Michael Poulsen

Michael Poulsen is a Professor in the Evolution of Microbial Symbioses at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, specializing in Ecology and Evolution. He leads research on symbiotic associations with particular focus on fungus-growing insect systems.

• Current position: Professor (2020–present)
• Previous roles: Associate Professor (2014–2020), Assistant Professor (2010–2014)
• Education: PhD in Biology from University of Copenhagen (2005)

His research explores evolutionary ecology of symbioses, conflict and cooperation in mutualistic associations, and defensive/nutritional microbial symbionts. Key areas include host-symbiont interactions, fungal adaptations, and sustainable antimicrobial compound use. His work integrates population genetics with coevolutionary studies of insect-microbe systems.

Poulsen's recent publications (2024–2025) demonstrate strong focus on termite-microbe symbioses, fungal genomics, and chemical ecology. Key trends include microbial cultivation techniques from termite guts, volatile organic compounds in symbiotic systems, and biosynthetic gene clusters in farmed fungi.

• ERC Consolidator Grant recipient
• Villum Kann Rasmussen Young Investigator Fellowship awardee
• Multiple Danish Council for Independent Research grants
• Host for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship

He supervises extensive research activities with 141 total research outputs including 116 peer-reviewed publications. His international collaborations span institutions in the Netherlands, Germany, USA, South Africa, and Ivory Coast. As Section Head for Ecology and Evolution (2020–2023), he managed significant research infrastructure and organizational commitments including editorial roles for BMC Microbiome and Frontiers in Microbial Symbiosis.