Investigates gut bacteria’s role in viral disease

¨'EC' postdoc Nazar Beirag works across the Departments of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Biology at Umeå University.

ImageMattias Pettersson

Umeå has impressed me with its welcoming atmosphere and international research community

What is your academic background?

“I hold a PhD in Immunology and Infection from Brunel University London, where I studied innate immune surveillance mechanisms in the context of COVID-19. My research identified how complement regulatory proteins, such as Factor H and Properdin, can modulate SARS-CoV-2 infection, resulting in several publications in Frontiers in Immunology and Viruses. Previously, I earned an MSc in Immunohematology and a BSc in Biomedical Science from Cardiff Metropolitan University, with a focus on immune regulation and coagulation in human disease contexts.”

Why did you decide to work at Umeå University?

“I came across the EC postdoctoral advertisement through Umeå University’s career portal. The emphasis on collaborative infection-biology research immediately caught my attention. Umeå University stood out for its strong interdisciplinary approach and the presence of leading researchers working on host–pathogen interactions. The facilities and culture here encourage experimental innovation, and being part of a Nordic research hub known for high-quality science felt like an excellent step to build upon my PhD foundation.”

What is your research focusing on?

“My project examines the impact of bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs), nanoparticles released by bacteria, on human adenovirus F40/41 infections in the gastrointestinal tract. I study how BMVs from commensal and pathogenic bacteria can either promote or suppress viral infection. The goal is to identify BMV-associated factors that could be harnessed for novel microbiota-based antiviral strategies.”

What is challenging and rewarding about being a researcher?

“The challenge lies in the uncertainty of experimental science—results often surprise you, forcing you to adapt and think critically. Yet that same unpredictability is also the reward: each unexpected finding can open an entirely new path of inquiry. During my PhD, discovering that complement regulatory proteins act as soluble pattern-recognition receptors for viruses was one of those moments that reminded me why scientific curiosity matters.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“In five years, I aim to be leading an independent research line focused on viral and bacterial co-infections, ideally bridging academic research and translational biotechnology. I would like my work to contribute directly to therapeutic development or the improvement of vaccines.”

What are your first impressions of Umeå and its university?

“Umeå has impressed me with its welcoming atmosphere and international research community. The balance between academic excellence and quality of life here is remarkable, with a natural setting that offers an inspiring contrast to the long days of experiments.”

What is your driving force for research in life sciences?

“My motivation comes from understanding how gut microbiota impact viral infections. The possibility that fundamental discoveries can lead to tangible medical benefits is what drives me every day.”

What do you like to do in your free time?

“In my free time, I enjoy staying active outdoors. I am a long-distance runner and often take long walks in nature to clear my mind after a day in the lab. I have also recently started learning to swim, which has become a new and rewarding challenge.”

What Nazar Beirag finds exciting about his subject is the ability to uncover how gut microbiota affect viral infections at the molecular level and translate that knowledge into human health solutions.

ImageMattias Pettersson