander to receive the Fleming Prize from the Microbiology Society, UK.

‘Studying phage-bacterium interactions is a treasure-trove for possible applications’, will take place at 6pm tonight (Friday October 27) at the Presbyterian Community Centre, 94 Tenby Street.

Entry is $5.

PHOTO: Supplied