Dr Axel Heiser serves as AgResearch’s Chief Scientist and Principal Scientist in the Animal Health Solutions Team. With a PhD in Biology from the University of Kiel, Axel’s career spans Germany, New Zealand, and the USA, including roles at Otago University, Duke University, and the University of Florida. A pioneer in RNA-based vaccines, he developed cancer vaccines using RNA-transfected dendritic cells. Since joining AgResearch in 2010, Axel has focused on advancing vaccine development, diagnostics, and immune health, with research that integrates immunology, nutrition, reproduction, and animal production. Currently, he is developing RNA vaccines for livestock diseases. As Chief Scientist, Axel plays a key role in shaping AgResearch’s priorities to drive innovation across New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sectors.