Meet Early Career Microbiologist of the Year talk finalist: Emmanuel Kuffour Osei
Posted on September 22, 2025 by Microbiology Society
This year, the Microbiology Society is awarding Early Career Microbiologist of the Year prizes from two streams. Both prizes recognise excellence in science communication by a member who is an undergraduate, postgraduate student or within five years of appointment to their first position.
Each of the finalists, who either presented a poster or offered a talk at Annual Conference 2025, was selected to present their research in the poster or talk final. In the lead-up to the talk final, taking place on 7 October 2025 during the Executive Committee meeting, we speak to talk finalist Emmanuel Kuffour Osei, from University College Cork, Ireland.

What are your current research interests?
I am fascinated by the use of bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) as alternatives to antibiotics. My research focuses on zoonotic pathogens such as Streptococcus suis and Escherichia coli, which cause disease in pigs and humans. I also use the pig microbiome as a reservoir to discover novel phages with antimicrobial activity. By isolating and characterising these phages and exploring phage-host interactions during infection and in the wider microbial community context, I ultimately aim to reduce the reliance on antibiotics in agriculture and contribute to One Health solutions that improve both animal and human health.
What inspired you to go into this field of work?
I have always loved biology and once thought I would become a zoologist, but when I started university and got the chance to work in a lab in a hospital, I saw firsthand the devastating effects of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Around the same time, I participated in the 1st West African Phage Workshop hosted in Ghana where I heard Prof. Martha Clokie and others talk about phages as alternatives or adjuncts to antibiotics. I was blown away and decided then that this is what I wanted to do. It's been six years now and I couldn't be happier about what I do and the potential impact in One Health.
How would you explain your research to a GCSE student?
Most people hear "viruses" and think of flu and COVID, but just as there are good bacteria like the ones in cheese and yogurt, there are good viruses too. Harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can cause illness such as food poisoning. Fortunately, there are viruses called bacteriophages or phages, meaning "bacteria eaters," that can infect and kill these bacteria. So, my work is mainly about making the enemy of my enemy my friend. I discover new bacteriophages and test whether they can kill dangerous bacteria that infect humans and animals.
How has getting involved with Microbiology Society activities benefited your professional development?
My first oral presentation during my PhD was at the Microbiology Society Irish Division meeting in Athlone, for which I received a travel grant. Since then, I have gained experience in grant writing and presenting at Microbiology Society conferences and other international meetings. The Society has enabled me to share findings, receive constructive feedback, and build collaborations with leading scientists. Beyond research skills, engaging in Society activities has improved my communication abilities and helped me find and connect with my community, particularly people of Black and African heritage at Society meetings. This has given me a strong sense of belonging in the vibrant microbiology community.
What do you love most about your job?
What I love about my job actually doesn't have much to do with the science but the people! There has been a renaissance in phage studies due to the threat of antimicrobial resistance. What I have found is that locally and globally, phage researchers took this mandate very seriously and are ever ready to collaborate, share materials and data to ensure phage research progresses. We like to say that phage research is like a club and anyone who joins never wants to leave. The warmth and collegiality I have received fuels my passion and determination, especially realising that I am contributing to something bigger.
You can find and follow Emmanuel on X (formerly known as Twitter): @EmmanuelKuffo15 Bluesky: @EmmanuelKuffo15.bsky.social and Linkedin: Emmanuel Kuffour Osei